If you grew up daydreaming of living in a beautiful French castle, or if you have spent time binge-watching the incredibly soothing Escape to the Château, then we’ve got good news for you. We’ve rounded up a list of the best and most beautiful châteaux in France! Classical French architecture, gorgeous gardens and fairytale magic is waiting for you in these beautiful spots…
What is the most popular château in France?
In terms of history and visitors, Versailles is undoubtedly France’s most popular and famous château. The château just outside of Paris sees around 27,000 visitors a day on average, all gathering to gawk at the more than lavish abode of some of France’s royalty. Gold accents everywhere, crystal chandeliers in every room, and more secrets and scandal lingering in every hall – it’s no wonder it attracts such a crowd. And that’s just the interiors!
Fun fact, did you know France has an estimated 45,000 châteaux?
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1. Château de Fontainebleau
This is one of the largest French royal châteaux and definitely deserves a place on your itinerary. The Palace of Fontainebleau dates back to the 12th century, though it was renovated in the Italian and French Renaissance style by Francis I and his architect Gilles le Breton in the 15th century.
Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, the château is now a tourist hot spot with more than 1,500 rooms, gorgeous artworks and several stunning gardens to explore. The château was home to many leaders of France, including Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, and Napoleon I, making it a must-visit destination for history buffs.
2. Château de Cruix
How could we create this list and not include Contiki’s own château? You’re right, we simply couldn’t. Because how cool is it that, after a day of adventures in Fontainebleau, you can rest your weary head in a castle in Beaujolais. The breathtaking 16th-century château has been home to many Contiki travellers since 1977 and was recently renovated with love and great care. Staying here will give you serious fairy-tale vibes.
Did we mention the pool and the secret underground club? It’s a château renovated for modern international royalty (you guys – duh).
Image source:Contiki
3. Château de Chenonceau
Nestled in the greenery of the Loire Valley, the Château de Chenonceau is a unique place, with the building jutting out above the River Cher in spectacular design. The château is also a part of salacious French history. The castle was once home to King Henri II, his wife Catherine de Medici and mistress Diane de Poitiers. Yep, the trio awkwardly co-existed here at times, with Diane being responsible for the beautification of the now-incredible palace. We know, 16th-century royal reality TV shows would have been award-worthy.
4. Château de Chambord
Built during the 16th century at the request of King Francis I, Chambord is another Loire Valley palace worth checking out. It’s the largest château in the region, boasting 426 rooms, more than 282 fireplaces, an impressive double spiral staircase in the centre of the palace and 13,000 acres of surrounding parkland. The French Renaissance-style château took an incredible 28 years to build and is definitely worth adding to your itinerary.
It’s one of the most visually stunning French châteaux in the country, and if you feel like snapping pics from every imaginable angle, you can visit Château Chambord on our France in a Week trip!
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5. Château de Couches
Smaller than those châteaux built or renovated in the Renaissance, the Château de Couches is a medieval fortress just outside the town of Beaune. Home to many Dukes and the famous Marguerite of Burgundy, the historical site retains many of its original rooms and features, including the dungeon, tower of justice, cellars and gothic chapel. The historic design makes Couches one of the best châteaux in France to visit.
6. Château de Versailles
Is Versailles a quaint little château? No, it’s an enormous and famously luxurious palace just outside of Paris. But with grandiose decorations, extravagant rooms and meticulously designed gardens it’s still one of the most beautiful châteaux to visit in France. From more modest beginnings under Louis XIII, to glamorous – and costly – renovations by Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette, the château’s glittering halls are steeped in history.
If you’re after beautiful architecture throughout Europe, you can’t miss a stop at Versailles.
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7. Château du Clos Lucé
This stunning pink-brick and freestone château sits in Amboise in the Loire Valley. It was once the home of the French king Charles VIII, princess Marguerite de Navarre and Leonardo da Vinci, with the grounds being transformed into an open-air museum for the latter. Visitors can see da Vinci’s inventions, including the water mill, two-level bridge and assault chariot, along with learning about his work and inspirations. Inside, the rooms retain their historical artefacts and charm.
8. Château de Pierrefonds
Pierrefonds is a 14th-century castle that fell to ruins in the 17th century, before being rebuilt by Napoleon III and architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc in the 19th century. As such, the palace showcases a blend of Gothic, Renaissance and Art Nouveau design, reflecting the many inhabitants and renovations seen over the years.
The surrounding forests and the smooth grey stone make this château a perfect fit for some gothic haunting à la Nosferatu.
9. Château de Hautefort
Ever wanted to pretend to be Danielle de Barbarac in the movie Ever After? Same! At Château de Hautefort you can give it your best shot. After all, this historical site was the setting of Crown Prince Henry’s castle in the film. Hautefort is a former medieval fortress, renovated in the 17th century to update the interior styles and add a French formal garden (which is considered to be among the prettiest in France).
10. Château de Chantilly
A short drive outside of Paris, the historic French château of Chantilly is world-famous for its art galleries, with collections curated by the Duke of Aumale. Seriously, he had the second largest collection of antique paintings in France outside of the Louvre. Along with the spectacular artworks, the château has more than eight centuries of history to uncover, beautiful gardens to explore and the Great Stables (which are basically just a separate, smaller palace for horses).
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11. Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg
The Alsace region is one of the best places to visit in France because of all the history. It was owned by Germany for a while, meaning a lot of the architecture is inspired by that signature fairytale Bavarian style. Within this region, you’ll find the real life princess castle, Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg. Sat atop a hill (magical) and surrounded by forests, you could easily play Beauty and the Beast here and enjoy some sumptuous French wine from one of the neighbouring vineyards.
12. Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte
Located in Maincy, just between Fontainebleau and Paris, this regal French château is a beautiful Baroque construction which – it’s said – the Sun King himself was envious of! The castle is flanked on all sides by perfectly manicured French gardens and various water features like fountains and ponds. Three artists of the 17th century came together to construct this château: Louis Le Vau, André le Nôtre, and Charles Le Brun.
Not far from Château de Fontainebleau, you could realistically visit both in the same day before moving on to Versailles the next day while on a road trip through France.
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13. Château de Carcassonne
If you want some true medieval vibes, this citadel and castle in Carcassonne is the one for you. The château stands proud and tall, complete with all its fortresses and ramparts as well, with centuries of history wrapped all around. Carcassonne has existed since the pre-Roman period, probably thanks to the impressive fortifications which have truly stood the test of time. Other features include the Gothic cathedral, giving you an overwhelmingly Game of Thrones effect.
14. Château de Villandry
Many châteaux throughout France are fashioned with French style gardens – symmetrical works of beauty and engineering. But the Château de Villandry is the castle to visit if you want to admire the landscaping. It’s so famous for its gardens, in fact, it’s called the Garden of France. The château itself is classical and beautiful as well, but the Renaissance gardens are to die for and stretch beyond the eye can see.
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15. Château d’Abbadia
A castle and a sea view? Sign me up! The Château d’Abbadia is one of the best châteaux in France with a neogothic architectural style. It feels like a classic storybook castle, nestled over gently rolling hills. It is named after the explorer Antoine d’Abbadi and was built between 1864 and 1979. The castle is classified as a historic monument and located in the southern Pyrénées region, bordering Spain!
