The Middle Ages, the Renaissance left a large historical and cultural mark in the form of numerous castles and palaces, perfectly preserved in Europe. Looking at the photos of the castles of France, one can note their rich, elegant and detailed architecture. Undoubtedly, each of them has its own national characteristics characteristic of the culture of this country. There are more than 300 of them in total, we will show you the most beautiful and famous of them.
Laura's castle
Castles of the Loire is a generic name for a number of architectural structures located in the Loire Valley, which flows through the whole country and, in the past, was of great transport importance.
Let's start the story with one of the most popular and visited castles - Chenonceau Castle, located next to the village of the same name.
King Francis I donated another fine example of architecture - Chambord Castle. By the way, Leonardo da Vinci and Domenico da Corton took part in its creation.
And this is the castle of Amboise, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located in the city of the same name, Amboise, named after a family that had a huge influence on the politics and economy of the region.
A distinctive feature of the Lavut-Polignac castle is that it is built entirely of gray volcanic stone. In the past, it had an important defensive value.
Smaller than its counterparts, but with the original appearance- Castle of La Bussière.
Photos of the interior of the castle
Using the example of the same La Bussière castle, let's look at the interior decoration.
The servants, of course, dined and dined in the simpler rooms.
Photos of castles and palaces in other regions of France
In Marseille there is a beautiful Longchamp Palace, built in the middle of the 19th century. It is unanimously called a masterpiece of architecture of this era.
The fortress of Fort Boyard became famous all over the world thanks to the TV show of the same name, which was shown in many countries of the world. After the appearance of long-range guns, the fort lost its original significance and a prison was organized in its building and criminals were kept.
And this is the famous Versailles, whose beauty cannot be contained in one photograph. In an absolutely huge palace complex, the atmosphere of the golden era of Louis XIV, nicknamed the "Sun King", reigns everywhere.
The Chateau d'If was originally built as a defensive structure to protect against attacks from the sea. However, it was never attacked, and subsequently became a state prison. This place became very popular thanks to the book The Count of Monte Cristo.
The Renaissance Palace of Fontainebleau was the residence of many French kings. It is located 60 kilometers from Paris towards the southeast.
And for dessert - the beautiful and well-known castle of Mont Saint-Michel, located on a small island and towering over it like a heavenly throne.
Castle hotels in France
Castle tours France.
The cost of individual group tours with Russian speaking guides.
In France, you can live in real castles yourself, equipped according to the most modern requirements of hotel art. For example, you can start a tour in Paris (2 nights), then stay for 3 nights in the 18th century palace CHATEAU D "ARTIGNY (4 *). Palace located near the castle-museums of Chenonceau, Blois, Amboise, etc. In the village, not far from the city of Tours, in a chalk cave, there is a restaurant where it is appropriate to taste white wine - Vouvray.It is possible to stay only in Loire castles with car rental and without visiting Paris .
All castle hotels ( short description)
Accommodation in castle hotels in the Loire Valley
36, quai Charles Guinot - 37400 Amboise
The castle is an elegant ensemble of residences of the XVIII century, located 25 km from Tours. The family atmosphere and warmth captivate customers. 28 rooms and 4 suites are fully equipped: TV, telephone, minibar, bathroom, air conditioner. 2 restaurants with panoramic views of the garden and the Loire River, swimming pool, tennis courts, golf course.
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49350 Saumur-Chenehutte-les-Tuffeaux
Accommodation in a castle hotel in Brittany
Ballyu Castle
(Chateau de la Ballue)
The historical and cultural context of the construction of Ballu Castle in the 17th century is full of confusion and passions of that era. Located on the Golden Arc - an outpost of Brittany, 20 km south of the famous Mount Saint-Michel, in a picturesque hilly area. It is within easy reach of the historic walled cities of Fougères, Combourg, Saint-Malo, Dinan and Dinard. The owners of a harmonious and strict castle will put at your disposal the most prestigious bedrooms. The French park, laid out around, is conducive to unhurried walks.
(The cost of accommodation and online booking of a room in this castle ...)
Kermezen Castle
(Chateau de Kermezen)
A typical Breton castle of the 17th century is lost in a quiet green valley a few kilometers from the town of Paimpol, Brehat Island, Perros-Guirec. The hosts will welcome you in a manor that has been owned by the family for 500 years.
Although the 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 quite normal condition. Some of the most visited French castles are located in the South of France and in the Loire Valley, popular because of their Renaissance style of architecture.
