Undoubtedly, France is a country of castles. This is the homeland of kings and brave knights, the keeper of medieval legends and fairy tales. The architecture of French castles is varied and multifaceted. Many of them survived the times of the Musketeers and the French Revolutions. Today they are all the property of the country and its attractions.
Louvre (Palais du Louvre)
Undoubtedly, speaking about the castles of France, first of all it is necessary to talk about the most famous of them - the French Louvre, which was based on the castle-fortress. Its main purpose was originally to observe the lower reaches of the Seine in defense from the Vikings. For this purpose, in 1190, King Philip-Augustus was built Big tower Louvre. Much later, in 1317, the Louvre became a royal residence, and Charles V transferred the royal treasury here. In 1528, the Louvre began to be rebuilt into a palace, and in the 18th century it was converted into a museum.
Today it is the largest and richest art museum in the world.
Versailles
Versailles is a no less popular French attraction. More than three million tourists visit this main residence of the French monarchs annually. This is truly the richest castle in France, in which everything shines with luxury.
Built in 1624 as a hunting lodge for King Louis XIII, Versailles was later significantly enlarged and rebuilt as the Royal Family lived here.
Today tourists are amazed by its magnificent halls, among which the so-called Hall of Mirrors makes a special impression. And also - the beautiful English gardens of this magnificent palace.
Loches (Château de Loches)
The oldest surviving donjon in France is Loches, built in the 9th century by the Angevin Count Fulk Nerra. This building has a quadrangular shape and is notable for its massiveness. However, Losh fascinates tourists not only with its grandeur. architectural structures but also the historical names that are associated with it. So, in the XII century, Losh belonged to the English king Richard the Lionheart, and later the main favorite of the French king Charles VII, named Agnes Sorel, lived here. Among the famous prisoners of the castle is the patron saint of the great Leonardo da Vinci, the Duke of Milan, Lodovico Sforz, who was locked up here for more than 8 years.
Chambord Castle
Chambord is considered to be a real architectural masterpiece of Renaissance France - undoubtedly one of the most beautiful French castles. This is one of the largest royal residences located in the Loire Valley, distinguished by both its impressive size and remarkable design.
It is believed that Leonardo da Vinci himself was the author of this chateau, built in the 16th century as a hunting residence for King François I. It has over 400 rooms and 300 fireplaces, a double spiral staircase and elaborate domes, pediments and towers. In the decoration of the vaults of its halls there is a magnificent carving, which uses the emblem of the monogram of King Francis I - the letter "F" and his talisman - the mythical animal salamander.
Chambord is located in the center of a beautiful park, which today is a nature reserve, and the castle itself is protected by UNESCO.
Amboise (Château d`Amboise)
Another French castle, Amboise, is also associated with the name of Leonardo da Vinci. After all, it was in its vicinity that the famous artist lived last years and it is here, according to his will, that his ashes now rest. So, thanks to the name of Leonardo da Vinci, Amboise is one of the most famous castles in France and attracts a large number of tourists. It is also the first architectural monument to be built in the Loire Valley in the Renaissance style. Its history began in the 11th century, when its first owner was Fulk Nerra, and the three-storey castle acquired its present appearance at the end of the 15th century at the behest of Charles VIII. The Italian architects invited by him brought the Renaissance style to the construction, which had not been practiced in France until now. In addition, it was here that the first regular garden appeared.
Longchamp (Palais Longchamp)
And of course, talking about the castles of France, one cannot fail to mention such a masterpiece of architecture as Longchamp - a unique complex that praises water. This beautiful palace was erected in Marseille in mid XIX century by the architect Henri-Jacques Esperandieu in honor of the end of a global project for the city - the construction of a canal, which saved the city from water shortages.
Since then, Longchamp has become a gem of Marseille and a magnet for tourists. It includes two unique museums, as well as an observatory, a multi-level fountain complex and a zoological garden.
Rivau
In the list of famous castles in France, Rivo also occupies a special place, which today is included in the honorary list of Monuments of the French national heritage. This castle, dating from the 13th century, was rebuilt under Charles VII in the 15th century. He became a powerful fortress, the undoubted fame of which were the horses. It was not for nothing that Jeanne d'Arc came here in 1429 in search of good horses for her army. Rivo is famous for its beautiful gardens, which are included in the list of the best national gardens.
