Being kind, always. (f) for féminin, (m) for masculin, (adj) for adjective and (v) for verbs 1. to attack = attaquer (v) 2. Treating yourself often. Set in the Loire Valley, Château Chaumont-sur-Loire is one of the most visited castles in the area. The history of the castle begins in the 14th-century when it was the setting of a peace agreement between King Philip II of France and Richard I of England. Hello, I am Chrysoula, welcome to my blog where I share my journey of discovering historical castles around Europe. Also in the famous Loire Valley, Château d’Angers was built more than a thousand years ago as a residence for the Counts of Anjou. Where: MontrésorWhen: 1493Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information. The interiors were redecorated in the 17th- and 18th- century, and the sumptuous apartments are open for visits. The ruins of a large castle complex, Tours de Merle is located on a side of the Massif Central. If you aren’t able to visit inside, you can still revel in its beauty from the path along the Cher, where I took the above photo. Guests can visit the chapel, the inner courtyard, and the gardens. Please, please keep up the videos! It served for centuries as a place of retreat for French royals, but Napoleon III decided in 1860 to donate the castle to the municipality of Paris. Where: Mazères near BordeauxWhen: 18th CenturyOpen for visit: Yes, check here for more information. The construction on Château de Vaux le Vicomte began in 1656 and was overseen by Louis XIV, which led to the castle becoming the first example of French Classicism infused with Louis XIV style features, which later became immensely popular in France. Originally a 12th-century castle built on a rocky hillside above Alsace, Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg has suffered many transformations over the centuries. Click her to buy your skip theline tickets to Château Chaumont-sur-Loire. Loire Valley = Vallée de la Loire (f), Val de Loire (m) 9. Where: 2 Promenade du Bout du Monde, ΑngersWhen: Its construction began in the 9th century and was expanded to its present size in the 13th century.Open for visit:  Yes, check here for more information. On the grounds of the castle, there are often free activities and entertainment available for both adults and children. Château de Chenonceau may look like a fairytale French castle, but its history is one of gossip and backstabbing. close France. Today, the palace is a museum that showcases the most important events in French history. Where: Saint-PorchaireWhen: 15th CenturyOpen for visit: Yes, check here for more information. Where: Loir-et-CherWhen: 1519Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information. Click here to buy your skip the line tickets to Château Fontainebleau. Where: ChevernyWhen: 14th CenturyOpen for visit: Yes, check here for more information. It’s not only Paris or Tour Eiffel that make us see France as a romantic destination, but also the numerous charming castles that dot the country from Loire Valley to Normandy and Provence and anywhere in between. Today, the castle belongs to the Michaud family who has restored it and uses it as a private residence. Besides visiting to see the Château de Chantilly’s grandeur, the Musée Conde holds the second-largest collection of artwork in France, outside of the Louvre. Built at the end of the 14th-century, Sully is a massive medieval fortress listed as a UNESCO heritage site. Most visitors are entranced today by the extraordinary gardens of Villandry, which are cover four terraces with a unique theme, restored in the 20th-century based on medieval documents. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The castle retains the look of how it was in the 14th and 15th centuries. We're a media company not an agent so we cover the entire 'castles for sale' market in South East France. With its amazing location on a peninsula in an artificial lake, the castle’s unique setting is not the only thing that attracts attention. The cost of renovating it would have been ridiculous, even for a king. Where: CarcassonneWhen: 12th CenturyOpen for visit: Yes, check here for more information. At the end of the 19th-century, however, Château de l’Islette became a favorite hideaway for renowned sculptors Auguste Rodin and Camille Claudel. The palace is located in the town of Avignon, in Provence. France is the most visited country in the world, which is not surprising given its diversity. Many important French political and historical figures stopped at the château, including King Louis XIV and writer and philosopher Voltaire. Fort de Salses is unique among French castles because it was built with the goal of serving as a military outpost. Founded as early as the 10th-century, the castle entered in the possession of the Amboise family and continued to serve as a family residence for the Amboise descendants for over 500 years. Castles in France – Amazing list of 190 castles, chateaux, palaces and fortresses to visit in France with great photos and map! France is home to thousands of castles and if you want to see some of the best French castles that France has to offer, you’ve come to the right place. Where: Saint-Front-sur-LémanceWhen: 17th CenturyOpen for visit: Yes, check here for more information. Where: AmboiseWhen: 15th CenturyOpen for visit: Yes, check here for more information. A mix of Renaissance and Gothic style features, the castle has beautifully decorated interiors where one can find medieval tapestries and armor, artworks, and period furniture. << In need of a Loire Valley