2. Pierrefonds Castle
Among the most beautiful castles in France, it is also worth noting the Chateau de Pierrefonds. Often used as a filming location for TV shows, Château Pierrefonds is perched on a hill overlooking a picturesque village. Originally built in the 12th century, Pierrefonds was later besieged in 1617 by the secretary of war, Cardinal Richelieu, when his master joined the political party opposing 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 when they view the charming drawbridge, a courtyard, towers, corridors, a chapel and an underground crypt that contains the remains of several French kings.
3. Chateau de Chaumont
Situated in the Loire Valley, Chaumont Chateau has a history that is as colorful as its striking exterior. The castle was built in 1465 on the remains of a 10th century fortress. But it was destroyed shortly after, when King Louis XI discovered that its owner, Pierre d'Amboise, had orchestrated a rebellion against the king. Being restored a few decades later by the infamous wife of 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, finally being donated in 1938 to the French government. Today, visitors can tour the castle to view its elegant interior, gardens, lavish stables, scenic views of the Loire River and countryside.
4. Chambord - one of the most beautiful castles in France
Also located in the Loire Valley, Chambord Castle easily stands out for its remarkable design and size. Rated as one of best examples Renaissance architecture in France, Chambord Castle was built in the 16th century as a hunting residence for King François I. This grand castle has 440 rooms and 300 fireplaces, as well as many other striking features such as its double spiral staircase and the elaborate roof of chimneys, domes, gables, and towers that evoke the city's 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 Châteaus 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 view the hidden door through which Marie Antoinette escaped. With its magnificent halls, Versailles is a must-see. Visit also the 250-acre English Palace Gardens, which are designed in a geometric idyll of trees, flowers and paths.
In continuation, read also about the most famous castles in England in a separate selection.
Since the Middle Ages, France has been and remains a country of castles, the birthplace of kings, true knights and fairy tales. The architecture of castles in France is many-sided and varied. Each of them is a historical evidence of the formation of European civilization, modern culture, science and art.
Château de Châteauneuf Built in 1132 and rebuilt in 1457 in the Gothic architectural style, the castle is located in the valley of the Burgundy Canal on a stone ledge 475 meters high.
Kyulan (Château de Culan) The fortress, which has survived to this day, began to be built in the late XII - early XIII centuries. And this construction continued until the 15th century.
Château de Châteaudun The residence of the Counts of Dunois was built in the 12th-16th centuries. Among the unique frescoes of the castle, a majestic fresco stands out doomsday on one of the walls of the southern chapel in the Great Chapel.
The Italians invited by him to complete the work were the first to bring Renaissance architecture to France. It is believed that it was in Amboise that the first regular garden appeared outside of Italy.
Chinon (Château de Chinon) One of the royal castles of the Loire was built on the site of former Roman fortifications and consists of three parts, built according to historical need. In the 17th century, the fortress belonged to Cardinal Richelieu.
Loches (Château de Loches) The oldest surviving donjon in France is distinguished by its massiveness and quadrangular shape. It was built in the 9th century by the aforementioned Fulk Nerra, an Angevin count.
Rivau The castle became fortified in the 15th century, and then, during the Renaissance, was remodeled in accordance with the standards of humanist architecture. He was famous for the high quality of local horses.
Chaumont-sur-Loire Amazing beauty the fortress stands on the banks of the Loire, between the cities of Amboise and Blois, and annually hosts guests of the International Garden Festival.
Montbéliard (Château de Montbéliard) Already in the time of the Gallo-Romans, there was a fortification and an observation tower on the site of the castle. In 1793 the fortress became part of revolutionary France.
Conciergerie (La Conciergerie) The former royal castle and prison is located in the heart of Paris and is part of the Palace of Justice complex, which still houses the municipal services, the court and the prosecutor's office.
Louvre (Palais du Louvre) The ancient royal castle in Paris, rebuilt into a palace, is located on the right bank of the Seine. Today it is one of the richest museums in the world.
Vincennes Castle (Château de Vincennes) The fortress was built for the kings of France in the XIV-XVII centuries. In the 18th century, a prison was located in its building. Among the famous prisoners: the Duke de Beaufort, Nicolas Fouquet, the Marquis de Sade, Diderot and Mi
Malbrook (Château de Malbrouck) The castle got its name from John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough, commander of the British troops on the continent, which during the War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1714).
Angers Castle (Château d`Angers) The castle is famous for its series of tapestries "Apocalypse", which has become one of the "regional wonders of France".
