Please read my FAQ before placing an order for sizing help and my return policy. The stunning archways and bridge were added by Diane de Poitiers (nice name, eh? However, the king was rarely there. 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. 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. Life is meant to be lived. What comes to mind when you think of France? Everything. Renovations are still ongoing today. 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. The ruins of a large castle complex, Tours de Merle is located on a side of the Massif Central. Burgundy = Bourgogne (f) 4. castle = château (m) 5. to destroy = détruire (v) 6. fortress = forteresse (f) 7. keep = donjon (m) 8. Click here to book your tickets to Fort de Salses. Where: NantesWhen: First ducal castle was built in the 13th century. Photo credit: Shutterstock.com/HUANG Zheng. But now, the king had to find a better place to spend his time and money. << In need of a Loire Valley hotel while there? Sign up for my newsletter plus a FREE guide of DOs & DON'Ts for tourists! By 1804 it was in such a sad state that Napoleon, the Emperor of France, wouldn’t live there. The château looks as it was, and the layout of the collections has remained unchanged over the centuries. What are the best French castles to visit in your opinion? It was so memorable! Where: Saint-Front-sur-LémanceWhen: 17th CenturyOpen for visit: Yes, check here for more information. Chateau de Chenonceau This luxurious French castle was home to French kings from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Less busy than other castles on the Loire Valley, Langeais is a charming alternative to more popular castles in its vicinity. If you want to visit a French castle, our list will inspire you to find the château that best matches your vision of a fairytale location. But don’t, there are extraordinary gardens just beyond the castle walls. Be sure to walk the castle walls and take in the view of the Maine River and the La Doutre neighborhood on the other side. I enjoyed every word! This list of the most beautiful castles in France may look short to those who know about the long history of this country. The final owner and art collector, Henri d’Orléans, bequeathed Château de Chantilly to the Institut of France in 1886. Still, it wasn’t until the end of the 19th century when the real efforts began. The grounds also include a beautiful formal garden. Throughout the centuries, the castle was an important setting for significant historical events and suffered damages from sieges and attacks as a consequence. Today, the castle is still one of the prettiest French châteaux. Most recent renovations date from the 1990s. Since it was the only bridge crossing the river for miles, it was necessary for the city’s commerce. With such a rich history, Château de Ripaille is considered part of Franceâs political and religious heritage. Getting a good sweat on. Château de Pierrefonds is a beautiful castle located on the edge of the Forest of Compiegne, near Paris. France has over 40,000 castles and fortresses dating from between the 9th and 21st centuries. On the grounds of the castle, visitors will find a wine-tasting cellar. Thank you for your posting! Drinking iced coffee when it’s cold out. The following kings and royals lived off and on in the palace, but it started to fall into disrepair during the Revolution. Even though it is only two hours from Paris, the forest surrounding this French castle makes it feel like you are in another world. PRIVACY POLICY, A guide to De Haar Castle in The Netherlands, Click here to buy your skip the line tickets to the Palace of Versailles. This estate is two castles in one – the Petit Château, built in 1560, and the Grande Château, which was destroyed in the French Revolution and has since been rebuilt. Its almost uninterrupted succession of females is why this French castle is also known as Le Château des Dames (the castle of ladies). Built in the 12th-century on a rocky hill, the castle went through several transformations, being captured by the English during the Hundred Years War. Yes, I’m biased, but really, it is one of a kind. I believe in… not rushing through the week just to get to the weekend. From 1914 to 1918, it was converted to a military hospital where 2250 wounded soldiers were treated. From the Paris region to out by me in the Loire Valley, thereâs no shortage of breathtaking castles to visit in France, so letâs check out some of my favorites all worthy of a visit on your next trip to France! Click here to buy your skip the line tickets to Château de Vincennes. Where: FontainebleauWhen: The first building was constructed between 1528 and 1540Open for visit:  Yes, check here for more information. Château dâAngers is, however, a refined testimony of an important historical era. Although it dates back to the 15th-century, it achieved its current glory only in the 1940s, when it was purchased by famous singer and dancer Josephine Baker, who turned into a private residence for her large family. The original design was created by Italian architect Domenico da Cortona, but Leonardo de Vinci supposedly also had his hand in it. Château de Beynac is a wonderfully preserved fortress, strategically built atop a cliff in Perigord. Alfred Sommier purchased it at auction in 1875, and five generations later, his descendants still run the estate. Chateau d'Andlau (Bas-Rhin) It is the views as much as the castle itself at Chateau Andlau that provide a substantial part of the attraction. Middle-Ages = Moyen Âge (m) 10. Your email address will not be published. The palace is located in the town of Avignon, in Provence. Now part of Institute of France, the castle belonged for many decades to Duke Aumale, a passionate art lover who donated his collections on the condition they would remain in the castle. The french architecture of all of the castles or chateaux ever built is nothing short of spectacular. I would love to one day go back and visit the ones you featured. subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission. Built into a cliff on a length of 120 meters and sitting high above a large canyon, Rocamadour is, undoubtedly, one of the most scenic places in France. Now a UNESCO heritage site, the castle is surrounded by charming landscaped gardens which visitors can freely explore. On the grounds of the castle, staff re-enacts medieval games and swordplay for visitors. During the 17th century, much of it started to decay and a restoration project fixed much of this in the 19th century. Or fancy pastries? Let’s keep moving forward. They sold off the art, the mirrors, the baths, kitchen equipment, and the furniture in 17,000 different lots. Hello, I am Chrysoula, welcome to my blog where I share my journey of discovering historical castles around Europe. Due to its location, the castle is highly attractive as a day trip from either Toulouse or Montpelier. In Alsace, a part of France that has been disputed for centuries by nations and empires, Château du Haut-KÅnigsbourg simply oozes history.The structure dominates the Alsatian Plain from the Buntsandstein Rock and has panoramas out to the Black Forest.Itâs 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 ⦠Click here to book your tickets to Chateau de Villandry. France is the most visited country in the world, which is not surprising given its diversity. 