10 Best French Castles and Chateau

As the saying goes, “life is a journey, not a destination.” And what could be more indicative of that than spending time in some of the most beautiful and storied places on Earth? If you’re looking to add a little bit of adventure to your life, consider visiting one (or all!) of these 10 French castles and chateaux.

 

1. Château de Chenonceau

The Château de Chenonceau is a 16th-century French château located in the Loire Valley. The château was built in 1514 and was later extended to include an arched bridge spanning the river Cher. It is one of the most visited castles in France, with over 800,000 visitors each year.

The château includes a number of different attractions, such as the gardens, which were designed by André Lenôtre, and the Gallery of Francis I, which features a number of paintings by masters such as Leonardo da Vinci. The château also houses a museum which tells the story of its construction and history.

Address: 37150 Chenonceaux, France

For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.

Château de Chenonceau
Château de Chenonceau

 

2. Château de Versailles

The Château de Versailles is a royal palace located in the Île-de-France region of France. The palace was originally built in the 17th century by King Louis XIV. It was designed to be a symbol of the king’s power and a grandiose setting for his family and court.

Today, the Château de Versailles is one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, drawing millions of visitors each year. The palace is vast, and there is much to see inside its walls. Highlights include the Hall of Mirrors, the King’s Bedroom, and the Palace Chapel.

In addition to its many rooms and works of art, the Château de Versailles also houses a number of gardens, fountains, and other outdoor features. Visitors can easily spend a day exploring all that this iconic palace has to offer.

Address: Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles, France

For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.

Château de Versailles
Château de Versailles

 

3. Château D’Angers

Château D’Angers is a castle located in the city of Angers, France. The castle is renowned for its beautiful architecture and stunning interior. Built in the 9th century, Château D’Angers was originally constructed as a defensive fortification. Over the centuries, however, it has undergone several renovations and expansions, transforming it into the magnificent palace it is today.

Visitors to Château D’Angers can explore the many rooms and halls of the castle, which are filled with works of art, tapestries, and other treasures. In addition, the castle grounds feature gardens, a moat, and a drawbridge, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in France.

Address: 2 Prom. du Bout du Monde, 49100 Angers, France

For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.

Château D’Angers
Château D’Angers

 

4. Château de Vincennes

The Château de Vincennes is a 14th-century castle located in the town of Vincennes, on the eastern outskirts of Paris. The castle was built to protect the city from attacks from the east, and it served as a royal residence for several centuries.

Today, the Château de Vincennes is open to the public, and visitors can explore the castle’s massive keep, its beautiful gardens, and its underground tunnels. The castle also houses a museum dedicated to the history of Vincennes, which is well worth a visit.

Address: Av. de Paris, 94300 Vincennes, France

For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.

Château de Vincennes
Château de Vincennes

 

5. Château Lafite Rothschild

Château Lafite Rothschild is a Premier Cru Classé estate located in the Bordeaux region of France. The estate has been owned by the Rothschild family since 1868, and it is currently managed by Baron Eric de Rothschild.

The Château Lafite Rothschild is a world-renowned Bordeaux wine estate that has been making wine since the 13th century. The château is located in the Pauillac region of Bordeaux and is one of only four wines to receive the coveted “First Growth” classification in the 1855 Classification of Bordeaux Wine.

The château produces a range of red, white, and rosé wines, but it is best known for its iconic red blend, which is made with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot grapes. The wines of Château Lafite Rothschild are revered for their elegance, balance, and concentration, and they are some of the most sought-after wines in the world.

If you’re lucky enough to visit the château, you can take a tour of the cellars and enjoy a tasting of some of their outstanding wines.

Address: 33250 Pauillac, France

For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.

Château Lafite Rothschild
Château Lafite Rothschild

 

6. Château Mouton Rothschild

Château Mouton Rothschild is a world-renowned wine estate located in the Bordeaux region of France. The property is comprised of nearly 200 acres of vines, which are planted with a variety of red grape varietals including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. The estate has been owned by the Rothschild family since 1853, and under their care it has become one of the most celebrated wines in the world.

