11 Most Beautiful Castles in France
Explore France's Most Picturesque Castles
This list of the most beautiful castles in France is but a taster of the incredible structures that embody the long and rich history of this country. France has over 40,000 castles and fortresses, built between the 9th and 21st centuries, that are just waiting to be explored. Whether you venture deep into the dungeons below or ascend the highest turrets, you’re sure to see some spectacular sights.
From Versailles and Cheverny to Chambord and Fontainebleau, the must-see French châteaux and palaces take you back in time. These castles boast impressive architectural prowess and reveal the extraordinary talent and skill of bygone craftsmen. A visit to any of these historical edifices will surely spice up your vacation in France.
What are the most beautiful castles in France?
1. Château de Versailles
The home of the last king of France
Categoría: Historia, Foto
The Palace of Versailles is undoubtedly France’s most iconic château. Located about 12 miles southwest of Paris, it served as the principal residence of the French monarchy until the French Revolution. A UNESCO World Heritage Site set within vast gardens and parkland, Versailles was built to impress, with every gilded room reflecting the power and ambition of the French crown.
With around 2,300 rooms, Versailles is extravagance on a royal scale. The glittering Hall of Mirrors is the headline attraction, but the richly decorated royal apartments, Grand Trianon, and Marie Antoinette’s private estate are just as fascinating. After touring the palace, wander the gardens to discover ornamental fountains, classical sculptures, and long, tree-lined avenues.
Ubicación: Château de Versailles, Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles, France
Horarios: Palace: Tuesday–Sunday from 9 am to 6.30 pm (Closed on Mondays)
Teléfono: +33 (0)1 30 83 78 00
Château de Versailles
2. Château de Chambord
The largest castle in the Loire Valley
Categoría: Historia, Foto
Built during the 16th century within a vast forested estate between Blois and Orléans, the Château de Chambord is the largest château in the Loire Valley. It stands as one of the finest examples of French Renaissance architecture, with many historians believing Leonardo da Vinci influenced elements of its design, including the famous double-helix staircase.
Inside, paintings, tapestries, sculptures, and period furnishings help bring the château’s history to life. Pick up a HistoPad, which uses interactive reconstructions to show how Chambord looked during the reign of Francis I. Then climb to the rooftop terraces for views across the estate before heading to the northwest side of the moat, where the château’s reflection creates one of its most memorable photo opportunities.
Ubicación: Château de Chambord, 41250 Chambord, France
Horarios: Hours vary by season
Teléfono: +33 (0)2 54 50 40 00
Château de Chambord
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3. Château de Chenonceau
A castle built over the Cher River
Categoría: Parejas, Historia, Foto
Built in the middle of the Cher River, the Château de Chenonceau paints a magnificent picture. Thirty km east of Tour in the Indre-et-Loire department, the castle is linked to the ground by stunning bridges and features splendid gardens to the north and woodland to the south. One of the most visited castles in France, its dramatic architecture blends late Gothic and early Renaissance styles.
Don’t miss the green labyrinth in the park that’s made up of 2,000 lush yew trees. If you make it to the center you’ll be rewarding with beautiful views. If you want to dine like royalty at l’Orangerie, the restaurant in the castle’s garden, make sure you book in advance.
Ubicación: Château de Chenonceau, 37150 Chenonceaux, France
Horarios: Hours vary by season
Teléfono: +33 (0)8 20 20 90 90
Château de Chenonceau
4. Château de Fontainebleau
One of Napoléon’s favorite homes
Categoría: Parejas, Historia, Foto
Originally built during the 12th century, the grand Château de Fontainebleau has been extended and renovated by kings, an emperor, and a president throughout its long history. Located in the city of Fontainebleau and surrounded by a large, verdant forest of the same name, it’s one of the largest castles in France thanks to an incredible 1,500 rooms.
A blend of classic and Renaissance styles, the Château de Fontainebleau was among the favorite residences of Napoléon, and you can marvel at his throne and crown in the former king’s chamber. Choose the informative audio guide to learn more about this palace’s historical importance, and in the summer, catch a ride on the miniature train to tour the gardens in style.
Ubicación: 77300 Fontainebleau, France
Horarios: April–September: Wednesday–Monday from 9.30 am to 6 pm, October–March: Wednesday–Monday from 9.30 am to 5 pm (Closed on Tuesday)
Teléfono: +33 (0)1 60 71 50 70
Château de Fontainebleau
5. Château de Cheverny
The inspiration behind Tintin’s Marlinspike Hall
Categoría: Parejas, Historia, Foto
Whilst not as big and theatrical as some of the other castles on this list, Cheverny still delights visitors with its gorgeous exterior and charming features. This remarkable 17th-century country mansion is famed for inspiring the iconic Château de Moulinsart, or Marlinspike Hall in English, in the Adventures of Tintin comic books by Hergé.
Inside, the estate is adorned with well-preserved period furniture and decorations, which are expertly talked about in regular guided tours. While you’re here, enjoy the interactive Tintin exhibition or cruise along the canal and enjoy the parklands. If the kids are in tow, they’ll love the story booklet that leads them on a scavenger hunt throughout the property.
