France is known for its famous castles, or chateaux, if you’re a French speaker (or somewhat fancy!). Most of the castles were built during the Middle Ages or the Renaissance, although it’s true that there are castles that represent all eras and styles.
Most of the most spectacular castles in France are found in the beautiful regions of the Loire, Alsace and Occitania, which have a long, deep heritage. Francis I of France was one of the main promoters of the Gallic Renaissance, and one of the major protagonists in the building of the castle-palaces France is known for. So here we go, starting below, the Civitatis top 10 famous French castles.
“The sun shines for me as it does for others. I would like to see the clause in Adam’s testament, which excludes me from the division of the world ” – Francis I
Chambord, the Most Famous Castle in the Loire
In any self-respecting list of the 10 most famous castles in France, the Loire region simply cannot be missed. Of all of the castles to be found here, one of the most outstanding examples is the Château de Chambord. A wealth of important Renaissance artists participated in its construction, considered the brainchild of the aforementioned King Francis I. One of the most famous was undoubtedly Leonardo Da Vinci himself who, according to legend, was the designer of the famous Chambord double helix staircase.
Inside the castle, you can’t miss the apartments of Louis XIV, the legendary sun king. It is also worth visiting the Royal Chapel and, of course, its beautiful French style gardens. You can book your ticket here.
Chenonceau Castle
The Loire region is also home to other gems such as the Château de Chenonceau. Famous for its arches that stretch over the River Cher, this building is also known as the Ladies’ Castle. The reason? Illustrious figures such as Louise de Lorraine, Catherine de Medici or Diana de Poitiers animated the intense palatial life of this during the heyday of the castle.
Inside, its large dance hall is a must-see: where long ago court parties were would begin in the late afternoon and continue all night. Some did not even finish until well into the next day! Don’t miss out on a visit to the castle if you’re in the area.
Angers one of France’s most beautiful
Without leaving the Loire region, it’s also well worth stopping by Angers to visit its imposing medieval castle. Among its main attractions are the Chapel of St. John the Baptist and, above all, the spectacular tapestry of the Apocalypse. Considered one of the masterpieces of French tapestry, it narrates the Apocalypse according to Saint John through a series of beautifully crafted panels.
The castle of Angers is also worth visiting for the fantastic panoramic views offered from the battlements and towers, from which you can see the towers of the city’s cathedral.
Looking to visit one of the most beautiful castles in France? Book online with Civitatis!
A Long History in Nantes
The Loire river also runs through Nantes, where you can’t miss the castle of the Dukes of Brittany. This fortress is key to understanding France’s past, since it also houses the permanent exhibition of the Nantes History Museum. That collection also takes in some of the episodes that marked the future of the country, such as the expansion of the empire under Napoleon Bonaparte or World War II.
By the Nantes Castle you can also find the so-called water mirror, where you can take excellent photographs of the reflection of the fortress.
The elegance of Azay-le-Rideau
Azay-le-Rideau castle is considered one of the 10 most famous castles in France, and also one of the most elegant. This palace on the Loire, however, is rivalled in its beauty by the nearby castles of Rivau and Villandry. Pure luxury concentrated over just a few kilometres!
This castle is also decorated with fine ornamentation that shows us the luxury and of years past, to which their illustrious inhabitants were accustomed. Check it out for yourself with this ticket!
Vincennes, Paris’ Castle
We have spoken at length about the castles of the Loire region, but what about the French capital? Of course! Among the 10 most beautiful castles in France we also find one in Paris: the Vincennes castle, located next to the 12th arrondissement.
Vincennes is one of the largest medieval castles in Europe. In addition to the fortress itself, the monumental complex includes Tower of Homage, separated from the rest of the building, and the Sainte-Chapelle vicennienne: a flamboyant Gothic masterpiece.
A ticket to the Vincennes castle includes access to all these different areas.
Pierrefonds, the Hauts-de-France’s finest
The Hauts-de-France is also packed with castles, The most famous of which is Pierrefonds. Napoleon Bonaparte and his descendants lived there on several occasions, thanks to the privileged strategic location of the fortress, allowing control of large areas of territory.
The castle is also famous as the shooting location for historical dramas such as Joan of Arc and The Man in the Iron Mask, starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
Whether it’s history or film you’re interested in, don’t miss out and book yourself a ticket online!
Legends behind the walls of Carcassonne
One of the best preserved medieval cities in France is Carcassonne, the scene of many legends related to the Cathars, a powerful medieval religious sect. The county castle of Carcassonne occupies pride of place next to the walls of the citadel that surround the entire city: setting that seems to have been taken directly from a Middle Ages fairy tale.
From the towers and battlements of the castle of Carcassonne you can also enjoy extraordinary views of the Aude river.
If you’re visiting the area, it’s simply not to be missed! Get tickets here.
Salses, castle and town
Carcassonne is in Occitania, a French region where Salses-le-Château is also located: a town whose name comes from its impregnable medieval castle. This bastion has been the object of dispute between France and Spain for centuries, and over the years the cause many conflicts between the powers.
Over the centuries, the castle was reinforced with the improvements of prestigious military engineers such as the great Vauban.
Book your ticket, and make a date with history!
Haut-Koenigsbourg, in Alsace
Among the most famous castles in Alsace, the castle of Haut-Koenigsbourg stands out, located halfway between Strasbourg and Colmar. As Alsace is on the border with Germany, the castle has witnessed countless episodes of conflict between the two countries over its many centuries.
Today perhaps its main attraction is its location in a beautiful setting next to the Northern Vosges Regional Natural Park. There are certainly no lack of reasons to visit!
If you’re in Strasbourg, we recommend the Alsace Day Trip from Strasbourg – which includes the castle of Haut-Koenigsbourg.
