Medieval castles of France: photos, stories, legends.
Without a doubt, France is a country of castles. This is the birthplace of kings and brave knights, the keeper of medieval legends and fairy tales. The architecture of French castles is varied and multifaceted. Many of them survived the times of the musketeers and the French revolutions. Today, all of them are the property of the country and its attractions.
Louvre (Palais du Louvre)
Undoubtedly, speaking about castle buildings in France, first of all we should talk about the most famous of them - the French Louvre, which was based on a castle-fortress. Its main purpose was initially to monitor the lower reaches of the Seine in defense against the Vikings. For this purpose, in 1190, King Philip Augustus built the Great Tower of the Louvre. Much later, in 1317, the Louvre became a royal residence, and Charles V moved the royal treasury here. In 1528, the Louvre began to be rebuilt into a palace, and in the 18th century it was converted into a museum.
Today it is the largest and richest art museum in the world.
Versailles
An equally popular French landmark is Versailles. More than three million tourists visit this main residence of French monarchs every year. This is truly the richest castle in France, in which everything sparkles with luxury.
Built in 1624 as a hunting lodge for King Louis XIII, Versailles was later significantly enlarged and rebuilt as the home of the Royal Family.
Today tourists are amazed by its magnificent halls, among which the so-called Hall of Mirrors makes a special impression. And also the beautiful English gardens of this magnificent palace.
Loches (Château de Loches)
The oldest surviving donjon in France is Loches, built in the 9th century by the Angevin count Fulk of Nerra. This structure has a quadrangular shape and is distinguished by its massiveness. However, Losh delights tourists not only with the grandeur of its architectural structures, but also with the historical names that are associated with it. So, in the 12th century, Losches belonged to the English king Richard the Lionheart, and later the main favorite of the French king Charles VII, named Agnes Sorel, lived here. Among the famous prisoners of the castle is the patron of the great Leonardo da Vinci, Duke of Milan Lodovico Sforza, who was locked up here for more than 8 years.
Chambord Castle
Chambord is considered a true architectural masterpiece of Renaissance France - undoubtedly one of the most beautiful French castles. This is one of the largest royal residences located in the Loire Valley, distinguished by its impressive size and remarkable design.
It is believed that Leonardo da Vinci himself was the designer of this castle structure, built in the 16th century as a hunting residence for King Francois I. It has more than 400 rooms and 300 fireplaces, a double spiral staircase and elaborate domes, pediments and towers. The decoration of the vaults of its halls contains magnificent carvings, which use the emblem of the monogram of King Francis I - the letter “F” and his mascot - the mythical animal salamander.
Chambord is located in the center of a beautiful park, which today is a nature reserve, and the castle itself is protected by UNESCO.
Amboise (Château d`Amboise)
Another French castle, Amboise, is also associated with the name of Leonardo da Vinci. After all, it was in its vicinity that the famous artist lived his last years and it was here, according to his will, that his ashes now rest. So, thanks to the name of Leonardo da Vinci, Amboise is one of the most famous castles in France and attracts a large number of tourists. In addition, this is the first architectural monument that was built in the Loire Valley in the Renaissance style. Its history began in the 11th century, when its first owner was Fulk Nerra, and the three-story castle acquired its current appearance at the end of the 15th century by the will of Charles VIII. The Italian architects he invited introduced the Renaissance style into construction, which had not previously been practiced in France. In addition, it was here that the first regular garden appeared.
Longchamp
And of course, when talking about the castles of France, one cannot fail to mention such a masterpiece of architecture as Longchamp - a unique complex that praises water. This beautiful palace was erected in Marseille in the mid-19th century according to the design of the architect Henri-Jacques Esperandieu in honor of the completion of a global project for the city - the construction of a canal, which saved the city from water shortages.
Since then, Longchamp has become the pearl of Marseille and a magnet for tourists. It includes two unique museums, as well as an observatory, a multi-level fountain complex and a zoological garden.
Rivau
In the list of famous castles in France, Rievaulx occupies a special place, which is today included in the honorary list of Monuments of French National Heritage. This castle, dating from the 13th century, was restored under Charles VII in the 15th century. It became a powerful fortress, the undoubted celebrity of which was the horses. No wonder Joan of Arc came here in 1429 in search of good horses for her army. Rivo is also famous for its beautiful gardens, which are included in the list of the best national gardens.