Chateau d'If (Château d'If)
However, many castles in France were used as prisons and became famous not so much for their architecture as for the names of the prisoners imprisoned in them. And the leader in this list of prison castles is undoubtedly the famous Chateau d'If, among the famous prisoners of which are Jean-Baptiste Chateau, Comte de Mirabeau, General Kleber.
France has many interesting historical sites that represent French culture. And among these monuments, French castles occupy a special place.
The medieval castles of France are shrouded in mystery, as images of kings and beautiful ladies, knights and tournaments, conspiracies and intrigues are hidden behind their walls.
Today we will tell you some stories about the most famous and famous French castles.
Château de Chinon takes its name from the city of Chinon, in which this castle is located. You can't even imagine how ancient this castle is! It was built by Count of Blois Thibault the Fraudsters in 954! The complex of this grandiose stone structure includes several towers, the chapel of St. Melania. King Philip II Augustus continued the construction of the castle and, on his orders, work began on the construction of the Watchtower and the Hound Towers. Construction work on Chinon lasted until the 15th century, when the royal chambers with a large throne room were built.
What is Chinon known for, thanks to what events this castle-fortress went down in the history of France? The fact is that during Hundred Years War between England and France, Crown Prince Charles, who was expelled from Paris by the Burgundians (supporters of the British), established his residence in Chinon. And it was not in vain that the Dauphin turned his attention to this particular castle, since it looked more like a well-fortified fortress, with many towers. In 1429, at a time when his rights to the royal throne were declared English king Henry V, Dauphin Karl met Jeanne d'Arc in Chinon. The young girl recognized the future king, who was lost in the crowd of people, approached him and said: “Good prince, my name is Jeanne the virgin. The Heavenly King has sent me to you to inform you that you will be married to the throne in the city of Rheims and you will be the viceroy of the Heavenly King who rules France. " You can read more about the events of the Hundred Years War on our website. Let's just say that, inspired by Joan's words, Dauphin Charles decided to rebel against his opponents again and was eventually crowned under the name of King Charles VII.
Being already a king, Charles did not leave his castle, which hid him within its walls during the years of danger. He made Chinon a royal residence. Soon, his wife, Queen Maria of Anjou, and his favorite Agnes Sorel settled here, whose chambers were connected to the royal underground passages.
Charles VII founded in Chinon small state free from the outdated institutions of feudalism. It was during his reign that Chinon experienced his most glorious time.
Chinon CastleKarl was not the only one who loved his Chinon. King Louis XII received here the legate of Pope Alexander VI, Cesare Borgia, who handed him a notice annulling his marriage to Jeanne de Valois. Thus, King Louis XII received the right to marry Anne of Breton, the widow of King Charles VIII, thus annexing the province of Brittany to his possessions.
In the 17th century, Chinon was the property of Cardinal Richelieu, who left it as a legacy to his descendants. Unfortunately, the Duke of Richelieu subjected the castle, which was already in a deplorable state, to new tests: on his order, the throne room and some other buildings that did not correspond to the spirit of modern times were destroyed. Later, desolation reigned in the castle, floors and ceilings collapsed.
In 1854, there was a risk of a complete collapse of the castle, and the French authorities realized that it was time to reconstruct the historical monument. In the royal apartments, the floor was restored according to the original drawings, and the rooms themselves were furnished with copies of antique furniture.
What is Plessis-le-Tours known for?
Castle Plessis-les-Tours Now it is the remains of a royal residence in the suburbs of Tours. But long ago, in the 15th century, this castle was built by order of King Louis XI, and served him faithfully throughout his reign, as a royal residence.
King Louis XI preferred Plessis-lez-Tour more than Paris, because here he was away from the bustle of the capital, moreover, safe.
In the same castle in 1589, the famous meeting of the kings Henry III and Henry of Navarre took place, during which they concluded a joint agreement against the Catholic League and the clan of the Dukes of Guise.