Ubicación: Château de Cheverny, Avenue du Château, 41700 Cheverny, France
Horarios: Hours vary by season
Teléfono: +33 (0)2 54 79 96 29
Château de Cheverny
6. Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte
The castle that inspired the architecture at Versailles
Categoría: Parejas, Familias, Historia, Foto
Established in a splendid estate that lies 45 km southeast of Paris, the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is a majestic example of French aesthetics and workmanship. From its jardins à la française and symmetrical French Baroque architecture to its beautifully decorated interiors, Vaux-le-Vicomte is famous for being the castle that inspired Versailles.
The highlights you should include in your visit are an intense adventure along the underground Styx River, a climb to the roof lantern on the palace’s dome for panoramic views, and a trip to the intriguing Carriage Museum. If you come between May and October, don’t miss the famous candlelit evenings held after dark every Saturday.
Ubicación: Esplanade Hubert Landais, 49400 Saumur, France
Horarios: Hours vary by season
Teléfono: +33 (0)2 41 40 24 40
Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte
7. Château de Chantilly
A masterpiece of art, architecture, and aristocratic life
Categoría: Historia, De lujo, Foto
The Château de Chantilly estate is home to two castles: the 15th-century Petit Château and the grand 19th-century Grand Château. Set amid extensive grounds, the estate features formal French gardens, ornamental ponds, cascading water features, and a rustic hamlet that recreates rural life in centuries past. Inside, you can explore lavish private apartments, impressive libraries, and elegant galleries filled with artistic treasures.
The estate also houses the Condé Museum, home to the second-largest collection of antique paintings in France after the Louvre. Masterpieces by Raphael, Poussin, and other renowned artists sit alongside rare manuscripts and decorative arts collected by the Duke of Aumale. Explore the rustic hamlet, too, whose thatched cottages later inspired Marie Antoinette’s famous retreat at Versailles.
Ubicación: 60500 Chantilly, France
Horarios: Hours vary by season
Château de Chantilly
8. Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg
An iconic fairytale castle in the east of France
Categoría: Historia, Foto
Overlooking the Upper Rhine Plain from atop a wooden, rocky hill, the Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg is one of the most iconic medieval castles in France. Built during the 15th century, its strategic position near Swiss and German borders and its well-executed restorations draw in thousands of visitors each year.
The awesome drawbridge, armory, and cannons of this mountain fortress will inspire your imagination, and you’ll lose yourself in the opulence of the Empress’ chambers. Climbing to the top of the bastions will reward you with breathtaking views of the Alsace plain, the Vosges Mountains, the Black Forest, and even the Alps on a clear day. Before you leave, treat yourself to an informative and themed book from their bookshop.
Ubicación: 67600 Orschwiller, France
Horarios: Hours vary by season
Teléfono: +33 (0)3 69 33 25 00
Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg
9. Château de Saumur
Horses, wines, and a stunning castle on the banks of the mighty Loire River
Categoría: Parejas, Familias, Historia, Foto
The symmetrical architecture of the turreted Château de Saumur gives it a stunning fairytale look that’s sure to take your breath away. Originally built during the 10th century, the palace has had several lives, from royal fortress to army barrack to state prison. Today, the castle is home to the Decorative Arts and Horse Museum, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Thanks to its hilltop location southeast of the city center, you get splendid views of Saumur Old Town and the Loire River from the castle’s spooky dungeons. Equestrian shows, exhibitions, and special events are regular features, which make a trip to Château de Saumur an excellent family day out.
Ubicación: 49400 Saumur, France
Horarios: Hours vary by season
Teléfono: +33 (0)2 41 40 24 40
Château de Saumur
10. Château d’Ussé
A home fit for a princess
Categoría: Familias, Foto
Legend has it that Charles Perrault found inspiration for Sleeping Beauty at the Château d’Ussé, and it’s easy to see why. Dating back to the 11th century, this fairytale château rises above the surrounding countryside in a cascade of white stone towers and turrets. Stroll through the terraced gardens, admire the ornamental ponds, and take in the elegant architecture that has captivated visitors for centuries.
Inside, richly furnished rooms are filled with tapestries, trompe-l’œil paintings, and 17th-century antiques. The castle’s famous Sleeping Beauty displays bring the story to life and is always a highlight for kids. Don’t miss exploring the Renaissance chapel and historic stables before climbing higher for a closer look at the château’s enchanting architecture.
Ubicación: 37420 Rigny-Ussé, France
Horarios: Hours vary by season
Teléfono: +33 (0)2 47 95 54 05
Château d'Ussé
11. Château de Chaumont-Sur-Loire
A charming lesser-known castle with extensive gardens
Categoría: Parejas, Foto
Set on a hillside overlooking the Loire River between Blois and Amboise, the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire is one of the Loire Valley’s most distinctive estates. Founded in the 10th century, it later became a fashionable retreat for aristocrats and high-society guests. Today, its beautifully preserved rooms and historic stables offer a fascinating glimpse into centuries of French history.
What sets Chaumont apart is its combination of fairytale architecture, contemporary art, and outstanding gardens, with Installations by modern artists appearing throughout the estate. If you’re visiting between April and November, don’t miss the renowned International Garden Festival, where designers from around the world transform the grounds with imaginative gardens built around a new theme each year.
Ubicación: 41150 Chaumont-sur-Loire, France
Horarios: Hours vary by season
Teléfono: +33 (0)2 54 20 99 22
Château de Chaumont-Sur-Loire
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