Château d'If
However, many castles in France were used as prisons and became famous not so much for their architecture as for the names of the prisoners imprisoned in them. And the leader in this list of prison castle buildings is undoubtedly the famous Chateau d'If, whose famous prisoners include Jean-Baptiste Chateau, Comte de Mirabeau, and General Kleber.
In Europe, so it’s even difficult to choose which of this beauty is worth visiting. Here are 10 of the most famous and popular castles in France that are definitely worth seeing! Of course, in addition to these ten, there are many castles that will make a lasting impression:
- 10 most beautiful castles in France
- 10 Best Medieval Castles in France
- 10 Best Castle Ruins in France
10 best castles in France:
10. Chateau de Foix
The highly fortified Foix Castle is an important tourist attraction in the region, the center of the Cathars. It was built in the Middle Ages and has been known since 987. In 1034 the castle became the capital of the county of Foix and played an important role in medieval military history. Towers were gradually added to further protect the fortress. The castle's two square towers, built before the 11th century, served as a political and civil prison for 4 centuries, until 1862. The newest tower is round and was added in the 15th century. Since 1840, the castle has been classified as a historical monument.
9. Chateau de Tarascon
Situated on the banks of the Rhone River, it has been preserved in surprisingly good condition. This is one of the best medieval castles in France and Europe. It was built in the 15th century by the Dukes of Anjou and is a very architecturally compact building, surrounded on all sides by the river.
The magnificent Chateau de Vincennes is a massive castle that belonged to the French kings, built in the 14th century and rebuilt in the 17th century, located in the town of Vincennes, east of Paris (now a suburb of the French capital). Like many famous castles, it began as a hunting lodge built for Louis VII in 1150 in the Bois de Vincennes. Its surprisingly spacious building consists of a fortress with four corner towers, surrounded by a thick perimeter wall.
Without a doubt, this is one of the most impressive architectural ensembles in Europe. Built in the 8th century, the Mont Saint-Michel Abbey is located on a rocky island on the northern coast of France, in. The uniqueness of this place is that this island is located just 600 m from the continent, you can easily reach it at low tide, as many pilgrims did. At the same time, it is also an ideal place for defense: at high tide, potential attackers would drown.
Mont Saint-Michel (the abbey and the surrounding town) is one of the most recognizable landmarks in France, included in
This beautiful castle, Chateau d'Usse, is located on the edge of the Chinon forest overlooking the Indre valley. The castle was first fortified in the 11th century by a Norman lord of Ussé named Gueldin de Saumur, who surrounded the fortress with a palisade. Because of its fabulous appearance in the Flaming Gothic and Renaissance style, Chateau d’Usse is often called the Sleeping Beauty Castle.
5. Chateau d'Amboise
This famous castle is located in the center, in the town. The castle was built at the end of the 9th century on a spur above the Loire River. During the reigns of Kings Charles VIII and Francis I (late 15th century), this medieval one was replaced by a new royal residence. The chateau began to fall into disrepair from the second half of the 16th century, most of the interiors were destroyed, but still something was preserved, the halls were restored, as well as the fortress wall with its towers and walls surrounding the castle.
Historical castle Chateau de Chantilly- one of the most significant aristocratic residences in France during the Ancien Regime era. It is located in the town of Chantilly, in Picardy, north of Paris. This beautiful chateau consists of two adjoining buildings: the Petit Château, built around 1560 for Anne de Montmorency, and the Grand Château, which was destroyed during the French Revolution and rebuilt in the 1870s. They are surrounded by a magnificent park, which was laid out by the great Le Nôtre.
The castle was originally built in 1528–1531 for constable Anne de Montmorency, designed by the architect Jean Bulland. In 1632, for assisting the rebellious Duke Gaston of Orleans, the constable's grandson, Henry II de Montmorency, was put to death. The confiscated estate passed to his sister Charlotte and her husband, Prince de Condé. Their descendants continued to bear the title of Duke of Montmorency and live in Chantilly until the end of the family in 1804.