In the 17th century, the Bourbon dynasty stopped visiting the former dilapidated royal residence. Mulberry trees were planted around the buildings, which contributed to the development of silk spinning in the district. And in late XVIII For centuries, the former castle was turned into a nursing home for the inhabitants of Tours. During the Great French revolution, the historical monument was sold to a private owner and three-quarters dismantled into bricks.
The Plessis-les-Tours castle was inscribed on the official list of historical monuments in France in 1927. Now the castle belongs to the Polish community. However, by agreement, you can visit the room where King Louis XI died, and the cellars, where the royal prison was once located. Visitors can see iron cages similar to the one in which, according to legend, Louis XI held Cardinal La Bala for eleven years.
Chambord is the brainchild of King Francis I
This is true because Chambord was built in the 16th century by order of King Francis I.
It is one of the most recognizable castles in France and is an architectural masterpiece of the Renaissance. The Chambord façade is 156 meters long, 117 meters wide; the castle has 426 rooms, 77 staircases, 282 fireplaces and 800 sculptural capitals! Truly, Chambord reflects the greatness of Francis I.
Research shows that Leonardo da Vinci himself, who at that time was an architect at the court of King Francis I, participated in the development of the castle project.
Since Chambord was a wooded area, it was convenient for hunting. Accordingly, Chambord was conceived as a royal hunting castle, where Francis and his courtiers could stay overnight after hunting. However, the king's calculations also included showing his greatness in the face of this castle to his rival, the Spanish king Charles V. And he succeeded.
Chambord castle After the death of Francis, the castle was hardly visited by kings. But in 1684 Louis XIV gave orders for the restoration of the castle. In Chambord, Moliere, with a theatrical troupe from Paris, gives the first performance of his play "Bourgeois in the Nobility" at the castle.
Since 1930, Chambord Castle has been a state property of France, and in 1981 it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Kusi is a victim of the First World War
Château de Coucy - medieval castle in France. The total length of the castle walls along the perimeter is 2400 m. The huge keep (the main tower in European feudal castles) Kusi was 35 m in diameter at the base and about 55 m in height. The walls were up to 7 m thick. As you can see, friends, the castle was well fortified.
This castle was built in the 1220s by the very brave and warlike Baron Angerrand III de Coucy. He turned his castle into the largest fortress medieval Europe.
Kusi Castle In 1862, the Cusy castle was included in the state register of historical monuments in France.
Unfortunately, during the First World War, the citadel of the castle was badly damaged: on March 27, 1917, retreating German troops blew up the four corner towers and the donjon on the orders of General Ludendorff. For the explosion, 28 tons of dynamite was used. The owner of the castle, Angerrand de Coucy, would have been alive then, the Germans would have been in trouble. This is the destruction of a castle that was considered an outstanding monument. medieval architecture, was completely pointless from a military point of view and caused an explosion of public outrage in France. In April 1917, the castle ruins were declared a “monument to vandalism”. Subsequently, the rubble and fortifications of the walls were cleared, but the remains of the majestic towers were not touched.
Ancient Carcassonne
Castle-fortress Carcassonne (full name Cité de Carcassonne, ville fortifiée de Carcassonne) is one of the most ancient architectural monuments in France.
The origins of this fortified medieval city date back to the Gallo-Roman period in French history. The city is surrounded by a double row of fortress walls, the length of which is about three kilometers. 52 towers rise above the walls. On the territory of the city there is the count's castle and the church of St. Nazarius.
Ancient Carcassonne The Carcassonne Fortress has about 2,500 years of history. It went through several stages throughout its existence: initially it was primeval site, then the Gallo-Roman city, then the Visigoth fortress, then the county, the viscountry, and finally the royal seneschalcy. Each of these historical stages, from the Roman period to the late Middle Ages, has left its mark on the architectural composition of Carcassonne.
Since 1997 Carcassonne has been on the List World heritage UNESCO and is a historical monument of France.
Vincennes castle - hunting estate of kings
Château de Vincennes was built for the kings of France in the Vincennes forest on the site of an old hunting estate from the 12th century. The city of Vincennes arose around the castle, and today it is the southeastern suburb of Paris.