If (Château d`If) Originally a building built in 1524-1531. by order of King Francis I, - now one of the "visiting cards" of Marseille - was a military fort. FROM late XVI century the castle began to be used for isolation.
Thanks to the popular novel by Alexandre Dumas - "The Count of Monte Cristo" - written in 1844-1845. and describing the long-term imprisonment of the protagonist in the Chateau d'If, since the opening of the fort to visitors in 1890.
Lichtenberg (Château de Lichtenberg) The castle, built in the XIV century, was thoroughly rebuilt 2 centuries later by order of the owners - the counts of Hanau-Lichtenberg. The team of famous architects led by Daniel Speck took up the modification
Saint-Ulrich (Château de Saint-Ulrich) The castle is located at an altitude of 528 m above sea level and dates back to the XI century. In the XII century, a dungeon was completed, a century later - a knight's hall and a tower. The outer walls and the chapel appeared in the XIV-XV century
Binac (Château de Beynac) The castle, built on a limestone rock in the XII century, is one of the best preserved in the Dordogne region. Known for his collection of hunting tapestries.
Upper Koenigsburg (Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg) This historical and architectural monument was built in the Romanesque style. Currently, the building is used as a historical museum.
Olterib (Château d`Aulteribe) Built at the end of the Middle Ages, the castle was reconstructed and restored in the second half of the 19th century. In 1954, the Marquis de Pierre bequeathed the castle to the National Trust for the Preservation of Historic Monuments.
Chazeron (Château de Chazeron) According to legend, on the top of the hill where the castle now stands, there used to be a holy spring, over which a temple was erected in ancient times. The first mention of a fortified structure dates back to the 4th century BC.
Cordes (Château de Cordès) The 15th-century castle was rebuilt by order of a French marshal two centuries later. Then he acquired luxurious rose gardens and hedges.
Ravel (Château de Ravel) A former 12th-century royal fortress with an amazing park designed by landscape architect André Le Nôtre, it is also famous among travelers for its collection of rare 19th-century ceramics.
Crelly (Château de Creully) The building, built in the 11th century, until the 14th century looked more like an agricultural building than a defensive fortress. Until the 17th century, the castle was rebuilt several times.
Falaise (Château de Falaise) First traces stone fortifications found during local excavations date back to the 10th century, which allows us to consider the castle of William the Conqueror, built in a typical Anglo-Norman style.
During its history, the fortress has undergone three major reconstructions, as a result of which it acquired three dungeons. In different periods, the castle was financed by such French kings as Henry I, Henry II and Philip II Augustus.
Grato (Château de Gratot) The XIII century castle is a rectangular building surrounded by a wide moat. After French Revolution was abandoned. In the future, for a long time it was used as a storehouse for fodder for livestock.
Carrouges (Château de Carrouges) The family, after whose name the pink brick castle with a granite facade and a water-filled moat was named, lived in it from the 14th century until 1936.
Egilli (Château d`Éguilly) The castle with six towers and a fortress wall was erected in the 12th century on the site of a Gallo-Roman wooden fortification. In the 15th century it served as the residence of the archbishop.
Gevry-Chambertin (Château de Gevrey-Chambertin) The castle of the XI century, equipped with a winery, has long been part of the monastery abbey of Cluny. In the spring of 2012, a Chinese investor bought the fortress for €8 million.
Bourdelle (Château de Bourdeilles) The complex consists of two castles. The first one, built in the early 13th century, is a manor house with an octagonal tower and fortress walls. The second is the Renaissance.
Castelnaud-la-Chapelle (Château de Castelnaud-la-Chapelle) During Hundred Years War the 13th-century castle was assigned to the Caumont family until the French Revolution, after which it was first abandoned and then converted into a quarry.
Erm (Château de l`Herm) Built between 1500 and 1530 in the heart of the forest, the castle belonged to the Calvimont family for a long time. Excavations recent years showed that in its place earlier, perhaps, there were more ancient structures
Jumilhac (Château de Jumilhac) Since its construction in the 16th century, the castle belongs to the La Tour Du Pin family and is constantly being restored by them. Amazing French gardens adjoin the fortress.
Milandes (Château des Milandes) The castle on the left bank of the Dordogne was founded in 1489 for his wife by Francois Caumon, one of the representatives of the aforementioned family of lords.
After the French Revolution, the castle was abandoned for a long time, and at the beginning of the 20th century, a French industrialist who made a fortune in underwear bought it and began to restore it.
Puymarto (Château de Puymartin) The castle was built at the beginning of the XIII century and completely rebuilt in 1450 by Raymond St. Clare.
