From fairytale fortresses to castellated châteaux, France is home to thousands of castles. Many date back over 1,000 years when they were made to protect the country from invaders, whilst others were built as grand homes later in the 19th century.
You’ll find these centuries-old buildings dotted around France, from Normandy to Languedoc and beyond. So what are you waiting for? Don your finest robes, hail a carriage and get ready to explore these beautiful French castles.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Fandrade. Image Location: Château de Fontainebleau, Île-de-France, France
Château de Fontainebleau
Nearest station: Fontainebleau-Avon
34 kings and two emperors have lived in the 800-year-old Château de Fontainebleau, including Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette. It’s a perfect example of a royal château, complete with 1,536 rooms, including the only throne room in France, as well as the largest formal gardens in Europe. Expect gilded ceilings, glistening chandeliers and plush velvet furnishings inside this vast regal complex. If you’re visiting from Paris, Château de Fontainebleau is an easy 40-minute train ride away.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Tuul & Bruno Morandi. Image Location: Mont-Saint-Michel, Normandy, France
Mont-Saint-Michel
Nearest station: Mont-Saint-Michel
There are few places more memorable than Mont-Saint-Michel, a 1000-year-old abbey built on an island off the Normandy coast. For hundreds of years, it was a Christian pilgrimage site, cut off from the mainland by the sea. Now, it’s open to the general public and is accessible year-round via a bridge. Explore the winding streets of this mini village, dotted with bookshops and crêperies. If you’re lucky, you might catch a classical music concert held inside the abbey walls.
Château Comtal
Nearest station: Carcassonne
There’s a reason thousands of people flock to Carcassonne every year. It’s the largest city in Europe to still have its ancient walls intact. Known as La Cité, this incredibly well preserved medieval complex earned itself World Heritage Site status in 1997. At its center lies the Château Comtal, a 2,500-year-old fortress, topped with perfect pyramid-capped towers. Walking around the ramparts here is a real trip back in time. Come winter, the snow-capped Pyrenees in the distance add to the magical atmosphere.
Image Credit: Getty Images, prill. Image Location: Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg, Alsace, France
Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg
Nearest station: Sélestat
Drawbridge? Check. Towers? Check. Banquet hall? Check. Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg is everything you’d expect from a medieval castle. Perched high in the Vosges mountains, overlooking the Alsace plains, this sandstone castle formerly housed German royalty. Stroll through the courtyard with its centuries-old inn, mill and blacksmith forge before exploring the castle itself (the audio guide is definitely worth the extra fee).
Château de La Motte Husson
Nearest station: Laval
If you’ve ever watched the TV show Escape To The Château, then you’ll likely recognise this castle. Back in 2015, British couple Dick and Angel Strawbridge moved into the dilapidated property with a dream of restoring it to its former glory. Many years of blood, sweat and tears led to Château de La Motte Husson being transformed into a quirky design masterpiece. Think Baroque wallpaper, vintage circus signs and a beautiful art deco orangery. The only way you can visit the château is by prior appointment: either by booking it as a wedding venue or during one of their public event days.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Gatsi. Image Location: Château Comtal, Carcassonne, Aude, France
What is a château?
The word château (plural châteaux) directly translates as "castle" in French. However, a château doesn’t have to be an old fortress with battlements and a moat. In France, large country manor houses are also called châteaux. These historic buildings were once owned by the French aristocracy and were passed down from generation to generation.
How many castles are there in France?
It’s estimated that there are around 45,000 castles in France. Many date back to the ninth century, such as Château d'Angers, while others are more modern incarnations like Guédelon Castle in Treigny.
Which is the most beautiful castle in France?
When it comes to grandeur, it’s hard to beat Château de Chambord in the Loire Valley. Built between 1519 and 1547, it’s a typical example of French Renaissance architecture. Despite never being used as a fortress, it features a keep, corner towers and decorative moat.
While the exact architect is unknown (the original plan is widely attributed to Domenico da Cortona), it’s thought that Leonardo da Vinci also influenced the design. Marvel at the double helix staircase, which sits at the heart of the castle. It’s just 25 minutes by taxi from Gare de Blois—Chambord.
How to get to France's prettiest castles by train
Take a train and find thousands of castles in France and across all of Europe. Download the Trainline app and find a comfy throne to perch on as you speed to your destination. Also check out our guides to the best castles near Frankfurt, Germany and the best castles in Europe.
Header Image Credit: © Olivier Marchant. Image Location: Château de Chambord, Loire Valley, France