22 Most Beautiful Castles in France

France is a great destination if you’re into fairytales and history. There are castles everywhere! These are the most beautiful castles in France.

Castles in the North of France

These are the best castles in the northern part of France. Most of them are close to Paris, which makes them perfect to visit as a day trip from the French capital.

Château de Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is a stunning castle just outside of Paris. It was built in the 17th century by King Louis XIV, and it was the royal residence of the French monarchy for over a century. The palace is renowned for its stunning architecture, opulent decor, and lush gardens. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited tourist attractions in France.

• Get tickets
• Best place to stay: Le Louis Versailles Château (4⭐) – Beautiful hotel and just a 5-minute walk to the castle.

Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte

Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is a grand 17th-century castle located near the city of Melun, just outside of Paris. It is considered one of the finest examples of French Baroque architecture and is renowned for its opulent decor and stunning gardens. The castle was designed for Nicolas Fouquet, a powerful minister in the court of King Louis XIV, and was the inspiration for the Palace of Versailles.

• Buy tickets
• Best place to stay: Chambres d’hôtes Apakabar Homestay (3⭐) – Very comfortable rooms in the city of Melun.

Château de Fontainebleau

Château de Fontainebleau is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located south of Paris. It was built in the 12th century and it is one of the largest French royal castles. It was a residence of French monarchs for over eight centuries. You can visit several of the castle’s grand apartments, which include chambers that were used by Napolean and a Turkish boudoir by Marie Antoinette.

The palace also houses a number of museums, including the Museum of the History of France. The Château de Fontainebleau is a popular tourist destination and a must-see for anyone interested in French history and architecture.

• Get tickets
• Best place to stay: La Demeure Du Parc (4⭐) – This gorgeous hotel is located right next to the castle.

Château de Pierrefonds

Château de Pierrefonds is a large castle northeast of Paris, in the Picardy region. The first castle on this site was built in the 12th century. But it was destroyed and became a ruin in the 17th century. Napoleon III restored the castle in the 19th century.

Today, the Château de Pierrefonds is a popular tourist destination, attracting thousands of visitors each year. It was also used as a location for several movies and television shows, including The man in the iron mask (with Leonardo DiCaprio) and the Netflix show Versailles.

• Get tickets
• Best place to stay: Il Etait Une Fois – Amazing B&B with cozy rooms, and right next to the castle.

https://youtu.be/DwW7gA3DSFE

Château de Chantilly

Château de Chantilly is a gorgeous castle north of Paris. The castle was built in the 16th century and was the residence of several prominent figures in French history, including the Prince of Condé. It was largely destroyed during the French revolution but reconstructed in the 19th century. The beautiful castle is known for its art collection, which includes works by famous artists such as Raphael and Ingres. At the request of Henri d’Orléans, the presentation of the artworks hasn’t changed since the 19th century.

• Get tickets
• Best place to stay: Auberge du Jeu de Paume (5⭐) – Beautiful and luxurious hotel. The rooms are decorated like in the 1800s. The restaurant on site has two Michelin stars.

Château de Vincennes

Château de Vincennes is located in the city of Paris. in the twelfth arrondissement. The first thing you’ll notice is the large “keep”, a fortified tower, which is the tallest in all of Europe. There is also a beautiful gothic-style chapel. The castle was used as a prison during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Era.

• Get tickets
• Best place to stay: Appart Hôtel Victoria – Nicely decorated studios, located right next to the castle.

Château de Breteuil

The Château de Breteuil is a beautiful castle located in the Picardy region of France. It is situated in the town of Breteuil-sur-Iton and is considered one of the most beautiful castles in the region. The castle was built in the 17th century and was the residence of several prominent figures in French history, including the Duke of Orleans. The castle is often associated with fairytales. It is said to be the inspiration for the story of Beauty and the beast.

• Get tickets
• Best place to stay: Château de la Cour Senlisse – Would you like to sleep in a French castle yourself? This castle has beautifully decorated rooms and is just a 10-minute drive from Château de Breteuil.

Château de Rambouillet

The Château de Rambouillet is a stunning castle located in the town of Rambouillet, just outside of Paris in France. It is situated in a beautiful park and is considered one of the most picturesque castles in the region. The castle was built in the 13th century and was the residence of several prominent figures in French history, including King Louis XVI and Napoleon Bonaparte. You can visit the castle on a guided tour, which is highly recommended.

• Get tickets
• Best place to stay: Mercure Rambouillet Relays Du Château – Great hotel, right next to the castle.