Construction work to expand and improve the castle lasted during the XIV-XVII centuries. This castle is perhaps the most associated with the French kings. From the Vincennes castle went on a crusade to Tunisia Louis IX Saint; here kings Philip III and Philip IV the Handsome married; in this castle died Louis X the Grumpy, Philip V the Long, Charles IV.
By order of King Philip VI, the castle was expanded and acquired a 52-meter donjon, where the royal chambers and a library were arranged.
Vincennes castle During the period religious wars XVI century Vincennes became a prison.
In the 18th century, the French kings left the castle forever. But it is not empty, it houses the Vincennes porcelain manufactory (from 1740) and again a prison. In the Vincennes prison there were famous French personalities, such as the Duke de Beaufort, the superintendent of finance Nicolas Fouquet, John Vanbroux, the writer Marquis de Sade, the educators Diderot and Mirabeau.
Of course, friends, these are far from all the castles of France. There are quite a large number of them and it is worth admiring them, seeing their beauty and grandeur live!
Though French word Chateau is most often translated as castle in other languages, it most often means a palace or residence in French. For example, the famous Château de Versailles bears no resemblance to a castle, thus it is known as the Palace of Versailles. There are thousands of castles in France ranging from ruins to very normal conditions. Some of the most visited French castles are located in the South of France and in the Loire Valley, popular for their Renaissance style of architecture.
2. Castle Pierrefonds
Among the most beautiful castles in France, it is worth noting the Chateau de Pierrefonds. Often used as a filming location for TV shows, Pierrefonds Castle is perched on a hill overlooking a picturesque village. Originally built in the 12th century, the pierrefonds were later besieged in 1617 by the military secretary, Cardinal Richelieu, when its owner joined political party confronting King Louis XIII. Abandoned by Richelieu's troops, the castle remained in ruins for two centuries until Napoleon Bonaparte decided to start a restoration project during the mid-1800s. Although Napoleon modernized Pierrefonds, the spacious rooms remained unfurnished. However, visitors can appreciate the splendor of the castle as they contemplate the enchanting drawbridge, a courtyard, towers, corridors, a chapel and an underground crypt that contains the remains of several French kings.
3. Chateau de Chaumont
Located in the Loire Valley, Chaumont Château has a history that is as striking as its striking exterior. The castle was built in 1465 on the remains of a 10th century fortress. But it was destroyed soon after, when King Louis XI discovered that its owner, Pierre d'Amboise, had organized a revolt against the king. famous wife King Henry II, Catherine de Medici, who bought Chaumont and often entertained here famous people such as the astrologer Nostradamus. After that, the castle went through various owners to finally be donated in 1938 to the French government. Today, visitors can tour the castle to view its graceful interior, gardens, lavish stables, scenic views of the Loire River and countryside.
4. Chambord is one of the most beautiful castles in France
Also located in the Loire Valley, Château de Chambord stands out for its remarkable design and size. Regarded as one of best examples French Renaissance architecture, Château Chambord was built in the 16th century as a hunting residence for King François I. This grand chateau has 440 rooms and 300 fireplaces, as well as many other striking features such as its double spiral staircase and an elaborate roof of chimneys, domes, gables and towers that resemble the city skyline. Chambord is a hunting reserve surrounded by a moat and a wall, on the territory of which wild boars, deer and many other animals live.
5. Legendary Versailles
As one of the most famous Castles in France, Versailles attracts more than 3 million visitors annually. This magnificent palace was built in 1624 as a hunting lodge for King Louis XIII and later expanded to become the residence of the French Royal family. The palace's stunning features include the Hall of Mirrors, a corridor with seventeen mirrored arches, and many other details. In the Queen's bedroom, visitors can see a hidden door through which Marie Antoinette escaped. With its magnificent rooms, Versailles is a must-see. Also visit the 250-acre English palace gardens, which are designed into a geometric idyll of trees, flowers and trails.
In continuation, read also about the most famous castles in England in a separate selection.
To the southern and northern parts. Each of them has its own climate. This uniquely beautiful area is famous for its villages of great historical significance, pastoral landscapes, good wine, famous monuments of architecture, as well as castles.
There are about 300 estates in the valley. You can see many of France's castles on the map below. Among them there are real fortresses with defensive buildings and fortifications. For construction works the best landscape designers and architects of those years were hired here.
