11 Most Beautiful Castles in France

The Palace of Versailles is certainly the most iconic castle of France. Located 20 km southwest of Paris, it’s the residence of the last king of France, Louix XVI, before the fall of the monarchy in 1789. A UNESCO World Heritage site and established in a vast park with splendid French gardens, the palace itself covers an area of 67,000 sq m.

With 700 rooms, 1,250 fireplaces and 67 staircases, it’s as lavish and over the top as you can get. From the Hall of Mirrors to the King's Apartment, you’ll find some of the finest French arts on display here. Take a guided tour or check out their calendar for exciting operas and concerts.

Built during the 16th century in an expansive wooded park between Blois and Orléans, the Château de Chambord is the largest castle of the Loire Valley, sat only 5 km from the river. It’s said that Leonardo da Vinci himself influenced the stunning Renaissance-style design of the castle.

Within its grand walls you can find a substantial collection of over 4500 artworks, including tapestries, paintings and sculptures.
When traversing the grounds, go to the northwest side of the moat to take an enchanting photo of this fairy-tale castle reflected in the river. We recommend taking the audio guide tablet during your visit to learn about the history of this stunning castle constructed by King Francis I of France.

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 centre 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.

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 favourite 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.

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.

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.

The land of Chantilly is home to 2 castles, the modest 15th-century Petit Château and the extravagant 19th-century Grand Château. They sit in an extensive park, where you can wander through a French formal garden, large water ponds, beautiful cascades and a rustic village that recreates the bygone countryside’s daily life. Inside the properties, discover show-stopping art galleries, extravagant private suites and a library that will please every bibliophile.

The estate also includes the Chantilly Racecourse and the Condé Museum, which is home to one of the largest French collection of antique paintings. Horse lovers will particularly enjoy the equestrian shows held on certain days in the Great Stables.

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 Swedish and German borders and its well-executed restorations draw in thousands of visitors each year.

The awesome drawbridge, armoury 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 breath-taking 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.

The symmetrical architecture of the turreted Château de Saumur gives it a stunning fairy-tale 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 centre, 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.

Legend states that Charles Perrault, the founding father of fairy tales, was inspired by the Chateau d'Usse when he wrote The Sleeping Beauty. Dating back to the 11th century, the castle looks like it was plucked from the most picturesque of dreams. Marvel at the snowy white turrets and stroll through the terraced gardens with their ornamental lakes and enticing orangery. 

You’ll be pleased to know it’s just as impressive inside as it is outside. Housing rich tapestries, trompe-l’oeil paintings, lavish 17th-century furnishings and quirky period-costumed mannequins, it can be thoroughly explored from the cellars to the tower dungeon. Don’t miss the rotating exhibitions, the stables and the elegant chapel while you’re here.

Peacefully settled on the banks of the Loire River between Blois and Amboise, the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire is a multi-faceted hidden gem. Founded in the 10th century, its historical importance as a luxury destination for royalty over the years means the romantic castle and its lush surroundings are lovingly well-maintained. Venture inside and discover why the magnificent furnishings and artwork made the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire a prime high-society party place in the late 19th century.

This stunning site combines modern art, extensive gardens and fairy-tale architecture to provide an unforgettable day out for all. If you’re lucky enough to visit between April and October, be sure to make time for the truly special International Garden Festival.