Château Fort de Sedan

Fort de Sedan is the northernmost castle on this list and is located close to the Belgium border. This is the largest fortress in Europe. It was built around the 15th century and the walls are 30 meters high. If you’re looking for something different, this is a great place to explore.

• Get tickets
• Best place to stay: Hôtel Le Château Fort – This hotel is located in Château Fort de Sedan.

Castles in Central France

There are many beautiful French castles in Central France.

Château de Fougères

Château de Fougères is a beautiful and historic castle located in the Ille-et-Vilaine region of France. It was built in the 11th century and has undergone several renovations and restorations over the centuries. The castle was designed as a fortress to protect the region against invading forces.

• Get tickets
• Best place to stay: Best Western Hôtel Des Voyageurs – Basic, but good hotel. It’s only a 10-minute walk to the castle.

Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg

Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourgis located in the Alsace region of France, in the Vosges Mountains. This medieval castle was built in the 12th century and has undergone several renovations and restorations over the centuries. At some point, the castle was abandoned, but it was rebuilt in the early 1900s. Nowadays, it attracts over 500,000 visitors a year, making it a very popular tourist destination. From the castle walls, you have a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape.

• Get tickets
• Best place to stay: Logis Hotel Le Parc & Spa (4⭐) – Gorgeous hotel with a beautiful spa. From here, it’s a 10-minute drive to the castle.

Château de Chenonceau

The Loire Valley is famous because of its castles and the stunning 16th-century Château de Chenonceau is one of them. It is one of the most famous castles in France. The castle is situated on the River Cher and is known for its unique architectural style, which includes a bridge spanning the river, connecting the main castle to an adjacent building. The castle was owned by several prominent figures in French history, including King Henry II and his mistress, Diane de Poitiers, and Catherine de Medici.

• Get tickets
• Best place to stay: Auberge du Bon Laboureur Chenonceaux (5⭐) – Amazing and luxurious hotel with a beautiful garden and an outdoor pool. It’s only a short walk to the castle.

Château de Chambord

The Château de Chambord is the largest castle located in the Loire Valley and has over 400 rooms. It is one of the most recognizable castles in the region, known for its unique Renaissance architecture and distinctive double spiral staircases which are rumored to be designed by Leonardo da Vinci. The castle was built in the 16th century by King Francis I as a hunting lodge and was used as a royal residence by several French monarchs. The park is surrounded by a large forest.

• Get tickets
• Best place to stay: Relais de Chambord – Small Luxury Hotels of the World (4⭐) – By far the closest place to stay. You can see the castle from the hotel.

Château de Valençay

Château de Valençay is another beautiful castle in the Loire Valley. The Château de Valençay is known for its stunning Renaissance architecture and beautiful gardens. . The castle was built in the 16th century and was the residence of several prominent figures in French history, including Napoleon Bonaparte. The castle is open for visitors from mid-March till mid-November.

• Get tickets
• Best place to stay: Château de Valençay – A beautiful B&B and right next to the castle.

Château d’Amboise

This castle is not only one of the most beautiful castles in France but also an important historical monument. It is a UNESCO world heritage site and was built on the river banks of the Loire. It was very popular with several French kings. One of the most famous royal guests was Leonardo Da Vinci, who actually stayed and worked in Amboise. He is buried in the nearby Chapel of Saint Huber which is located on the castle grounds.

• Get tickets
• Best place to stay: Le Pavillon des Lys – Hôtel Particulier (4⭐) – Stunning hotel and only a 5-minute walk to the castle.

Château de Ussé

The Château de Ussé is a beautiful fairy-tale castle located in the Loire Valley region of France and one of my personal favorites. It is situated in a picturesque valley and is considered one of the most romantic castles in the region. The castle was built in the 15th century and was the residence of several prominent figures in French history, including King Henry IV. Writer Charles Perrault used this castle as an inspiration for his story sleeping beauty. 

• Get tickets
• Best place to stay: Le Clos d’Ussé (2⭐) – Great place to stay, right next to the castle.

Château Royal de Blois

Bloise is a city on the Loire river in Central France. It is home to one of the most beautiful castles in France, the Château Royal de Blois. The castle was built in the 12th century and was the residence of several prominent figures in French history, including King Louis XII and King Francis I. It has numerous gorgeous halls and apartments filled with artworks from the 16th to 19th centuries.

• Get tickets
• Best place to stay: La Maison du Carroir – Cozy B&B and only a 5-minute walk to the castle.