La Brede (Château de La Brède) The Gothic castle, surrounded by a moat and equipped with defensive systems, was built in the 16th century. In 1689, the famous French writer and thinker Montesquieu was born in La Brede.
Cazeneuve (Château de Cazeneuve) The castle was built on the rocky bank of the Siron River in the 11th century and for a long time served as the residence of the kings of Navarre. In particular, it was there that Queen Margot was imprisoned.
Roquitaillade (Château de Roquetaillade) The castle, which was owned by a single family for 700 years, was opened to the public in 1956.
Nérac (Château de Nérac) The Renaissance castle was completed during the reign of Jeanne d'Albret, Queen of Navarre. During the French Revolution, the building was dismantled except for the north wing.
Montaner (Château de Montaner) The castle was built in the XIV century by order of the feudal lord Gaston Phoebe. Now in summer time Numerous events are organized on the territory of the fortress.
Morlanne (Château de Morlanne) Another castle from the defensive system of buildings built on the orders of Gaston Phoebus, is a brick wall framing the manor house.
By (Château de Pau) Castle, towering in the center of the city of the same name - the birthplace of Henry IV - was built in the Middle Ages. The building currently houses the National Museum.
Billy (Château de Billy) The castle on the banks of the river Allier at one time served as the home of the early representatives of the Bourbon dynasty. However, the exact date of its construction is unknown - presumably, this is the 13th century.
a Palis (Chateau De La Palice) The feudal castle was built in the 13th century and belonged to the squire Roger Palis, whose descendants a century later intermarried with the Bourbons.
The castle is famous for its fully furnished interiors, as well as for its magnificent gardens, rebuilt in the 19th century by landscape architect Paul Laven.
Turi (Château de Thoury) The fortification, built in the 15th century by the Lords of Turi, later passed to the Conny family, who still owns it.
Azhoni (Château d`Anjony) This fighting fortress of volcanic stone, erected on the banks of the Dora River, consists of a main tower, which is surrounded by four minor turrets crowned with battlements.
Val (Château de Val) The 13th century castle originally belonged to the chamberlain of Charles VII. Subsequent owners changed quite often, until in 1953 the building finally passed to the tourism union.
It is worth noting that the building is surrounded by an artificial lake, and every year, during floods, the water reaches the fortress walls. The castle is featured in the films The Captain (1960) and Frankenstein 90 (1984).
La Rochepot (Château de la Rochepot) Throughout its history, the knight's castle of the XIII century in neo-Gothic style has repeatedly passed from hand to hand. In 1893, the fortress was acquired by the wife of the French president, Sadi Carnot.
Rosires (Château de Rosières) The fortified estate of the Burgundian princes, once surrounded by walls and a deep moat, was eventually bought in 1980 by the Bergereau family, who opened a guest house in the castle.
Corbelin (Château de Corbelin) Throughout its history, the castle of the XII century has been of great historical and economic importance at the local level.
Baller (Château de Balleure) The Burgundian castle of the XIV century is a rectangle surrounded by round and square towers. Currently, the building belongs to a private owner and is closed to the public.
Berz (Château de Berzé) The castle is the largest and best preserved of the Burgundian fortresses. In the Middle Ages, it was of strategic importance. Consists of three buildings, thirteen towers and two dungeons.
Brandon (Château de Brandon) The 12th-century castle, located on a hilltop in the city of Saint-Pierre-de-Varenne, in the Saone-et-Loire region, has been owned by the French family of Juvancelles for 2 centuries. Periodically restored, open to visitors.
Luny (Château de Lugny) In the Middle Ages, the castle was surrounded by several towers and moats, and also equipped with a dungeon. During the French Revolution, the fortifications were burned down.
Rully (Château de Rully) The first mention of construction in this area dates back to 851. The castle itself appeared at the end of the XIV century; and in the XIX century, after the dismantling of the moat, the drawbridge and the main gate, it acquired a modern look
Saint-Fargeau (Château de Saint-Fargeau) The red brick castle, the construction of which began in 980, annually hosts guests of the historical festival.
Dinan (Château de Dinan) The construction of the 30 meters high donjon, better known as the Castle of Queen Anne, began in 1384 under the auspices of John IV, Duke of Brittany.
Bonfontaine (Château de Bonnefontaine) The construction of an elegant castle with high windows and carved architraves began at the end of the 11th century. The fortress acquired its modern appearance 5 centuries later with the permission of King Henry II.