At the present moment, many palaces and castles in France continue to remain private property, some are open to the general public, but there are some that now operate hotels.
Plessis-Burre Castle
This stunning chateau is located in Ecuillet, on the Loire coast, near Angers. Plessis Burre is perfectly preserved, so many tourists can see it in the same form in which it was built 500 years ago. The castle is a combination of Renaissance luxury and medieval tendencies.
When designing it, the task was set to build a small, yet real fortress with the attributes necessary for it. In addition, Plessis-Burre had to be comfortable and convenient so that the owner could live there, invite many guests and hold various balls. The architect was able to implement all these requirements. Lock rectangular is located on the territory of 59 by 68 meters. Like other medieval castles in France, its corners are rounded off by towers. A moat was dug around the entire structure, through which you can only cross by a small drawbridge - a bridge house was built to protect it. At the same time, a space was left between the moat and the wall so that the owner of the castle had a place where he could walk.
Chenonceau castle
Castle Amboise
Considering the castles in the south of France, it is worth noting this one, which towers over the Loire. He began his history from the eleventh century. Therefore, he experienced many different periods- was a royal residence and a powerful medieval fortress, a button factory and a prison ... This castle was visited by many humanists, philosophers, artists and sculptors from all over Europe. It will be interesting for every tourist to walk through the cavalry towers and royal chambers, get acquainted with the stunning collection of furniture, enjoying the beautiful panoramic garden of the Loire coast.
Chateau d'If
The castle, known to many from the novel by A. Dumas, is located in the south of France. It was built to protect the city from attacks from the sea. It was ordered to be built by Francis I, although the castle was never attacked, due to which it was able to remain completely intact to this day.
Modern Marseille is proud of it by right - this is one of its main attractions. So, excursions are conducted around the Chateau d'If, there is a cozy cafe, and postcards and souvenirs are also sold.
For a long time, this castle was used as a prison, since it was the best place for exile - it was almost impossible to escape from there because of the strong currents off the coast of the island. There were windows without windows in the fortress, located at the back of the building, although there were other conditions for people with wealth - they were in the upper part of the building, where they could enjoy the seascape and breathe fresh air.
Only at the end of the nineteenth century, the prison ceased to exist, and the castle became a landmark of the country.
Serran castle
The Serran fortress was built in the sixteenth century, but, like many castles in France, the old building was significantly rebuilt in the later centuries. The property originally belonged to the Le Brie family - they asked for permission to build it from Louis XI. The famous Philibert Delorme was involved in the design.
After the changes, the spirit of the Renaissance, characteristic of the period of Francis I, remained here (almost all the castles of the Loire were built in it). The oldest elements of the castle are considered to be corner towers and moats, which are harmoniously combined with domes, crowning the towers, and wide windows. The towers at the top are decorated with balustrades.
On the facade of a building decorated with a pediment triangular, create a beautiful contrast between white sandstone and dark brown slate.
Castle of Carcassonne
It is a unique masterpiece of defensive and military architecture that impresses with its grandeur and power. Castle Carcassonne (France) consists of a two-row, three-kilometer strong wall with towers, the sight of which makes anyone tremble.
A distinctive feature of the castle is that in this place there is absolutely usual life- cars drive and live locals... Here you can feel yourself fully as a resident of a medieval city - the entrance to the fortress is completely free and free!
Located in the southeast on the right bank of the river. Od. Around it there is a double row of walls with a total length of about 3 kilometers, which are crowned with 52 towers. This fortress in Europe at one time was considered the most impregnable. On its territory are the basilica and the count's castle Comtal. The fortress has been included in the UNESCO list since 1997.
Clos-Luce castle
Of course, not all castles in France are associated with the name of the famous Leonardo da Vinci, but not this one. Leonardo, at the invitation of Francis the First, visited this region and lived here his last 3 years of his life. He devoted this time to completing work on his canvases and inventions. It will be pleasant and interesting for everyone to walk here. In this place, the drawings and inventions of the master "come to life", here every visitor will be able to discover true world this genius.
