France is home to majestic castles that capture the imagination of both young and old. These true jewels of heritage bear witness to the rich and fascinating history of the country.
Let’s discover 10 of the most beautiful fairy tale castles you absolutely must visit during a stay in the Hexagon.
Chenonceau Castle: The “Pearl of the Loire” That Has Stood the Test of Time
Nicknamed the “Ladies’ Château,” Chenonceau Castle is the most visited and photographed in the Loire Valley. A true masterpiece of the Renaissance with its white walls and elegant turrets, it has been shaped over the centuries by influential women.
Did you know that between 1914 and 1918, it was even transformed into a military hospital? Summer is the best time to fully appreciate its sumptuous gardens.
Chambord: The Largest Loire Castle Imagined by Leonardo da Vinci
Built in the 16th century in the heart of a vast wooded park, Chambord Castle is the largest in the Loire Valley. It’s said that the genius Leonardo da Vinci himself influenced its Renaissance-style architecture.
For a perfect Instagram photo, head to the northwest of the moat to capture the castle’s reflection in the water. The audio guide is essential to learn all about its fascinating history.
Haut-Koenigsbourg: Alsace’s Iconic Medieval Fortress
Perched on a wooded hill overlooking the Upper Rhine Plain, Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle is one of France’s most iconic medieval castles. Built in the 15th century, its strategic position near the German and Swiss borders and its successful restoration make it one of the most visited.
Take the bus to access it from the small village located 4.3 miles away.
Ussé: The Castle That Inspired Sleeping Beauty
Legend has it that Ussé Castle inspired Charles Perrault for his famous tale of Sleeping Beauty. Dating back to the 11th century, it is truly picturesque with an interior as impressive as its exterior. Oil paintings, tapestries, 17th-century furniture…
A real fairy tale setting to explore from the cellars to the top of the dungeon!
Vaux-le-Vicomte: An Architectural Marvel That Inspired Versailles
Nestled in a splendid 1,235-acre estate just a few miles from Paris, Vaux-le-Vicomte Castle is a majestic example of French aesthetics and craftsmanship. From its symmetrical Baroque architecture to its richly decorated interiors, it is famous for having inspired the Palace of Versailles.
The underground river, panoramic dome, and carriage museum are among the highlights of a visit. From April to October, don’t miss the candlelight tours on Saturday evenings.
Fontainebleau: The Imposing Royal Palace in the Heart of a Majestic Forest
Initially built in the 12th century, Fontainebleau Castle has been expanded, renovated, and embellished by numerous kings, an emperor, and a president throughout its long history.
Located in the town of Fontainebleau and surrounded by a vast forest, its 1,500 rooms make it one of the largest castles in France. Less crowded than Versailles, it boasts breathtaking gardens.
Mont Saint-Michel: An Impregnable Fortress Abbey Off the Coast of Normandy
Located on an island 0.37 miles off the Normandy coast, Mont Saint-Michel has been an impregnable fortress since ancient times. In the 9th century, an abbey was founded there, quickly becoming a Christian pilgrimage site.
Its secure position also prompted the French monarchy to use it as a prison from the 15th century onwards. Today, the site attracts more than 3 million visitors a year. Expect crowds!
Azay-le-Rideau: A Renaissance Castle Set on a Mirror of Water
Located in the Loire Valley region, Azay-le-Rideau Castle seems to emerge from the artificial lake that surrounds it.
Although smaller than other castles on this list, it deserves its place notably for its unique setting with manicured gardens and flower pots. You’ll find more parasols and sailboats here than in a classic castle. An off-the-beaten-path visit.
Pierrefonds: A Powerful Medieval Fortress in the Heart of the Forest
On the edge of the Compiègne Forest stands the famous Pierrefonds Castle, an imposing medieval fortress piercing the sky with its stone armor. Located northeast of Paris, it welcomes numerous visitors each year and retains defensive military architectural elements typical of Middle Age castles in France.
Rebuilt for Napoleon III with moats, a drawbridge, arrow slits, and eight high towers each dedicated to a different knight, it’s a marvelous sight.
La Roquetaillade: The Oldest Castle in the Bordeaux Region
The most popular castle in the Bordeaux region, La Roquetaillade saw its first fortifications laid by Charlemagne over 1,200 years ago. Inhabited by the same family for 700 years, it has been open to the public since 1956 and remains the most visited in the Bordeaux area. A true journey through time.