Inside the Chantilly castle, the Condé Museum is now organized, in the collection of which, in addition to the personal belongings of the princes of Condé, their artistic treasures are exhibited - hundreds of handwritten and first-printed books (including the unique codex of music "Ars subtilior" and the Gutenberg Bible), a rare collection of porcelain and the "Magnificent Book of Hours of the Duke Berry" is a famous illustrated manuscript of the 15th century. Together with numerous engravings and paintings by Botticelli, Clouet, Poussin and other old masters. Every two years, the castle park hosts a fireworks competition - Nuits de Feu, which is attended by people from all over the world.
- one of the most famous and impressive castles in the Loire Valley. The castle is a testament to the Age of Enlightenment, with its original design, furniture and decoration, as well as the history of the castle, which was chosen as the residence of a prominent woman, Diane de Poitiers.
It was built in the 11th century on the Cher River. It passed from hand to hand until it was given to Diana de Poitiers, mistress of King Henry II). She saved the castle from destruction during the French Revolution at the hands of the Revolutionary Guards, convincing of its importance for travel and trade, since it was the only bridge over the river for many kilometers.
2. Chateau de Chambord
- one of the most magnificent and largest castle in. Situated in Europe's largest enclosed wooded park, Chateau de Chambord is a jewel of Renaissance architecture. It was built for King Francis I as a hunting estate and also so he could be closer to his mistress. It is one of the most recognizable castles in the world due to its distinct French Renaissance style, which is a mixture of traditional French medieval elements with a pure Renaissance structure.
1. Versailles
Located approximately 20 km southwest of Paris. When the castle was built in 1624, Versailles was still a small village. Now this area has become a wealthy suburb of Paris.
Versailles was built as a small hunting estate for King Louis XIII in 1624. 8 years later the castle was expanded and became the heart of the new palace. Later, the Sun King Louis XIV turned Versailles into the best palace in the world, moving the royal court here. As a result, Versailles is known not only as a beautiful building, but has become a symbol of the absolute monarchy of the Ancien Regime. Versailles was ahead of its time - it was used as a model for the construction of many other palaces in Europe.
Although the French word Chateau is most often translated as castle in other languages, it most often means a palace or residence in French. For example, the famous Chateau de Versailles bears no resemblance to a castle, thus it is known as the Palace of Versailles. There are thousands of castles in France ranging from ruins to quite normal conditions. Some of the most visited French castles are located in the South of France and in the Loire Valley, popular because of their Renaissance style of architecture.
2. Pierrefonds Castle
Among the most beautiful castles in France, it is also worth noting the Chateau de Pierrefonds. Often used as a filming location for TV shows, Pierrefonds Castle is perched on a hill overlooking the picturesque village. Originally built in the 12th century, Pierrefonds was later besieged in 1617 by the military secretary, Cardinal Richelieu, when its owner joined a political party opposing King Louis XIII. Left demolished by Richelieu's troops, the castle remained in ruins for two centuries until Napoleon Bonaparte decided to begin a restoration project during the mid-1800s. Although Napoleon modernized Pierrefonds, the spacious rooms remained unfurnished. However, visitors can appreciate the castle's brilliance as they view the charming drawbridge, courtyard, towers, corridors, chapel and underground crypt, which contains the remains of several French kings.
3. Chateau de Chaumont
Located in the Loire Valley, Chateau Chaumont has a history that is as colorful as its striking appearance. The castle was built in 1465 on the remains of a 10th century fortress. But it was soon destroyed when King Louis XI discovered that its owner, Pierre d'Amboise, had organized a rebellion against the king. Having been restored several decades later by the notorious wife of King Henry II, Catherine de' Medici, who bought Chaumont and often entertained famous people here, such as the astrologer Nostradamus, the castle passed through various owners before finally being donated to the French government in 1938. Today, visitors can tour the castle to view its elegant interior, gardens, lavish stables, scenic views of the Loire River and countryside.
4. Chambord - one of the most beautiful castles in France
Also located in the Loire Valley, the Chateau de Chambord easily stands out for its remarkable design and size. Regarded as one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture in France, Chateau de Chambord was built in the 16th century as a hunting retreat for King François I. This grand castle has 440 rooms and 300 fireplaces, as well as many other striking features. such as its double spiral staircase and elaborate roof of chimneys, domes, gables and towers that evoke a city skyline. Chambord is a game reserve surrounded by a moat and a wall, the territory of which is home to wild boars, deer and many other animals.
