Castles in France – 190 amazing Castles, Chateaux and Palaces to visit in France

81. Fort de Fermont

Fort de Fermont is a fortress that was built in 1930, and it can be found on the border of Beuveille. There are seven different combat blocks that can be accessed through underground tunnels. A tour of this fort takes about two hours, and it is well worth it. You will be able to visit all of the blocks as well as the impressive gun turret and museum.

82. Château de Voltaire

Château de Voltaire was finished by 1766, and it was the longtime home of the renowned philosopher until the end of his life. You can visit this castle from April to October, and it is quite an impressive historic landmark. There is a garden outside of the castle with some beautiful flowers.

83. Château de Ferrières

Château de Ferrières was constructed in the mid-17th century, and its architecture is truly something spectacular to behold. It currently houses a large old furniture collection as well as a museum where you can learn more about the art of this region. There is also a nearby park with some of the rarest tree species in the country.

84. Château de Fontainebleau

Château de Fontainebleau is a very well-preserved historical landmark that once served as a hunting lodge for royalty. You can take a tour of this palace to see the grand state apartments, which are all furnished. There is also a huge ballroom with a legendary fireplace that you do not want to miss.

85. Château de Gaujacq

Château de Gaujacq was built in the 17th century, and it has an interesting Italian architectural style that you don’t see with many French historical structures. There is an inside courtyard with a gallery that you can go through at your leisure. This is a beautiful place to visit, and it’s incredibly interesting.

86. Château de Gisors

Château de Gisors is a small town that has an old castle that dates back to the 12th century. It has a medieval architectural style that is very impressive, especially when you are looking up at it from ground level. This castle is situated on a fairly steep hill, and it once served as an important military structure.

87. Château de Grimaud

When you visit the village of Grimaud, you will instantly be able to see the medieval influence. This village has an old church from the 11th century, as well as the remains of a castle that was built around the same time. Some of the mansions in this area have been renovated.

88. Château de Haroué

Château de Haroué was built in the early 1700s, and it was owned by the Beauvau family for many years. Those who venture inside of this castle will find some beautiful furniture, some of which is centuries old. There are also a number of works of art in the various rooms.

89. Château du Haut-Barr

Château du Haut-Barr will provide you with an ideal view of Saverne. It is close to the Strasbourg cathedral, which is also worth a visit if you are ever in this area. This building is currently home to a museum of archaeology, where you will find numerous historical objects on display year round.

90. Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg

This hilltop castle is over 700 meters tall and offers some incredible views of the Alsace plain. It was constructed over 800 years ago as a fortress. After this castle was attacked, the entire structure was rebuilt over three times throughout the years. It has been restored incredibly well, and there are tours given each day of the week.

91. Château du Grand Jardin

In Joinville you will find the Château du Grand Jardin, which was built in the early 1500s. This castle was once a hunting lodge for numerous dukes, but it is currently a cultural centre with exhibitions of modern art. You can visit this place year round, and there is also an expansive Renaissance garden on the grounds.

92. Fort de Joux

Fort de Joux has a huge drawbridge, numerous towers and an impressive overall architecture that once made it a very intimidating place for opposing armies. It was constructed in the 11th century, and there are more than 600 historical artefacts on display today. This is a great place to learn more about France’s fascinating history.

93. Château de la Bastie d’Urfé

Château de la Bastie d’Urfé once served as a manor house, but it became a place of personal residence by the 1700s. You can tour the entirety of the building to see some interesting historical items that date back to the time it was constructed. There are also numerous festivals in the area throughout the year.

94. La Baume Castle

La Baume Castle is an official historic site that is made up of two separate parts. The first part was built in the 1600s, while the other was constructed in the 1700s. The interior of this castle has clear Italian influences, and it is very beautiful. You can go on a guided tour to learn all about this castle’s history.

95. Château de la Brède

Château de la Brède has a gothic architectural design and once served as a fortress. There are over 100 hectares of forested land surrounding the castle with some paths that you can use to explore the area. This is one of the quietest, most picturesque areas in all of France.

96. Château de la Bussière

Also known as the “Fisherman Castle”, Château de la Bussière is a popular historical landmark among tourists. It has a very old vegetable garden and is situated on a large lake. There are manmade paths that you can use to walk around the lake and get a great view of this incredible structure.

97. Château de la Chapelle d’Angillon

The castle in La Chapelle-d’Angillon is where many well-known writers of the time would go to get inspiration for their seminal works. There is now a museum inside where you can learn about the castle and the region as a whole. This castle’s architecture is a combination of different styles, which makes for quite a unique aesthetic.

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98. Château de La Ferté-Milon

Château de La Ferté-Milon is a castle that was erected in the 1300s, though construction was never finished due to the Duke of Orleans’ murder in the early 1400s. It is still considered to be one of the great historical monuments of France, and it attracts visitors from all over each year.

99. Château La Ferte Saint-Aubin

Located in Sologne, this palace has a total of 15 rooms that are fully furnished. There are guided tours that take visitors throughout the entire building. You can also feel free to walk through the large park that this palace sits on for a relaxing stroll on a warm sunny day.

100. Château fort de la Hunaudaye

Château fort de la Hunaudaye was built in the 13th century and was first occupied by the Tournemine family. It has been own by the state since the mid-1900s, and it is open to visitors with various exhibitions that change throughout each year. There are also short paths that go along the castle that you can walk.