Ge-Pean Castle
While exploring the numerous castles of France, it is worth mentioning this medieval building, built near Ponlevoix in the XIV-XV centuries. It is a square in plan, an elegant hunting pavilion. The fortress walls with towers end with a terrace. All of its residential buildings are located in the shape of the letter "P", forming a huge courtyard inside. The main building is decorated with round towers, and the facade has many elegant windows, due to which there are always great amount Sveta.
It was visited by such guests as Henry I, Lafayette, Balzac. Inner chambers were decorated in the style of the Renaissance period.
At the present moment, the owner is the Marquis de Kegelin. The castle is open to the public, while its most famous rooms are the salon, the Hall of the Guards, the library and the chapel. Many works of art have been used to decorate the interiors, this place contains furniture of Louis XV and XVI, stunning tapestries are displayed on the walls. The canvases decorating the castle belong to the brushes of famous artists, including Rigo, Jean-Louis David, Fragonard, Guido Reni, Andrea del Sarto.
Legendary Versailles
Versailles, as one of the most famous castles in the country, attracts about 3 million visitors annually. This magnificent palace was built in 1624 for Louis XIII as a hunting lodge. It later expanded to become the residence of the entire royal family. Unique features the palace includes a corridor with 17 mirrored arches, a Hall of Mirrors and a huge number of other equally interesting details. Visitors to the Queen's bedroom can see a hidden door - Marie Antoinette escaped through it. Versailles with its stunning rooms is a must-see. Not to be forgotten are the palace's 250-acre gardens showcasing a geometric idyll of trails, flowers and trees.
For all tourists, travelers and vacationers, stunning landscapes, French charm, majestic castles of France will open up here ... Today everyone historical monuments the cultures of the Middle Ages of the country are carefully guarded, and many, which were previously in a dilapidated state, are now beginning to restore.
How to spend the night in a French castle?
And here is the long-awaited selection of the best castle hotels in France. Who dreams of living in a real castle? This is a great experience! Just imagine how many secrets such places keep. Please note that most of the castle is not heated, so do not wait for the onset of cold weather.
Château D "artigny
The Château D "Artigny is an 18th century chateau. This chateau hotel is ideal for exploring the castles of the Loire Valley. It is just 15 km from Tours (Tours mini-guide). It features a swimming pool , SPA, restaurant, fitness center, tennis court The hotel organizes culinary master classes, wine tastings of the region.
Domaine De La Tortinière
My personal favorite among the castle hotels is Domaine De La Tortinière. Also ideal for exploring the castles of the Loire Valley. The castle is just 10 minutes from Tours. The castle offers guests: a swimming pool, tennis courts, a restaurant. I would especially like to mention the wonderful rooms, which are superbly decorated with antique furniture.
Château de La Ballue
The Château de La Ballue is set in an old 17th-century castle, near Saint-Malo and Mont-Saint-Michel, in a large garden. At your service: restaurant, SPA on outdoors... Breakfast is served in the morning. Buffet"Made from seasonal products.
Book now: Château de La Ballue.
Château de gilly
The Château de Gilly is not a castle. It is the former residence of the 14th century monks. The hotel is located between Dijon and Beaune, 2 minutes from the village of Vougeot, the famous wine region of Burgundy. The owners of the hotel have managed to preserve the spirit of the 14th century. You will be surprised to see: moats, French gardens, and a dining room with a stately vaulted ceiling. The famous Le Clos Prieur restaurant is located on site, where you can sample the region's delicacies. The restaurant is located in a former 14th century wine cellar.
Book: Château de Gilly.
Château Des Briottieres
This 18th century castle is located in the heart of the Loire Valley. It offers a heated outdoor pool, tennis court and a picturesque 50 hectare park. The Château Des Briottieres has a dining room for dinner. traditional dishes region. Dinner includes snacks, 3 courses, and coffee or tincture. Restaurant reservations must be made 24 hours in advance. The hotel is located just 25 minutes from Angers and 45 minutes from Saumur.
Château sainte-sabine
This wonderful hotel is located in the center of Burgundy in a 17th century castle, built in an old monastery in a park of 8 hectares. It offers an outdoor pool, garden, restaurant where you can taste traditional dishes made from local products. You can stroll through the neighboring villages, visit the famous vineyards of the Burgundy region and taste the most popular wines.