5. Legendary Versailles
As one of the most famous Castles in France, Versailles attracts more than 3 million visitors annually. This magnificent palace was built in 1624 as a hunting lodge for King Louis XIII and later expanded to become the residence of the French Royal Family. The palace's stunning features include the Hall of Mirrors, a corridor with seventeen mirrored arches and many other details. In the Queen's bedroom, visitors can view the hidden door through which Marie Antoinette escaped. With its magnificent halls, Versailles is a must-see. Also visit the palace's 250-acre English gardens, which are designed in a geometric idyll of trees, flowers and paths.
Continue reading also about the most famous castles in England in a separate selection.
The Loire Castles are a number of French castles located in the Loire Valley. They have a certain historical feature - the castles were built or significantly modified during the Renaissance, at a time when the kings of France settled in this region.
The concept of “Loire Castles” has a greater tourist significance due to the high density of outstanding monuments in one place. Thus, there is no exhaustive list of castles that would be included in the list of Castles of the Loire. Exceptional sites are usually confined to the ancient provinces of Anjou, Touraine and Orleans. But some authors expand the area of Laura's castles to the city of Nantes in the historical province of Brittany and to the city of Nevers.
The large concentration of historical monuments in one region led to the inclusion of this place under the collective name “Loire Valley from Sully-sur-Loire to Chalon-sur-Loire.” The Loire Valley is a natural region located in the floodplain of the Loire River in the territory of four departments: Loiret, Loire et Cher, Indre et Loire (Centre region) and Maine et Loire (Laure Land region). Here are several vineyards and most of the castles, which are commonly called castles of the Loire.
Below we have given a list of 28 castles that are of royal origin, or were built by gentlemen close to royal power. All of them are located in a valley on the banks of the Loire or its tributaries, are outstanding examples of the architecture of the past and are of great historical and cultural significance.
Castles of the Loire Valley - PHOTO
The Castle of Angers, also known as the castle of the Duke of Anjou, is located in the city of the same name in the department of Maine-et-Loire. It stands by the River Men on a towering headland, the lands around it have been inhabited since ancient times. Starting from the second half of the ninth century, the castle changed its royal owners many times, was partially destroyed and rebuilt. Despite this, the external monumental walls have remained virtually unchanged since the time of Louis IX. Angers Castle is famous for the Apocalypse tapestries kept within its walls. Their inspection, along with a tour of the wonderful garden and some of the internal buildings, is available to tourists.
Hotels: Angers city
2. Amboise Castle (Château d’Amboise)
Amboise Castle stands on a hill near the Loire River in the city of the same name in the Indre-et-Loire department. Before it was attached to the French crown in 1434, the castle belonged to the powerful Amboise family for four centuries. During the Renaissance, it became home to several kings of France. The castle was largely destroyed after the revolution, until in 1872 it was transferred to the disposal of the House of Orleans. Many travelers suggest starting their exploration of the Loire Castles from this castle. Its architecture expressively reflects the gradual transition from Gothic to Renaissance, and the interior decoration houses antique furniture, rich works of art and artifacts. Leonardo da Vinci rests in a chapel in the park.
Nearest hotels: Château d'Amboise
3. Azay-le-Rideau Castle
The first medieval defensive fortress of Azé was built on this site in 1119. Its purpose was to protect the road between the cities of Tours and Chinon. The fortress was burned in 1418. The modern castle - a masterpiece of the French Renaissance - surrounded by a landscaped park, was built in the period 1518-1523 under the leadership of the treasurer of King Francis I. Today, the interiors of the castle of Azay-le-Rideau delight visitors with rich sculptural decorations, Flemish tapestries, antique furniture, portraits of royalty and many other cultural and historical masterpieces.
4. Beauregard Castle (Château de Beauregard)
The castle is located on the edge of a forest in the small town of Cellettes in the Loir-et-Cher department. It is about ten kilometers from the city of Blois. The original house was built in the fifteenth century and its ruins can still be seen in the park. However, the real builder of the castle is considered to be the Minister of Finance of France, Jean de Thiers (Seigneur de Beauregard). He purchased the property in 1545, after which he built a modern building in the Renaissance style, and invited a large number of famous artists to decorate the interior. Beauregard Castle is famous for its museum collection of 327 portraits of statesmen covering more than three hundred years of French history.