hotel while there? But now, the king had to find a better place to spend his time and money. Click here to book your tickets to Chateau de Villandry. From the Paris region to out by me in the Loire Valley, there’s no shortage of breathtaking castles to visit in France, so let’s check out some of my favorites all worthy of a visit on your next trip to France! Quick Answer: 15 Breathtaking Castles in France You Must Visit. Château d’Angers is, however, a refined testimony of an important historical era. In 1892, it was purchased by Frédéric Engel-Gros, a French businessman and art lover who used it as a country house. Do the French still go to the bakery and pick up breads and pastries? For years, the Mona Lisa remained there until after the war when it was relocated again to the Louvre where it is on display today. Located amid a historic forest, the castle also includes formal French gardens on its grounds. View of Sainte Victoire, city center on foot, in a quiet area, Castle of 420m2 of living space completely renovated with luxurious appointments and exceptional volumes in the heart of a beautiful landscaped park of … The castle that visitors see today stands on the foundation of a former Roman fortress, strategically built on a hilltop. I have visited the Palace of Versailles. The french architecture of all of the castles or chateaux ever built is nothing short of spectacular. Work on the estate began in 1661, but it took 21 years before Louis the XIV deemed it large enough and opulent enough to move the entire royal court and the French government. Even though it is only two hours from Paris, the forest surrounding this French castle makes it feel like you are in another world. ), King Henry II’s mistress. Once the residence of the Counts of Geneva and other noble families, the castle has been converted into a museum in 1953. The castle underwent significant restoration in the 19th-century under the supervisions of Gothic expert Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. Thanks again. Although it is the largest French château in the Loire Valley, it was never meant to be a royal palace. In 1793, the National Convention, a new revolutionary government, forced everything within the palace to be sold at auction. Haut-Koenigsbourg is a great day trip choice from Strasbourg. In Alsace, a part of France that has been disputed for centuries by nations and empires, Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg simply oozes history.The structure dominates the Alsatian Plain from the Buntsandstein Rock and has panoramas out to the Black Forest.It’s also built with a pink sandstone that gives it a slightly iridescent quality in the sun.The castle as we see it now is from the late-19th-century when Kaiser Wilhelm II oversaw a rose-tinted and imaginative restoration … Thanks for this wonderful post! Unesco World Heritage Site = Si… He hired the same trio of artisans to build the palace and gardens of Versailles. Discover many of the best known of the 1000 castles in France, with our guides to their history and visitor information. To reach the castle, visitors must follow a series of steep stairs up on the hillside. Located in northwest France, this fortress was one of the first castles in France to be classified as an official historical monument by the French government in the 19th century. But that’s not all! Disclaimer: This post contains Not that you’d expect any less with Da Vinci’s Italian touch throughout the French castle. The forest is home to interesting prehistoric caves. We visited the Château Royal d’Amboise, or commonly shortened to Château d’Amboise, back in the fall. Click here to buy your skip the line tickets to the Palace of Versailles (there is also an option with transfer from Paris). Built in the 13th-century, it has been well preserved throughout time. There are stunning views overlooking the Loire River from many of the rooms. Only 60 kilometers away from Paris, it’s an amazing day trip choice. Château de Ripaille is a grand castle located on the banks of Lake Geneva. The ruins are situated in the heart of a large woodland. Château de Pierrefonds is a beautiful castle located on the edge of the Forest of Compiegne, near Paris. Renovations are still ongoing today. We occasionally have "off-market" chateaux and domaines, most sell before they come to the market, so feel free to email our experts about your chateau project. Located in the Loire Valley near many other impressive castles, Château of Villandry is the last grand castle dating back to the Renaissance era. Today, the castle is a protected historic monument which hosts events and exhibitions. The forest surrounding this French castle was teeming with wild boar and deer, perfect for hunting. ***CLICK HERE TO READ FAQ*** Dismiss, Cities near Paris: 5 Best day trips from Paris to experience the real France, Château de Baugé and the Hôtel-Dieu Apothecary, River Cruising Part 2: Paris & Versailles, France river cruise with CroisiEurope: Paris to Normandy, « How living in France transformed my photography, Pros and cons of living in France that matter most to me ». With ideally located rare and unique french properties , enter into a luxurious universe where life is lush and peaceful. All of the castles on my list of fairytale castles in France have been used at some point in time for defending purposes. Here are our choices for, and reviews of, the very best castles, manor houses & chateaux to rent in France in 2021! Besides the intriguing history, the castle has stunning apartments filled with period furniture, medieval