101. Château de La Palice

La Palice Castle’s towering gate welcomes visitors who want to see the elegant interior of this old 11th-century structure. There are guided tours that are available each day of the week. You will get to see the library, chapel, drawing room, and impressive tapestries. There is a lot of interesting history associated with this castle.

102. Château de la Roche Courbon

This 15th-century castle has a detailed and impressive interior that welcomes visitors throughout the year. There are also the formal gardens that surround the structure. This historical landmark offers something for everyone, including games, theatre and even theme parties. There is also a cottage that you can stay at near the forest.

103. Château de La Rochefoucauld

Château de La Rochefoucauld was built in the classic Renaissance style, and it is one of the most elegant structures of its time. This building has a primary courtyard and a number of furnished rooms. There is also an impressive gothic-style chapel. It is a wonderful place to visit for anyone who wants to learn about France’s history.

104. Château de la Verrerie

Château de la Verrerie is located beside a lake in the heart of a heavily forested area. You can take a tour of the entire castle. While the exterior does appear a bit run down, the interior is very impressive. The inside of this castle has been refurbished a few times throughout the years for a slightly more contemporary appearance.

105. Château de La Vigne

Château de La Vigne is located in the Auvergne Mountains and was built in the 15th century. Today it serves as a hotel for those who want to an authentic medieval experience. While some of the interiors have been modernized, it still retains most of its old world charm and aesthetic. It is also possible to take a tour of this castle when you visit.

106. Château de Langeais

Château de Langeais is a medieval castle that was built in the 15th century as a fortress to fend off invading enemies. It has since been a place where royalty has resided over the years, holding special events like weddings and other celebrations. Inside this castle, you will find massive fireplaces and tapestries as well as a garden around the exterior.

107. Châteaux de Lastours

You will find that Lastours has numerous castles that you can visit. Some of these castles have been better-preserved than others, though each one is very striking. There are four castles, all of which share medieval architecture. This is an excellent place for history buffs to visit while in France.

108. Château De Lavardens

Château De Lavardens is in the centre of a beautiful town that you will definitely want to stroll through when you visit this historic landmark. Here will find art exhibitions and festivals in the warmer months. The castle itself was constructed in the 12th century, and there are guided tours available throughout each week.

109. Château du Lude

Château du Lude was constructed in the 10th century as a means of fending off the English. By the 15th century, it became a seasonal place of residence for Louis XI. Today you will find that this castle is available to visitors starting in April and going through September. The drawing room in this castle has a number of beautiful paintings with immense historical value.

110. Château de Longpra

Château de Longpra is an architectural treasure of France. It can be found close to Saint-Geoire-en-Valdaine. There is a woodworking museum here that has an immense collection of items that date back to the 18th century. The park in this area has many brightly-coloured gardens that you will want to see as well.

111. Louvre Palace

The Louvre Palace in Paris houses countless pieces from some of the most talented artists who ever walk the planet. The exhibitions change each year, and there are lots of different types of pieces on display. You can easily spend an entire afternoon walking through this museum. The exterior and interior architecture of the building itself is very impressive.

112. Château de Maintenon

Château de Maintenon was built in the 12th century and is still in considerably good condition after a number of restorations throughout the years. The gardens that adorn this towering structure give it a warm aesthetic that you will be sure to enjoy. You can take a guided tour to learn more about the history behind this castle.

113. Château de Maisons-Laffitte

This gothic-style castle was constructed in the 1600s, and it was a hunting lodge for King Louis XIV. You can tour the inside to see the various paintings that adorn the walls, as well as the tapestries and hundreds-year-old furniture. It looks very ominous from the outside, but the interior is quite welcoming.

114. Château de Malmaison

Malmaison Castle was once home to Napoleon Bonaparte, and it is in the middle of a decent-sized park. There is a museum inside that has a number of historic artefacts that will help you learn more about the structure itself as well as France. Guided tours are even every day of the day throughout each year.

115. Château du Marais, Nièvre

Château du Marais is an extremely impressive building that was built in the late 1700s. A majority of the castle is still intact, though it has suffered quite a bit of damage over the years. The park that surrounds the castle offers 40 hectares of land to explore. There is a large water mirror that you can walk along as well.

116. Château de Meillant

The architecture of Château de Meillant attracts lots of visitors every year, and the interior is just as impressive. The Lion Tower is one of the things that really make this structure stand out. There is also a nice park with lots of trees to take relaxing walks through when you come to visit.

117. Les Tours de Merle

Les Tours de Merle (The Towers of Merle) once served as an extremely stable fortress. Construction on these houses started in the 11th century and was completed nearly 400 years later. You can come to tour the remains from April through November, and it is a remarkable experience you won’t ever forget. There are night tours available throughout the summer as well.

118. Monaco – Princely Palace

Monaco has a lot to offer, including Princely Palace and the Oceanographic Museum. The old structures in this area are hundreds of years old, and there is a garden filled with exotic plants and flowers. This is one of the best places to visit in France if you love history.

119. Fortress of Mont-Dauphin

Mont-Dauphin fortress was erected in the 17th century, and it is made of solid marble. The interior is made up of army barracks as well as a full arsenal. The roof of this structure is quite amazing, as it is the rest of its architecture. This building played a very important part in France’s military history, and it is not to be missed.

120. Château de Montaner

The 14th-century old Château de Montaner may not look like much to some who visit, but it has a fascinating history. The top of the structure offers an unparalleled view of the Adour plain. You can tour the entire interior of this castle, and it is well worth taking a day trip to see.

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