Nearest hotels: Beauregard Castle
5. Castle-Palace of Blois (Château de Blois)
The Royal Castle of Blois is located in the Loire-et-Cher department in the center of the city of the same name on the banks of the Loire River. The Blois Palace is one of the largest in size among the castles of the river valley, it is the most beloved residence of kings Louis XII and Francis I. The castle, built around a courtyard, represents a visual panorama of French architecture from the Middle Ages to classicism. This makes it a key structure for understanding the evolution of architecture over the centuries. Today, the royal apartments, carefully restored and decorated, are available for tours.
Best hotels in Blois
6. Brissac Castle
Brissac Castle is located in the department of Maine-et-Loire, fifteen kilometers from Angers, in the small town of Brissac-Quincé. The fortress was originally built by Fulk Nerra, Count of Anjou in the eleventh century. The castle was purchased in 1435 and reconstructed in 1455 by Charles VII's minister, Pierre de Brezé. Later, it changed hands several times, was subjected to looting and partial destruction, but was always restored. In 1890, a theater was opened within the castle walls. It was completely restored in 1983. Today, it hosts annual theater festivals and various art exhibitions.
Book a room: Château de Brissac
The French castle of Chambord is located in the city of the same name in the Loir-et-Cher department. According to French Wikipedia, Chambord is the largest castle in the Loire. It is located in the heart of Europe's largest closed forest park area. The castle is surrounded by a garden and significant hunting grounds. The first buildings on this site appeared in the fourteenth century. The origins of the modern palace go back to the sixteenth century during the reign of Francis I, who oversaw construction from 1519. The King of France built this magnificence to be closer to his beloved, Countess Touri, who lived nearby. Magnificent Chambord is one of the most recognizable castles in the world.
Hotel 5 km from Chambord Castle
8. Château de Cheverny
Chateau de Cheverny is a castle located in the city of the same name in the Loir-et-Cher department, not far from the castles of Blau and Chambord. The castle was built in the seventeenth century in a classical style designed by Jacques Bougier. For most of its history, the residence was owned by one family. Thanks to this, the interiors of Cheverny have preserved their original appearance better than other castles in the Loire. The castle is famous for the hound hunts that are regularly held here. The residence is still the private property of the descendants of Philip Huro. Despite this, Cheverny is one of the first castles in France open to free visits by tourists.
Hotels in Cour-Cheverny
9. Chaumont-sur-Loire Castle (Château de Chaumont)
The Chateau de Chamont is located south of Blois in the town of Chaumont-sur-Loire in the Loir-et-Cher department. It rises above the Loire on a steep slope, and provides a picturesque backdrop to the small village lined up along the river bank. The history of the castle dates back to the twelfth century. Later it changed its owners several times and was completely rebuilt. During the global economic crisis of the thirties of the last century, the last owners were forced to sell the castle to the state. Since 1992, an international garden festival has been held here annually.
Hotels in Chaumont-sur-Loire
The castle is located in the city of Chenonceau in the Indre-et-Loire department. It was built in 1513 under the leadership of Katherine Briçonnet, the wife of the financial secretary of the kings, Thomas Boyer, who, in fact, financed the construction. Catherine has a decisive influence on the style and design of the castle. Later, the castle belonged to Diane de Poitiers, Catherine de Medici and Louise Dupin. That is why Chenonceau is called the “Ladies' Castle”. Women decorate the castle both inside and outside, the interiors contain antique furniture, rare paintings and tapestries, and the castle grounds are decorated with beautiful gardens and parks.
Nearest hotels: Chenonceau
11. Chinon Castle (Château de Chinon)
The Royal Fortress of Chinon, like many castles, is built on a cliff overlooking the city and the Vienne River. Chinon Castle is built on the site of former Roman fortifications from the fifth century. The history of the modern castle dates back to the end of the tenth, beginning of the eleventh century. It consists of three parts: the central one, where the churches and royal apartments were located, and two defensive forts - one on the flat side and the other on the cliff side. In the seventeenth century, the fortress began to lose its strategic importance and gradually fell into disrepair. Gradual and partial reconstruction began only in 1854.