The château’s flagship wine, Mouton Rothschild, is recognized as one of the finest Bordeaux blends available, and its wines regularly command high prices at auction. In addition to its exceptional wines, Château Mouton Rothschild is also known for its artistry, as each vintage is adorned with a unique label designed by a different artist.

This tradition began in 1945 with a label by French painter Philippe Jullian and has continued in recent years with labels by artists such as Andy Warhol and Damian Hirst. Whether for its wines or its artistry, Château Mouton Rothschild remains one of the most respected names in the wine world.

Address: Château Mouton Rothschild, 33250 Pauillac, France

For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.

Château Mouton Rothschild
Château Mouton Rothschild

 

7. Château D’Amboise

The Palace of Versailles is one of the most iconic royal residences in the world. Located just outside of Paris, the palace was built in the 17th century for King Louis XIV. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year.

The Palace of Versailles is renowned for its lavish decorations and opulent architecture. Visitors can explore the palace’s many rooms, including the grand hall of mirrors, the king’s bed chamber, and the queen’s private apartment. The palace also features extensive gardens, which are open to the public.

The gardens are home to numerous sculptures and fountains, as well as a variety of plant life. In addition, the Palace of Versailles is home to a theatre, a museum, and a school.

Address: Mnt de l’Emir Abd el Kader, 37400 Amboise, France

For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.

Château D’Amboise
Château D’Amboise

 

8. The Louvre Museum, Paris

Situated in the heart of Paris, The Louvre Museum is one of the most visited museums in the world. Housing over380,000 works of art, it is also one of the largest museums. The museum’s collections span a wide range of periods and cultures, from Antiquity to the 21st century.

Among the most famous works on display are the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. However, The Louvre is much more than just a repository for iconic paintings. It is also home to an extensive collection of sculptures, relics, and other artifacts. In addition, the museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that showcase both classic and contemporary works of art.

Whether you’re an art aficionado or simply looking for a bit of culture, The Louvre Museum is sure to impress.

Address: Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France

For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.

The Louvre Museum, Paris
The Louvre Museum, Paris

 

9. Disneyland Paris Resort

Disneyland Paris is a world-renowned theme park and resort complex located in Marne-la-Vallee, just outside of Paris, France. The resort is home to two theme parks – Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park – as well as dozens of hotels, restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues.

Some of the most popular attractions at Disneyland Paris include Sleeping Beauty Castle, Main Street USA, Adventureland, Frontierland, and Fantasyland. The Walt Disney Studios Park features attractions based on popular films and television shows such as Toy Story, The Lion King, and Pirates of the Caribbean.

Whether you’re looking for thrills or Disney Magic, Disneyland Paris is sure to delight visitors of all ages.

Address: Bd de Parc, 77700 Coupvray, France

For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.

Disneyland Paris Resort
Disneyland Paris Resort

 

10. Palace of Fontainebleau

The Palace of Fontainebleau is a historic French château located about 60 miles southeast of Paris. Built in the 12th century, it served as a home for many French monarchs, including Louis VII, Napoleon III, and Henri IV. The palace is vast, with over 1,500 rooms spread across more than 150 acres of land.

It contains an impressive art collection, including works by Andrea Mantegna, Botticelli, and Leonardo da Vinci. Guests to the palace can also explore the grounds, which feature beautifully manicured gardens, sculptures, and fountains. In addition, the palace hosts a variety of events throughout the year, such as concerts, exhibitions, and fairs.

Whether you’re interested in art, history, or simply enjoying a beautiful day out, the Palace of Fontainebleau has something to offer everyone.

Address: 77300 Fontainebleau, France

For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.

Palace of Fontainebleau
Palace of Fontainebleau

 

In conclusion

The 10 best French castles and chateaus are some of the most impressive and iconic structures in the world. From the Palace of Versailles to Disneyland Paris Resort, these grandiose buildings are sure to impress visitors from all walks of life. If you’re looking for a bit of culture or simply want to feel like a king or queen for a day, be sure to check out one (or all) of these amazing French castles and chateaus!

 


Simply France
Simply France

We are here out of a desire to help and of course out of a great love for France. Our goal is to help you find everything you are looking for under one roof, to get the most out of your vacation in France, without having to travel all over the web.

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