The 12 most beautiful castles in France

Thanks to an architecture that has always evolved, France is full of wonders. Discover our selection of the 12 most beautiful castles in France!

Since the sixth century and the construction of the one that seems to be the oldest castle in France, the castle of Castel Merlet, in the Tarn, France has never ceased to dominate the architectural world. Today possessing several thousand fortresses in its territory, all more impressive than others, it would take several years to visit them all. This is why Wanderlix offers today its top of the 12 most beautiful castles in France.

Dive into a medieval world, and go to meet buildings dating for some 1,000 years, imagining the life of old. You will then be counted on architectural prowess, in a world where constructions were much longer and laborious. Then from Saumur Castle to Chinon Castle, passing through the impressive Haut-Kœnigsburg, discover our selection and travel in a time-over!

1. The castle of Haut-Kœnigsbourg

It is first in Alsace that we take you to discover the one that is the most impressive of our selection of the best fortified castles in France. Indeed, discover the spectacular castle of the Haut-Kœnigsburg, built during the 12th century. Redesigned from the backdrop of the 15th century to make it one of the most powerful fortresses in the territory, it was finally completely restored before the First World War, under the reign of William II.

Today, you can visit it throughout the year, in order to extasier you from its greatness. From the bottom of the massif, the castle placed in the heights will seem to you all the more immense. By approaching you, you will fall under the charm of its rosé walls, and many finishes especially worked. Note that access to the tour is prohibited to pets, except for guide dogs and assistance.

2. The Château de Vincennes

Here is the biggest royal castle in France still on foot, and it is just at the gates of Paris ! Indeed, it is in Vincennes, in Val-de-Marne, that you will find this recently renovated architectural marvel that will tell you a part of French history. If its construction began in the 12th century under the reign of Louis VII, it was in the 14th century that it became a true fortress. For a long time considered “the third royal residence”, he will finally be deserted by Louis XIV, who will only have eyes for Versailles.

Transformed into barracks and arsenals by Napoleon I , the fortress protects Paris during the invasions of the nineteenth century. Having suffered many damage during the Second World War, the fortified castle of Vincennes was then largely renovated, and you can now visit it without worry. For this, go to the end of line 1 of the Paris Metro, which will take you to the foot of the fortress.

3. The castle of Pierrefonds

Built during the 14th century, on the orders of Duke Louis d’Orléans, the castle fort de Pierrefonds took place in the department of Oise, in the Haut-de-France region, near the forest of Compiègne. It is originally intended for the monitoring of exchanges between Flanders and Burgundy. At that time, the two domains belong to the family of the Dukes of Burgundy, rivals of the Orléans. Shortly neglected, it was rebuilt in the nineteenth century for Napoleon III.

Today, the castle can obviously visit itself, like all French buildings enjoying the title of historical monuments. But it is above all the place for many film and series shoots, such as the classic Sydney Fox, the Adventurière in 1999, or more recently the series « Versailles », focused on the royalty of the Sun King.

4. If Castle

This is probably the most emblematic castle of our selection! Rendu famous by the famous “Comte de Monte-Cristo”, classic of the French literature of Alexander Dumas son, he is today one of the most visited historical sites of Marseille . Built in the early 1500s, If Castle first served as a “control tower”, to protect the coasts from a possible invasion, cover the exits and anchorage of the whole new fleet of royal galleys.

In 1580 for more than 300 years, he became a place of imprisonment, where all opponents of power and monarchy met. They are then exiled on this castle in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, from which they cannot escape. Historical monument since 1926, If Castle is loaded with energy and anecdotes. That's why he attracts more than 100,000 visitors every year! If you want to go there, go to the port of Marseille to take the boat that will take you there. No worries, he'll be back looking for you...

5. The Château de Fougères

While many buildings of this selection are dated from the Renaissance period, Fougères Castle is the largest medieval fortress in Europe in this state of conservation. The castle is a real synthesis of the principles of construction of the second half of the Middle Ages.

