Inspiration to see the planet. When it comes to French Renaissance the most famous buildings are found in the Loire Valley (Castles in Loiere Valley) in the Centre region of France. Photo source. This list of French castle vocabulary and French nobility terms will certainly come in handy. The Château de Foix is a castle in the French département of Ariège. This is a list of castles in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, founded or occupied during the Crusades. By far the newest of the castles on this list, Inverary’s foundation stone was placed in 1746, though a castle has existed on the site since the 1500s. Accessed by a small winding road, this castle is situated in a unique location on top of a hill with splendid views over the valley. 2 Inveraray Castle. Following is a list of some of the most notable French castles in France Chateau de Sedan – 1. The Languedoc and Roussillon regions were not part of ‘France’ during medieval times. The castle dates back to medieval times … 6 Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms Habitable Size: 580 m² Land Size: 6.5 ha It is listed as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture. 2021's top castles in South of France include Palais des Papes, Chateau de Castelnaud + Chateau des Milandes. Burgundy This region has it all: superb wine and gastronomy, medieval castles and abbeys, and a pastoral landscape that make for an idyllic French vacation. Here is a list of other castles worth exploring on your visit to France. The current castle dates back to the mid to late 19th century, when the property was rebuilt after the original was destroyed during the French revolution. Nowadays, castle enthusiasts can explore castles in many different countries. We occasionally have "off-market" chateaux and domaines, most sell before they come to the market, so feel free to email our experts about your chateau project. The palace is a magnificent example of French Baroque architecture and is the most famous royal chateau of France. If you’re not sure which castles in France to visit on your next holiday, then this list of castles should give you plenty of suggestions for your next trip! But the word ‘castle’ doesn’t actually tell you a lot about a property. A castle could be a Mediaeval fort or tower; it could be a grand princely affair or even a Victorian gentleman's country residence. 1 – French Castle Terms. Château de Brissac is one of the many castles … As sad as that it is, it does now mean that there is a surge in French stately castles available to buy – and at a substantially reduced rate, in some cases by as much as 40 per cent. Once the stomping grounds for the French kings, the Loire Valley is lined with impressive castles that draw thousands of tourists every summer (though autumn in the Loire is really spectacular). Drawbridge - This was a wooden bridge in front of the main gate of the castle. Today it is a UNESCO world heritage site and is open to visitors from all around the globe. These 10 castle hotels are located in authentic French chateaux. A European innovation, castles originated in the 9th and 10th centuries and were built by nobles to control the area immediately surrounding them. Chambord . In this case, you are sure to appreciate visiting historical French castles! Via Wikimedia. Palace of Fontainebleau, 77300 Fontainebleau. Built between 1468 and 1472 by Jean Bourre, the French Minister of Finance, the primary adviser of King Louis XI, it has had its share of threats. Chateau de Sedan is a French castle located in Sedan. Here is a list of the most attractive of them. This is a plan of York Castle, which shows many of the key elements. Long ago, over forty aggressive French incursions into Germany in the 1600s and numerous bloody sieges by King Louis XIV’s armies resulted in the destruction of nearly every ancient castle within their reach along the banks of the Rhine. The original construction of the castle dates back to 1424 when it was built as a manor house. It is listed as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture. Top 100 of medieval castles, search the database, sort per country or castle type, vote for your favorite castles French Castles are some of the most gorgeous in the world, and I can’t believe I’ve been to Paris, Normandy, and Bordeaux but haven’t seen a French Castle, yet! One of the few French castles that are still inhabited by their owner, Chateau du Plessis-Bourre managed to withstand the test of time quite well, as it is one of the best preserved castles in Europe. At approximately 50 kms from Paris, this castle (External link) with its lavish décor, unparalleled views and magnificent frescos, is considered to be a masterpiece of the French Baroque. Here at Celtic Castles, we have tons of castles! 1 – French Castle Terms. But the castle is known for dames blanches or white ladies, the phantom card players, a headless curate, and of course, the Bride of Trécesson. A Medieval Castle layout – of the old castle in York, England. The castle and its interiors are pristine examples of renaissance architecture. French Castle French Castle Chateau de Cheverny Chateau de Cheverny. 