Nearest hotels: Chinon
12. Rivaud Castle (Château du Rivau)
The Rivault Castle is located in the city of Lemère in the Indre-et-Loire department, literally a ten-minute drive from the Chinon Castle. It was significantly fortified in the fifteenth century and then rebuilt during the Renaissance. Today, this place is primarily associated with the fairytale gardens laid out on the fifteen acres of land around the castle. The construction of gardens and restoration of destroyed buildings began by the new owners in 1992. Among other outbuildings, it is worth noting the magnificent stables. Back in the fifteenth century, horses were supplied from here to the royal court. And at the end of the Hundred Years' War, Joan of Arc came here in search of horses for her army.
Hotels near Rievaulx Castle
13. Castle of Clos Lucé
The French medieval castle of Clos Luce, more reminiscent of an ancient mansion, is located in the center of the city of Amboise. The first buildings appeared on this site at the beginning of the twelfth century. The manor house, which later became the royal residence, was built here in 1477. Francis I, the future king of France, spent his youth in Clos-Luce. In 1516, Leonardo da Vinci settled in the mansion, and here he died on May 2, 1519. Today Clos Lucé has been turned into a house-museum of the great artist. In the halls of the house, interiors from the time of Leonardo have been recreated, and a small park has been laid out around the castle.
Popular hotels in Amboise
14. Gizeux Castle (Château de Gizeux)
The castle is located in the French commune of the same name on the territory of the Loire-Anjou-Touraine National Natural Park. It is a green, wooded area about halfway between the cities of Angers and Tours. The castle was built in the fourteenth century on the site of a former fortress. The complex includes parts that were built in different historical periods. Medieval style and Renaissance architecture have been preserved here. Within the walls of the castle there are two large galleries decorated with works of painting by seventeenth-century artists. In 1829, a park appeared around the castle.
Book a room: Chateau de Gizeux
15. Langeais Castle
The medieval fortress of Langeais is located in the Indre-et-Loire department. It was built at the end of the tenth century by Count Fulk the Black on a rocky promontory overlooking the Loire Valley. Richard the Lionheart later expanded the castle significantly in the twelfth century. During the Hundred Years' War, the fortress was destroyed, only the façade of the main tower was preserved. The restoration of the castle began in 1465 by order of Louis XI and lasted four years. Today the castle is surrounded by a beautiful garden, and its fifteen rooms house a rich collection of unique tapestries from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.
Nearest hotels: Langeais Castle
16. Château de Loches
Chateau de Loches is a castle located in the Indre-et-Loire department, built in the ninth century by Fulk Nerra. The huge fortress rises on a hill above the Indre River. The castle is famous primarily for its massive quadrangular donjon, which, towering, dominates the skyline of the city of Loches. The walls of the donjon reach an impressive thickness of three meters. In 1204, after several attacks, the castle was finally conquered by King Philip II. Starting from the fifteenth century, a prison was located within the walls of the fortress for a long time, some rooms of which are today available to tourists. Major restoration work began in 1806, but to this day some parts of the fortress are still in ruins.
Nearest hotels in Loches
17. Chateau de Meung-sur-Loire
The Chateau de Meun-sur-Loire is an old fortified residence located in the town of the same name. The fortress was built in the twelfth century and was the country residence of the bishops of Orleans. In the thirteenth century, the bishops left the castle, which became a prison; the most famous prisoner there was the Poet François Villon. The building was almost completely abandoned during the period of the religious wars from the late sixteenth to the early eighteenth centuries. Then the castle is restored, its facade is built in the classical style. Beneath the castle are dungeons, a chapel and various medieval instruments of torture.
Nearest hotels: Meun-sur-Loire
18. Montpoupon (Château de Montpoupon)
The Montpoupon castle is located in the Indre-et-Loire department, ten kilometers from the city of Montrichard, in a picturesque valley in the heart of the forest. The castle was founded in the twelfth century. Over time, the requirements for strategic structures changed, so the fortress was completed several times. The outbuildings, which today house a large museum dedicated to hunting, were built in the 1840s. In addition to the exhibition of amateur hunting, visitors can explore pavilions dedicated to forestry, animal husbandry and various medieval crafts.
