The 15 most beautiful castles in France

The French territory is full of heritage treasures. Discover a part with our selection of the 15 most beautiful castles in France!

True prowess of architecture, the castles present in the French territory are also real witnesses of the history of the country. Let yourself be carried in the medieval and enchanting world of the most beautiful castles in France, for a journey that will bring you back time.

From Versailles to Peyrepertuse to the majestic Haut-Kœnigsbourg, discover our selection of the 15 most beautiful castles in France!

1. Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg

Perched from the top of its mountain, the castle of Haut-Kœnigsbourg dominates the Alsace plain. Built in the 15th century, it is definitely one of the most emblematic medieval castles in France.

Very well restored and strong of its location near the Germany and Switzerland , the Haut-Kœnigsburg is, in terms of visits, the first historical tourist site in Alsace, with an average of 560,000 visitors each year.

Passing the gates of the castle of the Haut-Kœnigsburg is going for a journey in the Middle Ages. Collections of weapons, reconstructions... you can even attend a theatrical visit!

2. Chambord Castle

To continue our selection of the most beautiful castles in France, direction the Loire Valley! Built in the 16th century under the initiative of François I , the castle of Chambord is undoubtedly the most imposing of all the castles of the Loire.

Indeed, with its 440 rooms, 365 chimneys and 13 main staircases, the prestance and immensity of the castle guarantee the respect and wonder of its visitors.

3. The Palace of Versailles

How to make a selection of the most beautiful castles in France without mentioning that of Versailles?

Located 20 kilometres south-west of Paris , the Palace of Versailles is certainly the most emblematic of the country. Official residence of the Kings of France, the palace itself covers an area of 67,000 square meters! All nestled in a park of 1,070 hectares with splendid French gardens.

There are no less than 700 rooms, 1,250 fireplaces and 67 stairs that characterize the demeasure and luxury of this rich witness of French history.

4. The Château de Chantilly

Located in the department of Oise 40 kilometres north of Paris, the Château de Chantilly is a popular area for art and horse lovers. In addition to the two castles it houses, the estate also includes the Hippodrome of Chantilly and the Grandes Écuries.

Finally, the Condé Museum on the site allows you to discover one of the largest collections of ancient paintings in France, after the Louvre .

5. The castle of Ussé

Is the architecture of Ussé Castle familiar? You may have already seen it in a fairy tale. Indeed, this is the castle that inspired Charles Perrault , the author of the Belle au Bois Dormant.

Dating from the 11th century, it is now possible to visit the whole castle, from the cellars to the top of the dungeon. You will discover a world beyond time through tapestries, models dressed in period costumes, trumpet-eye paintings and furniture of the seventeenth century.

6. The castle of Saumur

Perched on a hill south-east of the city centre, the castle offers stunning views of the Loire and the old town of Saumur. Originally built in the 10th century under Thibaud I , Saumur Castle now houses the horse museum and the figurine-toy museum.

With its two towers and architecture at the edge of Walt Disney, Saumur Castle defends its place among the most beautiful in France!

7. The Château de Fontainebleau

Located in the city of the same name in the department of Seine-et-Marne, the Château de Fontainebleau is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and imposing in France.

Originally built in the 12th century, the building was the home of the Kings of France and was among the favourite residences of Napoleon . You can even discover his throne and crown in the former king’s chamber.

8. The castle of Vaux-le-Vicomte

Also in Seine-et-Marne, discover the sumptuous castle of Vaux-le-Vicomte in the commune of Maincy. A masterpiece dating from the 17th century, it is a fine example of French know-how and is known for inspiring the famous Palace of Versailles.

Visiting the castle of Vaux-le-Vicomte is discovering its baroque architecture, its magnificently decorated interiors or its French gardens. You can even experience a somewhat unusual experience: a candlelight visit offered at nightfall on Saturday night between June and October!

9. The castle of Chenonceau

Located 30 kilometers east of Tour in the Indre-et-Loire, the castle of Chenonceau is a pure wonder built in the middle of the Dear . Connected to the shores by a magnificent bridge, it would seem straight out of a fairy tale.

Built in the 16th century in a mixture of Gothic and Renaissance styles, it was marked by the presence of Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici . This exceptional site is one of the most visited castles in France to date.

10. Amboise Castle

To finish our selection of the most beautiful castles in France on the side of the Loire, discover this majestic medieval fortress that is Amboise Castle. Overlooking the Loire Valley, it offers a breathtaking panorama to its visitors.

A site in charge of History which served as a residence for the Kings of France and which has notably welcomed great artists as Leonardo da Vinci . Also, the vast gardens around the castle celebrate each year the International Garden Festival: a very good time to visit!

11. The Cathar castle of Peyrepertuse

Unmissable historical monuments, cathar castles in Occitania make the rich heritage of the region.

Overlooking the village that bears its name, the castle of Peyrepertuse is the very incarnation of one of the most beautiful Cathar fortresses, by its architecture and its grandeur. Indeed, it would be as big as Carcassonne’s, hence his nickname “Carcassonne Céleste”. From the top of his rocky spur, he was used to protect the border with Aragon. A beautiful example of medieval military architecture.

12. Bonaguil Castle

Located in Lot-et-Garonne On the border with the Lot and close to the Dordogne, Bonaguil Castle is definitely one of the most beautiful castles in France.

A real symbol of medieval military architecture, the building forms a set of gigantic proportions, all remarkably preserved. Indeed, the castle was simply never attacked! Immerse yourself in the heart of medieval history with the visit of the dungeon, the cave or the levis deck of the castle.

13. The castle of Castelnau

Located in Prudhomat in the Lot, the castle fort of Castelnau-Bretenoux overlooking the valleys of the top of its hill. Built from the 12th to the 17th century, this imposing medieval fortress in red stones, the seat of the family of the barons of Castelnau, was designed to resist the assaults of medieval wars.

Finally, Castelnau Castle is an undeniable witness to the evolution of castral architecture.

14. Castle and city walls of Carcassonne

How to evoke the most beautiful castles in France without mentioning the city of Carcassonne?

A flagship symbol of the department of Aude and Occitania, this fortress of the third century attracts millions of visitors every year. Through vertiginous ramparts and old bridge-levis, this visit will plunge you into an enchanting medieval atmosphere. For an even more fabulous experience, go to summer for a sound show and exceptional lights within the comtal castle of Carcassonne.

15. The medieval city of Provins

To finish our selection of the most beautiful castles in France, direction Provins and its medieval city!

Filed in Unesco’s World Heritage, the city gives you the promise of an immersion in the heart of medieval times. His Caesar Tower, his ramparts, his barn with tithes, his museum or his Priory Saint-Ayoul... so many treasures to discover that guarantee you a unique experience.

So, which of these majestic castles deserves the greatest detour according to you?