Château de Brissac

Château de Brissac is the tallest castle in France, it has 7 floors. It is also one of the oldest, with parts of the castle dating back to the 11th century. The castle has a rich history and has been the residence of several noble families over the centuries. It has been renovated and expanded multiple times over the centuries to accommodate the changing needs of its residents.

• Get tickets
• Best place to stay: Hôtel Le Castel (3⭐) – A good hotel next to the castle.

Château de Chaumont

The beautiful Chateau de Chaumont is located on the banks of the Loire River, between the cities of Orleans and Tours. The current castle was built in the 15th century, on a hill, towering over the small village of Chaumont-sur-Loire. The castle itself is a beautiful place, but the gardens are even more impressive. They are famous because of the castle’s annual international garden festival.

• Get tickets
• Best place to stay: Les Douves – A really cool B&B on an island in a restored castle. It’s an 8-minute drive from Château de Chaumont.

Château de Villandry

Château de Villandry is one of the most beautiful castles in the Loire Valley. This Renaissance-style castle was built in the 16th century on the grounds of a 14th-century fortress by a wealthy French nobleman, Jean Le Breton. It was designed to be a grand and luxurious residence. Nowadays, it’s one of the most visited French châteaux in the country. The beautiful castle is surrounded by lush and colorful gardens that are the highlight of your visit.

• Get tickets
• Best place to stay: Le Petit Villandry – Small and cozy pension with a garden full of colorful flowers. There is also an outdoor pool and bicycles that you can use for free.

Castles in the South of France

These are the most beautiful castles in Southern France.

Château de Gourdon

The Château de Gourdon is a medieval castle located in the picturesque town of Gourdon in the south of France. It is situated on a hilltop overlooking the town and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area.

The castle was built in the 12th century and was the residence of several prominent figures in French history, including King Henry IV. The castle is currently closed to visitors, but the little town of Gourdon is very scenic and worth a visit.

• Best place to stay: La cigale – Nicely decorated pension in a great location with beautiful views of the landscape. It’s a 20-minute drive to the castle.

Château Comtal in Carcassonne

The Cité de Carcassonne is one of the most famous places in all of France. This medieval fortified city from the 13th century is the largest completely walled fortress in Europe and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. You can visit the old walled city for free, and it feels like you’re going back in time. If you like to visit the castle and the ramparts, you need tickets. The view of the city from the castle is amazing.

• Get tickets
• Best place to stay: Hotel de la Cité & Spa MGallery (5⭐) – Gorgeous and luxurious hotel in the walled city of Carcassone.

Castles in France Map & tips

This is an image. Click here to zoom in on the map.

A few tips before you visit the castles in France:

• Please note that a lot of castles are closed to visitors during the winter months. Always check the official website of the castle for the latest news.
• Some castles are extremely popular, it is therefore smart to buy your tickets beforehand. I usually buy my tickets on the Tiqets.com app. This will give you a nice overview of the tickets and they can easily scan the code at the entrance of each castle.

This is a list of what I think are the most beautiful castles in France. Which castle would you like to visit?

Book a trip to France

Would you like to visit the most beautiful castles in France? Book your trip now!

🚆 Travel to France by train: France is famous for its high-speed trains. You can basically travel to France by train from anywhere else in Europe. For example, there are multiple daily trains between, London and Paris and Amsterdam and Paris. Please visit Rail Europe to see all options and book a ticket.

✈️ Traveling to France by airplane: Do you prefer to travel by plane? Many French cities have international airports. Check WayAway to find the best deals on airplane tickets.

🚘 Rental car in France: If you are planning on visiting a few of those gorgeous French castles on this list, having a rental car is really convenient. Check Discover Cars or Rental Cars to find the best deals for a rental car in France.

Read more about France

Would you like to read more about the most beautiful places in France? Here are a few great guidebooks filled with tips.

Fodor’s Essential France 

Rick Steves France

You can also read more about traveling in France on this website. You might like to read these articles as well:

• 25 Best cities in France to spend the weekend
• 13 Great things to do in Normandy
• Visiting Mont Saint-Michel: everything you need to know

Subscribe to my newsletter to read about fun travel adventures and beautiful travel destinations.

Hi, and how nice of you to read this disclaimer! As you may understand, maintaining a website costs money. Therefore, this website contains affiliate links. If you use them to buy a product or book your next trip, I will get a small commission which I can use to maintain this website. At no additional cost to you. Thank You! Check this page for more information and opportunities to support this website.