French Castles: The 9 most beautiful castles in France

“The sun shines for me as it does for others. I would like to see the clause in Adam’s testament, which excludes me from the division of the world ”. Francis I of France went down in history for phrases like this. The monarch, one of the main promoters of the Gallic Renaissance, also led to the construction of several castle palaces in his country. Next, we show you the 10 most beautiful castles in France.

The Hexagon, as the territory of France is popularly known, is full of impressive fortresses. Most of the castles were built during the Middle Ages or the Renaissance. Although it is true that there are castles from all eras and styles.

Most of the most spectacular castles in France are found in such beautiful regions as the Loire, Alsace. Or Occitania, which already stands out for its great monumental heritage. At Civitatis we propose a tour of the Gallic country to discover its most iconic castles. Can you come with us?

Chambord, the king of the Loire castles

In any self-respecting list of the 9 most beautiful castles in France, you cannot miss those in the Loire region. Of all of them, one of the most outstanding is the Chateau de Chambord. Important Renaissance artists participated in this palace, considered to be the dream of King Francis I. One of the most famous was undoubtedly Leonardo Da Vinci himself, who, according to legend, designed the famous Chambord double helix staircase.

Lagoon next to Chambord, one of the 9 most beautiful castles in France

Chambord Castle

Inside the castle, you cannot miss the chambers of Louis XIV, the sun king. It is also worth visiting the Royal Chapel and, of course, its beautiful gardens in the purest French style.

With your ticket to the Château de Chambord, you will enjoy all its facilities without having to wait in line.

Chenonceau, the castle of the ladies

The Loire region is also home to other monumental gems in the palatial style, such as the Chateau de Chenonceau. Famous for its arches over the Cher River, this grand building is also known as the Ladies’ Castle. The reason? Illustrious figures such as Louise de Lorraine, Catherine de Medici. Or Diana de Poitiers were the protagonists of the intense palatial life of this refined castle.

Arches of Chenonceau.  one of the most beautiful castles in France

Inside, its great dance hall stands out, where court parties were organized that began in the late afternoon and continued all night. Some did not even finish until well into the dawn of the next day.

If you reserve the entrance to the Château de Chenonceau, you can also visit its beautiful gardens, decorated by Diana de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici.

Angers, one of the 9 most beautiful castles in France

Without leaving the Loire region, it is also worth stopping by Anger to visit its imposing medieval castle. Its main treasures include the chapel of San Juan Bautista and, above all, the spectacular tapestry of the Apocalypse. This loom, considered one of the masterpieces of French tapestry, narrates the Apocalypse according to Saint John through different panels.

1. Angers castle walls

The castle of Angers is also worth visiting for the fantastic panoramic views offered by the viewpoints of the battlements and towers, from which you can see, among others, the towers of the city’s cathedral.

If you want to know one of the 10 most beautiful castles in France, you can book with Civitatis the entrance to the castle of Angers.

2. Pure history in Nantes

The Loire River also makes an appearance in the city of Nantes, where the castle of the Dukes of Brittany stands out. This fortress is key to understanding the past of France since its interior also houses the permanent exhibition of the Nantes History Museum. Its collection also reviews some episodes that marked the future of the Gallic country, such as the expansion of the empire of Napoleon Bonaparte or World War II.

3. Castle of the Dukes of Brittany

Next to the castle of Nantes, there is also the so-called water mirror, where you can take some excellent photographs of the reflection of this fortress.

With the guided tour of Nantes, you will access the castle of the Dukes of Brittany to learn about its legendary history.

4. The elegance of Azay-le-Rideau

The Château de Azay-le-Rideau is considered one of the 10 most beautiful castles in France, and also one of the most elegant. This palace on the Loire, however, rivals in beauty with the nearby castles of Rivau and Villandry. Pure luxury concentrated in a few kilometers around!

5. Castle of Azay-le-Rideau

All these castles are also decorated with fine ornamentation that gives us samples of the luxury and pageantry of different times to which their illustrious inhabitants were accustomed.

If you visit the city of Tours, you can book this very complete tour of the castles of Azay-le-Rideau, Rivau, and Villandry.

6. Vincennes, the castle of Paris

We have talked a lot about the castles of the Loire region, but what about the French capital? Yes, among the 10 most beautiful castles in France we also find one in Paris. It is the castle of Vincennes, located next to the 12th arrondissement.

7. Parisian castle of Vincennes

Vincennes is also considered one of the largest medieval castles in Europe. In addition to the fortress itself, the monumental complex is completed by the Tower of Homage, separated from the rest of the defensive building, and the Sainte-Chapelle vicennienne is considered a Flamboyant Gothic masterpiece.

8. Castle of Pierrefonds

The castle of Pierrefonds has also served as the setting for the filming of historical films such as Joan of Arc and The Man in the Iron Mask.

If you are passionate about history, cinema, or both equally, you cannot miss the opportunity to reserve the entrance to the Château de Pierrefonds .

Legends behind the walls of Carcassonne and its castle, one of the most beautiful in France

One of the best-preserved medieval cities in France in Carcassonne, the usual scene of many legends related to the Cathars. The county castle of Carcassonne occupies a privileged place next to the walls of the citadel that surrounds the entire city, creating a setting that seems to have been taken directly from a tale from the Middle Ages.

9. Castle and walls of Carcassonne

From the towers and battlements of the castle of Carcassonne you will also enjoy extraordinary views of the Aude river

Carcassonne is in Occitania, a French region where Salses-le-Chateau is also located: a town whose name comes from its impregnable medieval castle. This bastion has been the subject of dispute between France and Spain for centuries, which has caused many conflicts between the two powers.