Unique park in English style was designed in the 19th century by popular landscape architects Denis Buhler and Eduard André. Among the crops growing on the territory of the garden: mahogany, Chinese yew, swamp cypress.
Fort-la-Latte (Fort-la-Latte) One of the most famous castles in Brittany, towering on Cape Friel, Côte d'Armor region, was built in the period from 1340 to 1370. On the road leading to the castle stands a menhir called Gargantua's finger.
Many films were filmed in and around the fortress, including: The Three Musketeers (1948), Vikings (1957), Lancelot of the Lake (1974), Mockery (1996), Tristan and Isolde (1998) ), " secret mistress"(2007), as well as the series" Hawk "(2
La Unodaye (Château de la Hunaudaye) The pentagonal castle with a moat, a drawbridge and five towers was founded in 1220. Heavily destroyed during the French Revolution, at the beginning of the 20th century it was used as a quarry.
Brest (Château de Brest) The oldest building in the city of Brest in the Finistère region dates back to the appearance at the end of the 3rd century on the site of the current castle of Roman defensive fortifications.
Kerusere (Château de Kérouzéré) A two-story granite castle built between 1425 and 1458 by John Kerusere, chamberlain of King John V. A park with a fountain, a well, a dovecote and
Combourg (Château de Combourg) In this castle, the popular writer Francois Rene de Chateaubriand spent his youth, immortalizing in his memoirs not only fortress interiors and life.
The castle was thoroughly plundered during the French Revolution and partially restored only in late XIX century. At the same time, the fortress park was also rebuilt - the famous landscape architect Denis Buhler took care of it.
Fougères (Château de Fougères) One of the largest French castles, covering an area of 2 hectares, was built in the 12th century on a rocky hill in the middle of a swamp, which plays the role of a natural moat.
Vitre (Château de Vitré) A powerful fortification of the XI century rises on a rocky promontory overlooking the valley of the river Vilen. Having survived several fires and related transformations, the fortress acquired its modern look only in 1912.
Josselin (Château de Josselin) The first version of the castle was erected in 1008 by a representative of the family of the Counts of Rennes. Since then, the fortress has been repeatedly rebuilt, playing the role of either an alchemical center, or a cloister of Protestantism, or prisons.
Currently, the lower floor of the citadel is an exposition of antiques - furniture, family portraits, royal gifts. The stables have been converted into a Puppet Museum. A real masterpiece is the park ensemble of the castle.
Tresesson (Château de Trecesson) The castle of the XIV century is surrounded by a wide moat. The main entrance across the bridge is adorned with two towers and a gallery. Several legends are associated with the fortress - including the ghost of the White Lady, who was killed in the 18th century, inhabiting
Azay-le-Ferron (Château d`Azay-le-Ferron) The 15th-century Renaissance castle is perfectly preserved and famous for its collections of furniture and household items, as well as a magnificent French park with masterpieces of topiary art.
Usse (Château d`Ussé) The construction of the XV century - one of the castles of the Loire, erected on the banks of its tributary, the river Indre - combines two architectural styles - medieval Gothic and the Renaissance.
It was Yusse who served as a source of inspiration for Charles Perrault to describe the castle of the Sleeping Beauty - one of the friends of the storyteller owned this fortress for some time.
Moulin (Château du Moulin) Built between 1480 and 1501 for Philippe Moulin, a childhood friend of King Charles VIII, by the court architect Jacques de Persigny, the castle is made of orange and black bricks.
Sully-sur-Loire (Château de Sully-sur-Loire) The first written mention of the castle dates back to 1102 - he controlled the bridge over the Loire and disappeared from the face of the earth in the XIV century. The construction of a new fortress began in 1396.
Tonquedec (Château de Tonquédec) The majestic legacy of the Breton feudal lords dates back to the 12th century. Currently, the castle belongs to private owners, but it can be rented for filming movies, photo shoots.
Doumely (Château de Doumely) The 15th-century stronghold overlooking the countryside is a fortress with four towers and beautiful garden. During the World Wars it was used as a hospital and prison. Now it is a private property.
Landreville (Château de Landreville) The castle with four towers, a moat and a park of 4 hectares was built in the middle of the 16th century and has survived almost untouched to this day. There is also a stable and two pavilions on the territory.
Sedan (Château de Sedan) One of the largest fortresses in Europe was built in 1424 on the banks of the river Meuse, includes four defensive bastions and covers an area of more than 35,000 square meters.
