The castles in France are among the most spectacular in the entire world. Planning a journey to France’s top castles, including Château de Chambord and others? Let’s look at it.
May find some of the most stunning castles in the world in France. France is home to several stunning castles, palaces, and châteaux spread around the country, and they are a joy to explore. This list of castles should provide you with many ideas for your upcoming vacation if you’re unsure which French castles to see.
Mont Saint-Michel
More than 3 million people visit Mont Saint-Michel each year, making it one of the most well-known landmarks in France. The magnificent Mont Saint-Michel dominates the horizon against the backdrop of the Normandy beach. In reality, it is a walled city that dates to the eighth century rather than a castle. It was constructed around an abbey, and exploring the steep, congested streets is a must-do activity. Take the trip to learn about the intriguing history beneath the surface and explore the ruins of the old abbey.
If the tides come in, the historic town turns into an island that can only be reached by boat. See the video below to see why this isle takes on a mystical quality when it becomes cut off from the mainland. Even Rapunzel’s castle in the Disney film Tangled was modeled after Mont Saint-Michel.
Palace of Versailles
One of the most iconic French structures, the Palace of Versailles requires no introduction, especially if you’re familiar with the hit television series Versailles. It was built in 1631 as a hunting lodge, but King Louis XIV made it famous as the home of the monarchy and the royal court.
You will be in awe of the lavish interiors and the expansive, colorful grounds at this extravagant and magnificent property. The Palace of Versailles has a museum of French history spread throughout its 2,300 rooms. Between the Queen and King’s rooms lies the beautiful Hall of Mirrors, which features more than 350 mirrors along the walls. It would help if you arrived early because the Palace receives more than 8 million tourists yearly.
Château de Chantilly
From Paris, it’s simple to go to Chantilly, and the gardens alone are worth the journey! Therefore, Chantilly is ideal if you have visited the sites and want to spend some time away from the arrondissements and the city. Please plan to spend the entire day touring the gardens and the Château itself since there is much to do here. The Duke of Aumale, who held the Château, was an avid art collector who amassed one of France’s most outstanding collections. Now that the Château de Chantilly is home to one of the top art galleries in the nation, you may see his collection for yourself.
But the estate’s centrepiece is its gardens. You may spend all day exploring these tranquil, beautiful gardens, which are divided into many parts, each with its unique theme. You may discover a Chinese garden, a typical English garden adjacent to calm woodland regions contrasted with well-kept lawns, and much more. Spend a significant portion of your time at the Château de Chantilly, seeing the gardens in all their beauty.
Château de Fontainebleau
One of the greatest day excursions from Paris is to the stunning chateau Le Château de Fontainebleau, 55 kilometers southeast of the city. The original castle, encircled by a sizable, picturesque forest, was constructed as a hunting location for Louis VII, the king of France, in the XII century. Since then, the king’s heirs have invested much time, effort, and money in extending and beautifying this fortress.
Making Fontainebleau one of France’s biggest (and most stunning) royal castles. The Grand Parterre, the largest in Europe, and King Louis XIV’s immediate improvement to Fontainebleau is another highlight of this castle. The gardens here represent the major landscaping trends of their eras and are equally beautiful.
Château d’Amboise
Since Roman times, the picturesque half-timbered village of Amboise in France’s Loire Valley has been home to Château d’Amboise. Amboise Castle is situated in the town’s center as opposed to the remote countryside, unlike the majority of Loire Valley châteaux. The present-day castle was constructed on the ruins of an earlier fortification, which explains its good hilltop site with a view of the Loire River.
A large portion of Château d’Amboise, including its ornately adorned and furnished chambers, immaculately maintained gardens, and passages and towers, are available for guided visits. Fantastic views of the nearby town and its raging river can be seen from the castle’s rooftop, which features Gothic, Renaissance, and 19th-century architectural styles.
You’ll discover everything a castle could have, including armour sets, tapestries, vibrant stained glass, and more. Leonardo da Vinci contributed to later restorations of the château on behalf of King Charles VIII. The burial of the Renaissance master himself, who spent his final three years living and working in the town of Amboise, is located in the Chapel of Saint Hubert on the grounds of Château d’Amboise. Lastly, read more about travel around the world here.