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. Today, the estate is a public park. And that he did. Castles, Chateaux and Estates for Sale in France See listed below our extensive selection of Castles, Estates and Chateaux for sale in France, register here to see extra images. During my travels I was fascinated by the history and beauty of castles and I created this space to share my passion with you. Disclaimer: This post contains In turn, Colbert evicted Fouquet and had him arrested by D’Artagnan, captain of the King’s Musketeers (as in Three Musketeers). Built in the 13th-century, it has been well preserved throughout time. After a century of ruin, Azay-le-Rideau was rebuilt, but it suffered many periods of neglect as its ownership changed frequently between various kings, knights, and nobles. Over the centuries, the Château de Chenonceau was designed by a long list of women. Castles for sale in 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, youâve come to the right place. Château de Sully is another impressive sight on the castle-filled Loire Valley. P.S. Visitors can enjoy the view of sailing boats and even a beach on the estate. Many important French political and historical figures stopped at the château, including King Louis XIV and writer and philosopher Voltaire. Bienvenue! We visited the Château Royal d’Amboise, or commonly shortened to Château d’Amboise, back in the fall. Where: Place Pierre de Brosse, LangeaisWhen: Between 1465 and 1469Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information. Click here to buy your tickets to the Azay-le-Rideau Castle. From medieval castles for sale to more recent chateaux for sale, Castleist is The website to discover castles for sale in South East France. Visitors can find terraced gardens with flower beds, ornamental ponds and beautiful orchards. Château de Chenonceau may look like a fairytale French castle, but its history is one of gossip and backstabbing. Today, the castle belongs to the Michaud family who has restored it and uses it as a private residence. Fouquet was imprisoned for life, his wife was exiled, and Colbert sold everything within the castle’s estate. The cost of renovating it would have been ridiculous, even for a king. I enjoyed reading it as well as other parts of your website. In 1661, Louis XIV decided to enlarge and embellish the existing château into a palatial retreat for entertainment on a massive scale. An original castle was built on the location in the 12th-century to serve as a hunting lodge for Louis VII, King of France. Château de Chambord was only built as a hunting lodge by Francis I to be closer to his mistress. All of the castles on my list of fairytale castles in France have been used at some point in time for defending purposes. Now the castle is a vast museum of armor, weapons and medieval artifacts. Where: 2 Promenade du Bout du Monde, ÎngersWhen: 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. He commissioned the famous trio of architects and landscape designers from the Château de Vaux le Vicomte to make it the most exquisite palace and gardens in Europe. They hired the now homeless villagers, all 18,000 of them, to maintain the gardens. 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. In fact, Rocamadour is a tiny village housed inside a fortified structure. It’s incredible with all kinds of restaurants and shops to visit, not to mention a busy Sunday morning market along the river. The King promptly fired Fouquet and hired Colbert in his place. Built over the river Cher, this renaissance beauty in the Loire Valley with its turrets, towers, and grandiose gardens is the second most visited castle in France after Versailles. Click her to buy your skip theline tickets to Château Chaumont-sur-Loire. He hired the same trio of artisans to build the palace and gardens of Versailles. Where: VersaillesWhen: 1631Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information. After serving an important military role in medieval times, the castle was often abandoned by its owners, which led to deteriorations. Where: Mazères near BordeauxWhen: 18th CenturyOpen for visit: Yes, check here for more information. Catherine promptly took over the rest of the construction. The castle that visitors see today stands on the foundation of a former Roman fortress, strategically built on a hilltop. With ideally located rare and unique french properties , enter into a luxurious universe where life is lush and peaceful. Itâs 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. It’s free to park on the other side of the official castle visitors’ parking lot and you can get a little exercise in as you walk along the river. See more ideas about France, Castle, House styles. Offering amazing views over the Dordogne Valley, Château de Castelnaud is a beautiful example of a medieval fortress. While the interiors are impressive, the exterior of the castle has not been embellished during Renaissance as other early medieval castles have been. Besides the rich interiors, the grounds of the castle are also well worth exploring as the gardens are carefully manicured, each in a certain theme from Chinese to English. 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. Due to being privately owned, the castle can only be visited on a guided tour. With 2,300 sumptuous rooms, immense gardens, and a Grand Canal, Versailles sees millions of visitors each year. Although in ruins due to several sieges during the 100 Yearsâ War, the feudal complex has retained some of its grandeur and is now a listed as a historic monument. Additionally, the English style garden is a perfect place to relax and admire the beautiful nature and the interesting architecture of the castle. Short on time? Once the residence of the Counts of Geneva and other noble families, the castle has been converted into a museum in 1953. Because all orders are custom printed, I cannot offer returns and exchanges. 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 Where: AvignonWhen: 14th 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. Where: MaincyWhen: 17th CenturyOpen for visit: Yes, check here for more information. Château de Cheverny is one of the many French castles in the Loire Valley. Where: ChevernyWhen: 14th CenturyOpen for visit: Yes, check here for more information. Where: TouraineWhen: 16th CenturyOpen for visit: Yes, check here for more information. Among French castles because it was in such a rich history worth exploring swordplay... 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