tapestries, and artworks. Built-in 1631 by King Louis XIII, Versailles was the seat of French Power for centuries. The stunning archways and bridge were added by Diane de Poitiers (nice name, eh? Built in the 12th-century, Merle included actually seven castles and two chapels at its peak of development in the 14th-century. Bienvenue! Where: Rue du Château,  SullyWhen: 14th CenturyOpen for visit: Yes, check here for more information. During the summer, medieval-themed activities await curious visitors. Where: Dordogne ValleyWhen: 12th CenturyOpen for visit: Yes, check here for more information. Founded in the 9th century by the Counts of Anjou and expanded in the 13th century, this medieval Château d’Angers is easily the most stunning tourist attraction in Angers. Today, the castle houses an important collection of medieval art and tapestries, including the Apocalypse Tapestry dating back to the late 14th-century. Nicolas Fouquet (King Louis XIV’s superintendent of finances) built this Baroque French Château from 1658-1661 as a dedication to the king. The following kings and royals lived off and on in the palace, but it started to fall into disrepair during the Revolution. Located in the Brouilly Appellation near Lyon, the castle includes tens of hectares of vineyards and is renowned for its excellent wine production. Click here to book your tickets to Fort de Salses. The château looks as it was, and the layout of the collections has remained unchanged over the centuries. The current form of the castle was developed at the order of German Emperor Kaiser Wilhelm at the beginning of the 20th-century when the Alsace region belonged to Germany. But when King Henry II died, Catherine de Medici (the king’s widow) kicked out Diane (who also happened to be her second cousin) and moved back in. Click here to book your tickets to Château de Chambord. The Palace of Versailles is another day trip from Paris but in the opposite direction of Château de Chantilly and a bit easier to get to if you don’t want to drive — a simple ride on the RER C. It was the principal royal residence from 1682-1789 and is the most visited castle in France. Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, Île-de-France Château de Fontainebleau, Île-de-France Château de Chantilly, Picardy Château de Pierrefonds, Picardy Château de Hautefort, Aquitaine Château de la Roche Courbon is still a private residence, and inner access is only allowed by guided tour. Additionally, the English style garden is a perfect place to relax and admire the beautiful nature and the interesting architecture of the castle. Speaking of how many castles are listed for sale in France in 2020-2021 overall, JamesEdition offers 412 chateaus with prices up to US$141M. Photo credit: Shutterstock.com/HUANG Zheng. This 12th-century castle has had a tumultuous history, being burned to the ground in the Middle Ages by King Charles VII. WORK WITH US The oldest one is the Château de Thil, started in 850 AD, and the most recent one is the Château It was so memorable! Situated in a region between France and Catalonia that now is part of the French Pyrenees, the castle has had a troubling history but lost its strategic importance after being repeatedly besieged. Really, the Angers castle is a must-see — especially in the spring when the gardens are in full bloom. I would love to one day go back and visit the ones you featured. Although the interiors lack furniture and decorations, the exterior has a charming configuration. Only 55 kilometers away from Paris, Fontainebleau is one of the most visited French castles. The central section of Rocamadour, which is also the highest, includes a complex of eight churches and chapels carved into the rock, along with the ramparts of a medieval château. May 19, 2015 - Explore Pia Bondesson's board "Castles in France", followed by 142 people on Pinterest. Although neglected for a while, the castle has been restored with great concern for its original design which includes a mix of styles, according to the preferences of its many owners throughout the centuries. Click here to book your day trip to Mont Saint Michel from Paris. It was enlarged in the 15th-century with a grand tower and a drawbridge, and new additions transformed it into a residence for its owners of noble descent. Where: Rue Viollet le Duc, PierrefondsWhen: 1393-1407Open for visit:  Yes, check here for more information. Built for King Francis 1, the castle is a striking example of Renaissance style structures with unique features that contribute to its fairy-tale like aura. Located in the Dordogne region, in the south of France, Château des Milandes is a stunning example of Gothic architecture. Where: NantesWhen: First ducal castle was built in the 13th century. Due to its location, the castle is highly attractive as a day trip from either Toulouse or Montpelier. Set in the south of France, near Montpellier and the Mediterranean coast, Flaugergues is a charming castle with striking interiors. affiliate links. 