During the First World War, the castle was used as a camp for thousands of French and Belgians sentenced by the German authorities to forced labor. Today the castle houses a museum and a three-star hotel.
Montmort (Château de Montmort) A 15th-century brick castle, protected by a double moat, is located near the famous Champagne vineyards. There is a bastion in each corner of the fortress wall. The ensemble is completed by a three-arched bridge and
Besancon (Citadelle de Besançon) The Citadel is one of the masterpieces of Sebastian Le Pretre de Vauban, military engineer of King Louis XIV, and the center of modern tourism in the Franche-Comté region - about 280 thousand people visit this place every year
The castle was built between 1668 and 1683 on Mount Saint-Étienne. The thickness of the walls of the fortress reaches 5-6 meters, their height varies from 15 to 20 meters. Currently, there are several museums inside the citadel, as well as a zoo.
Cleron (Château de Cléron) Built in 1320 on the site of a Gallo-Roman fortification, the castle underwent significant changes in the 18th century, but retained its medieval structure. Owned by the Monrichard family.
Joux (Fort de Joux) Fort of the XI century, towering on the edge of the Pontarlier Gorge, was probably built by relatives of the Burgundian princes. At the end of the reign of Louis XV and until the fall of Napoleon I, the fort was used as a state prison.
During the First World War, the castle served as a deterrent to enemy troops. During World War II, it was occupied by the Germans, then abandoned as too outdated for modern weapons.
Chevreaux (Château de Chevreaux) From the castle of the XII century, located at an altitude of 473 meters, offers amazing views of the plain of Bres. Since 1990, in the fortress, thoroughly plundered and dilapidated in early XVII century.
Dieppe (Château de Dieppe) The castle on the edge of the cliff was built in 1188 to protect the sea coast of Normandy. During the French Revolution, it served as a prison. During the First and Second World Wars, he performed military functions.
Blandy-les-Tours (Château de Blandy-les-Tours) The first written mention of the castle dates back to 1216. In the 4th century, the appearance of the fortress underwent significant changes, financed by Charles V and Charles VI.
In 1764, the castle, which is now considered a symbol of French Protestantism, was sold to César Choiseul-Praslin, minister of Louis XV. The French Revolution passed unnoticed for the fortress.
Nangis (Château de Nangis) The castle was built in 1436 by Charles VII. During the Hundred Years War, the building served as a defensive fortification for the people of the suburbs. To date, only the left wing of the original building has survived.
Nemours (Château de Nemours) The 12th-century castle on the left bank of the Loing River has been perfectly preserved, having avoided, unlike many of its contemporaries, dismantling for one reason or another.
La Madeleine (Château de la Madeleine) The construction of the castle over the Chevreuse valley was carried out between 1030 and 1090. It was designed to protect the city from robberies and already in the 12th century it acquired stone walls and a tower, as well as a moat and drawbridges.
In the 20th century, the castle was converted into the headquarters of the regional natural park From the Vallee de Chevreuse (Haute Vallée de Chevreuse), modern architecture which perfectly fit into the medieval fortification without affecting it.
Dourdan (Château de Dourdan) The castle, located in the center of the city of the same name and surrounded by a moat, was built between 1220 and 1222 by King Philip II Augustus.
In the second half of the 16th century, during the religious wars, the castle was plundered by the Protestants. In 1611, Louis XIII bought the fortress for his mother, Marie de Medici.
Beaumont-sur-Oise (Château de Beaumont-sur-Oise) The first written mention of the largest castle in the Oise Valley dates back to 953. For all the time of its existence, the fortress was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt.
La Roche-Guyon (Château de La Roche-Guyon) From the 10th to the 15th century, the castle on the right bank of the Seine was owned by the family of the same name, one of whose representatives once served as a vassal of King Philip II Augustus.
By the 17th century, the castle completely lost its defensive functions and became a secular residence. In 1659 he passes to Francois VII de La Rochefoucauld, son of the famous French writer and moral philosopher, Francois VI de La Rochefoucauld.
Arc (Château d`Arques) The four-storey donjon of the XIV century, 25 meters high with a spiral staircase inside, was built after the crusade against the Albigensians.
Queribus (Château de Quéribus) The 10th century fortress stands on a rock formation at an altitude of 728 meters above sea level. The first restoration work on the castle began in the 1950s.
La Caze (Château de La Caze) A 15th-century Renaissance castle located in the Tarn Gorge. During the French Revolution, it was used as a prison, in our time it has been converted into a four-star hotel.