Nearest hotels in Céret-la-Ronde
19. Château du Plessis-Bourré
The castle of Plessis-Bourret is located in the department of Maine-et-Loire in the valley of the Loire tributaries of the Mayenne and Sarthe rivers. This is one of the Loire castles, whose architecture and appearance have remained almost unchanged and have not changed since its construction. And its construction began in 1468 on the site of the former estate, after King Louis XI transferred the lands of Plessis-les-Vins into the possession of his confidant and treasurer Jean Bourret. He created a small fortress residence here with all the necessary amenities and the opportunity to hold holidays and lavish balls. The well-preserved state of the castle made it popular for filming.
Nearest hotels: Angers
20. Castle of Plessis-les-Tours
Built in the Renaissance style, the Château de Plessis-les-Tours was the favorite residence of Louis XI. On August 30, 1483, the king died within the walls of this house. The current building is only a part (about one third) of the palace that Louis XI built at the end of the fifteenth century. Inside the castle there are iron cages that were suspended from the ceiling to hold prisoners. The cages are so small that the prisoners could not stand in them. Today, by agreement with the Polish community, which owns the castle, only some rooms of the former royal residence can be visited.
Nearest hotels: Chateau de Plessis-lès-Tours
21. Les Réaux Castle
Le Reo Castle is another pearl of the Italian Renaissance, lost among the vineyards in the Loire Valley. The castle belonged to the Bueil Briconnet family and later became the home of the writer and poet Tallemann de Reo. The history of this place begins more than seven centuries ago in the era of charm and elegance of the great dynasties. Today, the castle, surrounded by ten acres of gardens, still exudes harmony, tranquility and romanticism. A small hotel is located in several of its rooms. In 2005, the property was purchased by a Ukrainian businessman who intends to continue the hotel business of the previous owners.
Nearest hotels in Chouzay-sur-Loire
22. Chateau de Saumur
Chateau de Saumur is located in the French city of the same name near the confluence of the Loire and Thouet rivers. The fortified fortress was originally built in the tenth century by order of Thibault I of Blois to defend against Norman raids. In 1026, the fortress came into the possession of Count Fulk Nerr of Anjou, who bequeathed it to his heirs. A couple of centuries later, the castle changed owners several times, was a soldiers’ barracks and a prison. Today it houses a museum of antique toys and a horse museum.
Hotels: Saumur city
23. Castle of Sully-sur-Loire (Château de Sully-sur-Loire)
The castle is located in the center of Sully-sur-Loire on the left bank of the river next to the bridge. The first mention of it dates back to 1102. For many centuries, the fortress belonged to three families, the most noble of which were the Dukes of Sully. The castle acquired its recognizable appearance today at the beginning of the seventeenth century. In 1652, young Louis XIV took refuge in these brick walls during the Fronde of the Princes. In 1715, the castle welcomed Voltaire, who fled from persecution for his satirical works. The castle is surrounded by a moat with water, and there is a beautiful park nearby. An international classical music festival takes place here every year.
Nearest hotels: Sully-sur-Loire
24. Talcy Castle (Château de Talcy)
The castle was built in 1520 by the Italian banker Bernardo Salviati, who was at the court of King Francis I. The building is located in the small village of Bos within the city of Talsi. The interiors of the castle were extensively renovated in the eighteenth century; 18th-century furniture has been preserved in its halls. The modern territory includes an orchard, a dovecote and outbuildings. Next to the castle there is a windmill, renovated in 1976.
Nearest hotels: Talsi Castle
25. Ussé Castle (Château d’Ussé)
The castle is located in the town of Rigny-Ussé. It is built on the banks of the Indre River, which flows into the Loire, and is located 33 kilometers west of the city of Tours and 14 kilometers from Chinon. The local lands have been inhabited by the Golo-Romans since ancient times, as evidenced by artifacts found during excavations. The first wooden fortress was built in 1004. In 1040 the construction of the first stone castle began. In 1424, Mr. Usset built a castle, the main architectural features of which have been preserved to this day. There is an opinion that Andre Le Nôtre himself had a hand in the castle park, and also that in the fairy tale “The Sleeping Beauty” C. Perrault described the castle of Usset.