2021's top castles in France include Palais des Papes, Chateau de Chambord + Chateau de Castelnaud. What are the best French castles to visit in your opinion? But don’t, there are extraordinary gardens just beyond the castle walls. But what do you expect from a château that was gifted to a mistress of a king? Originally a wood structure built in the 11th-century, Château de Joux was gradually extended into a powerful fort complex three centuries later. Making time for your pet. The long history of Château de Vitre begins in the 11th-century when the castle was built as a massive stone fortress. Built in 14th-century, Château Royal in Tours is an intrinsic part of French history, after serving as setting for the wedding of Charles VII and Marie d’Anjou and hosting Joan D’Arc after her victory in the Battle of Orleans. Where: Place Pierre de Brosse, LangeaisWhen: Between 1465 and 1469Open for visit:  Yes, check here for more information. A mix of Classicism and Renaissance styles, the castle is famous for its opulent interiors and large, unique gardens. From medieval castles for sale to more recent chateaux for sale, Castleist is The website to discover castles for sale in France. Built in the 14th-century, the castle has belonged to the same family ever since. The grounds also include a beautiful formal garden. Click here to buy your tickets to the Azay-le-Rideau Castle. The region has plenty of places to visit, namely a huge quantity of medieval buildings, including numerous Romanesque and Gothic churches, castles, and the iconic half-timbered houses visible in many villages, towns, and cities. Set amid such a stunning setting, the castle has plenty of other things to offer, including the greatest collections of fine art in France. France Castles for Sale - Castles in France. Although on the outside, the castle is not as grand and impressive as other French castles, it has beautiful rooms with antique furniture and tapestries. Visitors can explore the ruins all year round, while the king’s rooms are only open to access during the high season, from March to November. There is something about France that inspires our imaginations. The interiors of the castle are also a stunning vista. Required fields are marked *. When WWII began, the castle became a sort of holding center for the national treasures of Paris and the North of France. On the grounds of the castle, visitors will find a wine-tasting cellar. ), how do you know narrow down which ones are worth a visit?Here are our picks for the top 15 castles in France that you absolutely must visit. Less busy than other castles on the Loire Valley, Langeais is a charming alternative to more popular castles in its vicinity. Set amid plenty of other important medieval structures, the castle was built in the 13th-century and expanded in the 16th-century to its current form. Before you head outside, the library inside the Petit Château has more than 1,500 historical manuscripts, 200 of which date back to medieval times. Château de Chenonceau was built in the Renaissance style in the 16th-century by Catherine Briçonnet and her family. We're a media company not an agent so we cover the entire 'castles for sale' market in France. Château de la Roche Courbon is a fortified castle built in the 15th-century, which was redesigned in the 17th-century to serve as a private residence. Castles for sale in South East France. From then on, the Renaissance-style castle remained unchanged, with 19th-century additions to the interiors. NEVER MISS A POST At the beginning of the 19th-century, it was purchased by the town of Vitre and transformed into the town hall. Most recent renovations date from the 1990s. Now the castle is a vast museum of armor, weapons and medieval artifacts. Art from the Louvre and other museums was relocated there for safekeeping to protect it from the German forces. Located in Bordeaux, Roquetaillade is a famous castle that replaced fortifications built by Charlemagne the Great more than a millennium ago. An original castle was built on the location in the 12th-century to serve as a hunting lodge for Louis VII, King of France. France is home to thousands of castles and if you want to see some of the best French castles that France has to offer, you’ve come to the right place. You might be surprised to learn it is smack dab in the center of the lively city. Drinking iced coffee when it’s cold out. Plus get my FREE GUIDE with 24 DOs & DON'Ts to keep in mind when visiting France! Where: AvignonWhen: 14th CenturyOpen for visit:  Yes, check here for more information. The initial Château des Ducs de Bretagne was built in the 13th-century but was demolished two centuries later when the current ducal castle was built to replace it. France has over 40,000 castles and fortresses dating from between the 9th and 21st centuries. (Also see this detailed guide). The beautiful château sits in the heart of the Loire Valley with spectacular views over the Cher River. Its largest collections focus on paintings and sculptures. Alsace. With a sober architecture emphasized by its beautifully manicured gardens, Château de Villandry is an exquisite sight. This means that should you click on certain links, and then Located in the south of France, Château Comtal de Carcassonne is a charming castle perched on a hill at the center of Carcassonne, a fortified medieval town. Today, the castle is still one of the prettiest French châteaux. From 1914 to 1918, it was converted to a military hospital where 2250 wounded soldiers were treated. Today, however, it is a beautiful museum with a rich history worth exploring. Carved out of rock, the 12th-century fortress is an authentic glimpse into early medieval times. Getting a good sweat on. These are some of the top options! Thank you again, Diane! Click here to book your tickets for the castle and the ramparts. Both the castle and a 16th-century royal chapel can be visited on the grounds. The castle is located on the right bank of Indrois River, in the region known as Central Loire Valley. Originally a medieval fortress, Montrésor was rebuilt into a beautiful Renaissance mansion, only to be neglected after the French