Cham (Château du Champ) Castle of the XIII century, significantly rebuilt in the XV and XVIII centuries, rises on a rocky promontory of the Altier River at an altitude of 734 meters above sea level and is now part of the Cévennes National Park.
Florac (Château de Florac) Another castle, located in the Cévennes National Park, was built in the XIII century, but completely destroyed during the religious wars of the XVII century.
Luke (Château de Luc) The 12th-century castle was destroyed in 1630 by order of Cardinal Richelieu. Two centuries later, in 1878, the tower, standing on the ruins, was turned into a chapel of the Virgin Mary, whose statue still serves as the top of the donjon.
Sals (Forteresse de Salses) The military structure on the border of France and Catalonia was built between 1497 and 1502 by order of Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella of Castile - the royal couple.
In 1642 the bastion with brick walls 6 to 10 meters wide was captured by the French. And already in 1659, along with the signing of the Iberian Peace, he lost his strategic importance.
Saint-Saturnin (Château de Saint-Saturnin) In written sources, the castle with three round and one square tower was first mentioned in the 13th century as the estate of the King of France.
Rochechouart (Château de Rochechouart) The owners of the castle of the XII century with elements dating from the XV century, for more than 800 years, were from the family of the same name.
One unusual legend is connected with the castle - about Alix - the wife of one of the viscounts of Rochechouart - who was an exceptionally beautiful and virtuous woman. One day, the manager of the castle was inflamed with passion for Alix, who rejected his advances.
The enraged viscount threw his wife into the dungeon, where at that moment there were two lions brought by him from the crusade. A few days later he went down to the dungeon and saw the living Alix and the lions sleeping next to her.
Con-la-Granville (Château de Cons-la-Grandville) The castle, located in the Meurthe and Moselle region, is an amazing architectural synthesis of times - from the Romanesque period to the era of classicism. Open to the public since 1984.
Gombervaux (Château de Gombervaux) The 14th-century castle, surrounded by a moat, was originally a fortification with four corner towers. Only the façade remains today.
Najac (Château de Najac) Royal fortress with towers over 40 meters high was erected in 1253 by the French prince from the Capet dynasty, Alphonse de Poitiers, in order to impress the locals.
In the summer of 1643, the castle was in the center peasant uprising. In less than 4 months, more than 10 thousand rebellious farmers were defeated by the government troops of Jules Mazarin.
Saint-Isard (Château de Saint-Izaire) The castle was built between 1317 and 1346 and donated to the abbey of Vabre, to which it belonged until late XVIII centuries.
Lareol (Château de Laréole) The Renaissance castle was built from 1579 to 1582 and was originally conceived as a summer residence for recreation and entertainment, not performing any military functions. During the French Revolution, about
Pibrac (Château de Pibrac) The Renaissance-style brick castle was built in 1540 by the architect Dominique Bachelier on the site of a dilapidated port fortress.
In 1897, under the auspices of landscape designer Eugene Buhler, the castle acquired a 14-hectare minimalist English park with terraces, a pool and hills. You can get to its territory through a brick triumphal arch the time of Henry IV.
Saint-Élix-le-Château (Château de Saint-Élix-le-Château) A castle that combines details medieval architecture and the Renaissance, was built between 1540 and 1548 by the architect Lauren Clary.
Over the centuries, the castle has belonged to many families. During the Second World War, its building was looted and partially burned. The current owner undertook a major restoration in the early 1980s.
Castelnau-Bretenoux (Château de Castelnau-Bretenoux) The construction of the castle was carried out over several centuries, from the XII to the XVII century. The fortress owes its appearance to Baron Hugh de Castelnau.
When the last member of the Castelnau family died in 1715, the castle was empty for almost 2 centuries. In 1895, the fortress was bought by an opera singer, who not only took up the restoration of buildings, but also began to collect a collection of antique furniture.
Larroque-Toirac (Château de Larroque-Toirac) The 12th-century castle is currently privately owned, but is open to visitors during the summer. Famous for its interiors and fireplaces, as well as unique frescoes of the 16th century.
Bruniquel (Châteaux de Bruniquel) According to legend, the first fortification in this place was erected by Queen Brunhilde. It was on its ruins that the first "Old Castle", which belonged to the counts of Toulouse, appeared in the 13th century.
In the middle of the 15th century, a second structure grew on a 90-meter cliff - “ new castle". Both fortresses were burned down several times - during the religious wars, as well as conflicts of the 18th and 19th centuries.