In order to defend the north-eastern part of the border area of the Duchy of Brittany, he saw the day on the edge of the An Mil. Then surrounded by a Normandy English, and kings of France wishing to extend their domination over the entire kingdom, it is at the center of multiple battles. This is how the fortress, first primitive, reinforces itself as the centuries, to become one of the most unbelievable fortresses in Europe.

By visiting him today, you will be the witnesses of millennium memories, which testify to the great epistles that marked the history of France.

6. Fleckenstein Castle

It was in the 12th century, in the commune of Lembach in the Bas-Rhin that a semi-troglodyte castle was born, that of Fleckenstein. He thus bears the name of the family at the origin of his construction, the Fleckenstein, who will be at the head of this French castle for more than 600 years, a record. Reputed unbelievable, this fortress did not fail to his fame, and fell without fighting in the hands of Louis XIV's troops.

The building is then, since this battle of one sense in 1689, in ruin. However, it is largely worth the detour, and is also the second most visited castle in Alsace after that of the High-Kœnigsburg.

7. The city of Carcassonne

More than just a strong castle, it is a real fortified city that offers Carcassonne . A true Hollywood film scenery, visited every year by more than two million visitors, the city is a medieval architectural ensemble located in the heart of Occitania. The main stage of the Gallo-Roman era and the strong wisigoths, the city of Carcassonne has spread over the centuries to become a true architectural wonder.

At the beginning of the 17th century, however, it was abandoned and abandoned by the French royalty, and was then threatened with destruction. It is in the 19th century that it will witness a large-scale renovation, to make it one of the most important French tourist sites.

8. The castle of Saumur

If the beginning of the construction of the castle of Saumur, one of the most beautiful fortified castles in France, began during the 10th century, it was indeed at the end of the 16th century that it ended. Originally designed as a residence for the Counts of Anjou and then the Planets, it is then transformed into a royal fortress under the yoke of King Saint Louis.

Today and for more than 150 years, it is listed as a Historic Monument and the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located just 5 minutes from the city centre, it is easily accessible on foot and will therefore be perfect for a family afternoon stroll.

9. The fortress of Chinon

More than one of the most beautiful fortified castles in France, it is a true fortress that we present to you now! Indeed, the fortress of Chinon is composed of three castles: the fort of Coudray, the castle of the Middle, and finally Fort Saint-Georges. It is in Indre-et-Loire that you will have to visit to appreciate this historic visit.

Having witnessed the Gallo-Roman era, the Lower Empire and the passage of the temples, he has a multitude of anecdotes that will delight both small and large the time of a day of discovery. For this visit, we advise you to call a guide, which will plunge you into a magical universe.

10. The castle of Beynac

The castle of Beynac has been one of the most authentic fortified castles in France for more than nine centuries on the Dordogne River from the top of a vertiginous cliff. In addition, it is also one of the best preserved in the region. Thus, he promises his visitors a moment of discovering the unique history of his kind.

The visit of this place offers a historical journey and plunges you into the kingdom of Richard Cœur-de-Lion as well as in the mysterious Hundred Years War. In addition, climbing up to its dungeons, you will enjoy a view of the whole valley.

11. Bonaguil Castle

Standing on the commune of Saint-Front-sur-Lémance, in the heart of Lot-et-Garonne, Bonaguil Castle is a former fortified castle in France, which has been redesigned over the centuries. Having seen the day in the 13th century, it has a medieval architecture typical of the castles of this region.

The advantage of this structure is also found in all the activities implemented for the youngest. Indeed, hunt for treasures, manual activities of the time, night theatre and other activities take place throughout the year.

12. Sedan Castle

It is with him who is often considered the largest fortified castle in Europe that we finish this selection: the Sedan Castle. Its construction began in 1424 on the banks of the Meuse, on a rocky promontory, in order to allow its tenants to contemplate the region and its possible assailants.

Classified as a historic monument since 1965, the castle has been carefully restored to offer a visit to the heart of the particularly detailed history to visitors.