Revolution. After serving an important military role in medieval times, the castle was often abandoned by its owners, which led to deteriorations. Where: Two kilomètres West of Azay-le-RideauWhen: 1526 – 1530Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information. Now a UNESCO heritage site, the castle is surrounded by charming landscaped gardens which visitors can freely explore. The site is incredibly well done! Besides the abbey complex, the grounds of Saint Michel include charming gardens, stunning panoramic views, historic sites, and artist studios. Because all orders are custom printed, I cannot offer returns and exchanges. Fortunately, the demolition did not affect the thick walls, and the castle’s ruins remained an impressive sight for centuries to come. Where: VitréWhen: 11th CenturyOpen for visit: Yes, check here for more information. Built at the end of the 12th-century by Richard Lionheart, the castle passed down from the English to the French and back several times, before being demolished at the order of French King Henry IV in 1599. However, there was one caveat – that it remains exactly as it looked from that day forward. Burgundy = Bourgogne (f) 4. castle = château (m) 5. to destroy = détruire (v) 6. fortress = forteresse (f) 7. keep = donjon (m) 8. One of the most interesting features is the watchtower, which offers visitors stunning views of the area. During my travels I was fascinated by the history and beauty of castles and I created this space to share my passion with you. Take a day out of Paris’s hustle and bustle and head to Château de Chantilly, only 50 km north of the city. Château de Verteuil was built in 1080 to serve as a private residence for the La Rochefoucauld family, and it has been owned by the same family for a bit less than a millennium. Quickly, the Palais became one of the main centers of European Christianity. Due to being privately owned, the castle can only be visited on a guided tour. To some people, it doesn’t matter if you call it a castle, château or palace, but it’s still good to be aware of the differences to avoid confusion when you’re visiting châteaux, palaces, and castles in France. In fact, Rocamadour is a tiny village housed inside a fortified structure. Catherine promptly took over the rest of the construction. Where: VersaillesWhen: 1631Open for visit:  Yes, check here for more information. Château de l’Islette is one of the most unique castles in France due to its location on a small island on the River Indre, which has also given its name: l’Islette actually means “small island” in French. Firstly there is Paris, the City of Light, the economic, financial, political and touristic centre of the country. Picardy = Picardie (f) 11. to restore = restaurer (v) 12. swamp = marécage (m) 13. tower = tour (f) 14. Getting excited about life’s simple pleasures. To expand the castle grounds, Fouquet bought and demolished three neighboring villages. The most impressive part of Versailles is the Hall of Mirrors built of 350 mirrors. Today, the estate is a public park. Boasting 17 shale and limestone towers to ward off enemies, it overlooks the Maine River and has two distinct architectural components: St. Louis’ fortress and the dynastic court. Click here to buy fast track tickets to Château de Pierrefonds. Attracting more than half a million visitors each year, the Palais is included among the most touristic places in France. Spectacular renovations have brought it to its former glory, and today it is home to the Museum of Medieval Warfare and its large collections of weapons and armor. Located near Paris, Château de Chantilly is a magnificent castle surrounded by manicured lawns, lakes, canals, and woodland. Besides the fairy-tale exterior with towers and turrets, the interiors of the castle are also stunning, housing magnificent art collections and Renaissance furniture and tapestries. A massive fortress from the late 15th-century, its construction was ordered by Catalan Monarchs. It is currently home to a magnificent collection of art, including embroidered 16th-century tapestries and masterpieces by Rubens and Tintoretto. One of the most interesting sights in Paris, Château de Vincennes was built in the 14th-century in the French capital’s suburb of Vincennes. By Francis I to be sold at auction stunning example of Gothic architecture to their history visitor. 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Interiors were redecorated in the 15th to the Château des Milandes is a must-see for lovers of historic beauty romantic! Who used it as the grounds of the forest surrounding this French castle, but it started decay! To expand the castle belongs to the late 14th-century renowned for its splendorous castles Loire... Course… and then what exquisite sight Counts of Geneva and other museums was there... Sold the palace is located in the Loire River and the gardens in... T live there owned by several noble families and important political figures the... Avignonwhen:  14th CenturyOpen for visit: Yes, check here for more information artisans worked... Known of the castle includes tens of hectares of vineyards and is accessible... Lovers of historic beauty and romantic settings, especially as it looked from that day.. The surrounding areas of DOs & DON'Ts for tourists of Vitre and into... Week just to get to the late 15th-century, its construction was ordered by Catalan Monarchs de,. Prefer medieval fortresses, charming châteaux or opulent palaces, France has over 40,000 castles and fortresses from...

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