Foix (Château de Foix) From the 15th to the 18th centuries, barracks were located in the castle. Later, the structure was completely converted into a prison, known for its inhuman conditions of detention and constant overcrowding.
To the southern and northern parts. Each of them has its own climate. This area of unique beauty is famous for its villages of great historical significance, pastoral landscapes, good wine, famous monuments and castles.
There are about 300 estates in the valley. You can see many castles in France on the map below. Among them there are real fortresses with defensive buildings and fortifications. For construction work, the best landscape designers and architects of those years were hired here.
At the moment, many palaces and castles in France continue to be private property, some are open to the general public, but there are also those that now have hotels.
Plassey Burre Castle
This stunning castle is located in the commune of Ecuier, on the Loire coast, near Angers. Plessis-Bourre 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 trends.
When designing it, the task was to build a small, but real fortress with the necessary attributes for it. In addition, Plessy-Bourre 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 realize all these requirements. Castle rectangular shape is located on the territory of 59 by 68 meters. Like other medieval castles in France, towers complete its corners. A moat was dug around the entire building, through which you can only cross over 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 one could take a walk.
Chenonceau castle
Amboise castle
Considering the castles in the south of France, it is worth noting this one, which rises above the Loire. It began its history in the eleventh century. Therefore, it experienced many different periods - it 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 along the cavalry towers and royal chambers, get acquainted with a stunning collection of furniture, enjoying the beautiful panoramic garden of the Loire coast.
Chateau d'If
Known to many by the novel by A. Dumas, the castle 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 has been able to remain completely intact to this day.
Modern Marseille is rightfully proud of it - this is one of its main attractions. So, there are excursions around the If castle, there is a cozy cafe, and postcards and souvenirs are also sold.
For a long time, this castle was used as a prison, as it was the best place for exile - it was almost impossible to escape from there due to strong currents off the coast of the island. In the fortress there were chambers without windows, located in the depths of the building, although there were other conditions for wealthy people - they were located in the upper part of the building, where it was possible to 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 fortress of Serran was built in the sixteenth century, but, like many castles in France, the old building was significantly rebuilt in later centuries. The property originally belonged to the Le Bris family - they asked for permission to build it from Louis XI. Designed by the famous Philibert Delorme.
After the changes, the spirit of the Renaissance, characteristic of the period of Francis I, still remained here (almost all the castles of the Loire were built in it). The corner towers and moats are considered the oldest elements of the castle, which are harmoniously combined with the domes crowning the towers and wide windows. The towers at the top are decorated with balustrades.
On the facade of the building, decorated with a triangular pediment, white sandstone and dark brown slate create a beautiful contrast.
Castle of Carcassonne
This is a unique masterpiece of defensive and military architecture, which amazes with its grandeur and power. The castle of Carcassonne (France) consists of a two-row three-kilometer powerful wall with towers, the sight of which makes anyone tremble.
A distinctive feature of the castle is that in this place it is completely usual life- cars drive and live locals. Here you can feel like a full resident of a medieval city - the entrance to the fortress is completely free and free!
It is 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 there is a basilica and the count's castle of 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 for the last 3 years of his life. He devoted this time to completing work on his canvases and inventions. Walking here will be pleasant and interesting for everyone. In this place, drawings and inventions of the master “come to life”, here every visitor will be able to discover the true world of this genius.
Ge Pean Castle
Studying the numerous castles of France, it is worth mentioning this medieval building, built near Ponlevois in the XIV-XV centuries. It is an elegant hunting pavilion square in plan. 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 in the facade there are many elegant windows, due to which there is always a huge amount of light in the chambers.
Here there were such guests as Henry I, Lafayette, Balzac. inner chambers were decorated in the style of the Renaissance.
At the present moment, the owner is the Marquis de Keguelen. The castle is open to the public, with its most famous rooms being 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 houses furniture from Louis XV and XVI, stunning tapestries are displayed on the walls. The canvases decorating the castle belong to the brushes of famous artists, including Rigaud, Jean-Louis David, Fragonard, Guido Reni, Andrea del Sarto.
Legendary Versailles
Versailles, as one of the most famous castles in the country, annually attracts about 3 million visitors. 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 made her escape through it. Versailles, with its stunning halls, is simply a must-see. We must not forget the 250-acre gardens of the palace, showing the geometric idyll of paths, flowers and trees.
For all tourists, travelers and vacationers, stunning landscapes, French charm, majestic castles of France will open here ... Today, all historical cultural monuments of the Middle Ages of the country are carefully protected, and many that were previously in a dilapidated state are now beginning to be restored.