Hotels near Usse Castle
An outstanding monument of Renaissance architecture and French classicism, Valence Castle is located in the city of the same name in the Loire Valley. In 1540, construction of the existing castle began on the site where the twelfth-century fortress stood. The castle has changed many owners. In 1803, by order of Napoleon, Valence became a residence for receiving foreign ambassadors. At the beginning of the twentieth century, a Regular Park was laid out around the castle. The castle became the property of the Association of National Monuments in 1979. A museum of antique cars appeared here, and exotic animals and birds were released into the park.
Hotels in Valence
27. Villandry Castle (Château de Villandry)
Vilandry Castle is famous primarily for its six beautiful themed gardens and an ornamental vegetable garden. This residence is located fifteen kilometers west of the city of Tours. The construction of the modern buildings of the castle, which was supervised by Jean Le Breton, was completed around 1536. His descendants owned the property until 1754. In 1907, the castle was purchased by doctor and philanthropist Joachim Carvalho. He restores it in full accordance with Renaissance architecture, and arranges the gardens that can be seen today. Inside the castle you can see a small art gallery and a dining room.
Hotels in Villandry
28. Villesavin Castle (Château de Villesavin)
The small castle of Villesavin is located in the Loire-et-Cher department between the castles of Chambord and Cheverny on the banks of the Beuvron River. Like many other castles of King Francis I, the construction of Villesaven began in 1527 and was supervised by Jean Le Breton. In the nineteenth century, the property received some architectural improvements in the historicist style, making it a rare example in the Loire Valley. The castle is currently privately owned but is open to the public on tours.
Nearest hotels: Chateau de Villesavin
How to spend the night in a French castle?
And here is the long-awaited selection of the best castle hotels in France. Who dreams of living in a real castle? This is a great experience! Just imagine how many secrets such places keep. Please note that most castles are not heated, so you should not wait for the onset of cold weather.
Chateau D'artigny
Château D'Artigny is located in an 18th-century style castle. This chateau hotel is ideal for those who want to explore the castles of the Loire Valley. The hotel is only 15 km from Tours (mini-guide to the city of Tours). It features: swimming pool , SPA, restaurant, fitness center, tennis court. The hotel hosts culinary master classes and wine tastings of the region.
Domaine De La Tortinière
My personal favorite among castle hotels is Domaine De La Tortinière. Also ideal for exploring the castles of the Loire Valley. The castle is just a 10-minute drive from Tours. The castle offers guests: a swimming pool, tennis courts, and a restaurant. I would especially like to mention the wonderful rooms, which are superbly decorated with antique furniture.
Chateau de La Ballue
Château de La Ballue is set in a large garden in an ancient 17th-century castle, near the towns of Saint-Malo and Mont Saint-Michel. Guests can enjoy: restaurant, outdoor SPA. A buffet breakfast prepared with seasonal ingredients is served every morning.
Book: Château de La Ballue.
Chateau de Gilly
The Château de Gilly is not a castle. It is the former residence of monks from the 14th century. The hotel is located between Dijon and Beaune, 2 minutes from the village of Vougeot, the famous wine region of Burgundy. The hotel owners managed to preserve the spirit of the 14th century. You will be surprised to see the fortress moats, French gardens, and a dining room with a majestic vaulted ceiling. The hotel's famous restaurant, Le Clos Prieur, offers regional specialties. The restaurant is located in a former wine cellar from the 14th century.
Book: Château de Gilly.
Chateau Des Briottieres
This 18th century castle is located in the heart of the Loire Valley. It features an outdoor heated swimming pool, a tennis court, and a picturesque park with an area of 50 hectares. The Château Des Briottieres' dining room serves traditional dishes from the region for dinner. Dinner includes appetizers, 3 courses, and coffee or infusion. Restaurant reservations must be made 24 hours in advance. The hotel is located just 25 minutes from Angers and 45 minutes from Saumur.
Chateau Sainte-Sabine
This wonderful hotel is located in the center of Burgundy in a 17th-century castle built in an ancient monastery within an 8-hectare park. It features an outdoor swimming pool, a garden and a restaurant where you can taste traditional dishes made from local products. You can explore the neighboring villages, visit the famous vineyards of the Burgundy region and taste the most popular wines.