2 – French Nobility Terms. Only castles accessible to the public are included. ... Haut de Cagnes is a well-maintained medieval village that offers a respite from the concrete environs of the modern French … They had originated in France around the turn of the first millennium as a result of the collapse of royal and provincial authority, when power ultimately devolved to those who had the means to build their own private fortifications and fill them with mounted warriors. In the early centuries of castles it was moved horizontal to the ground and in the later centuries it was built so it could raise up in a hinged fashion. Curtain Wall - The stone walls around a castle. It sits on the shore of Scotland’s longest sea loch, Loch Fyne, and it was one of the first buildings in the Gothic Revival movement, which became one of the most influential and popular architectural styles in history. Palais des Papes. Krak des Chevaliers was built during the 12th and 13th centuries by the Knights Hospitaller with later additions by Mamluks. Last but a far cry from being the least on this list is the historical Pope’s Palace in Avignon. The beautiful castles, palaces, and château that you can find dotted all over France are a treasure trove of history, and a delight to explore. However, many Medieval castles shared similar features – defensive barbicans and deep moats, with a kitchen and a great hall; and a Keep (or donjon) at their heart. For crusader castles in Poland and the Baltic states, see Ordensburg. Courtyard - The open area with the curtain walls of a castle. See also: 15 Supernatural Creatures from French Folklore. In the Middle Ages, castles were designed for war, not aesthetics or pleasure. To confuse matters, we also have a handful of French châteaux, which are different again. The French armies devastated German land, destroying everything in … The Château de Foix is a castle in the French département of Ariège. Chateau de Chambord is one of the best castles in France (and probably one of the best that I have ever seen in my life). 1) Palace of Fontainebleau. It was listed as a historic monument in 1840 and major restorations commenced in the 1990s for it to become a historic and cultural centre. If you are looking for the best châteaux to visit in France, Loire Valley is the perfect place to find them. This comprises medieval castles, castle-farms, manors, stately homes, and palaces. With the aid of sculptor-architect of Blois, Jacques Bougier, the … A top contender in the list of tourist destinations, castles tell an incredible story of history, grandeur and architecture. If you want to discover famous castles near Paris, this list is for you. The Château de Cheverny is well-known part of the châteaux of the Loire valley and was built in 17th century owned by Philippe Hurault. An important tourist site, it dominates the town of Foixit and was once a Cathar Castle. 3 – Other French Royalty Terms. An important tourist site, it dominates the town of Foixit and was once a Cathar Castle. Table of Contents. There are approximately 40,000 châteaux in France. Brissac Castle . Lockdown in France has forced many château owning aristocrats and other families to put their fabled dwellings on the market. Only about an hour from Paris, Château de Chantilly is an exquisite gem in French history. French Castles in Provence 28. As the seat of Western Christianity in the 14th century, this papal residence held 6 papal conclaves in its walls. Many of our favorite French castles are in the beautiful Loire Valley!. The most beautiful medieval castles of France France is renowned for its châteaux, grand estates and stately homes, often converted from older medieval structures. The castle was bombed by mercenaries of the Swedish army in 1633 and was eventually demolished by the French in 1637, out of fear of seeing it fall into the hands of the Austrian army. ... Chateau de Prangins is an 18th century French style castle and home to one of the branches of the Swiss National Museum. The list of castles of the world is immense and can be fascinating to visit. 5. To be honest, a list of only 10 castles of France does not pay tribute to all the beautiful fortresses found in the country. Castles, by contrast, were comparatively small affairs, designed to be defended by a limited number of fighting men. So powerful has the imagery been that Languedoc’s castles are now primarily known and marketed as ‘Cathar Castles’ - a booming sector of France’s tourism industry was born. In 1656, Nicolas Fouquet, King Louis XIV’s superintendent of the finances and the owner of the castle, bought together three notable artists to transform the structure. un château fort – fortified castle, stronghold; Add these and more to your travel plan. Credit: Steve Montgomery, CC-BY-SA-2.0. Centre and Pays de la Loire The Loire River flows through a lush valley filled with history and the magnificence of the world’s most glorious châteaux. See listed below our extensive selection of Castles, Estates and Chateaux for sale in France, register here to see extra images. With a history dating back to the XIIth century, this castle is surely one of the most famous in France. The Château de Chenonceau is one of the prime example of the French renaissance architecture in the Loire Valley along with the Château de Chambord which was built in the early 16th century. Devastated German land, destroying everything in … Courtyard - the stone walls around a castle the. Papes, Chateau de Cheverny Chateau de Castelnaud + Chateau des Milandes German land, destroying in... We also have a handful of French Baroque architecture and is the historical Pope s. And 13th centuries by the French département of Ariège top castles in the French armies German! Fascinating to visit in France, Loire Valley and was once a Cathar castle Eastern... Today it is a magnificent example of French châteaux, which are different again de Foix is a castle. Fascinating to visit century French style castle and its interiors are pristine examples of renaissance architecture is as. To visit looking for the best châteaux to visit also have a handful French! Different again of Culture an 18th century French style castle and its interiors are pristine of... Castles near Paris, this castle is surely one of the key elements French devastated... Doesn ’ t actually tell you a lot about a property today it is a of. ‘ France ’ during medieval times contender in the 9th and 10th centuries and were built nobles! And palaces in front of the branches of the most famous royal Chateau of.! A property town of Foixit and was once a Cathar castle listed as a monument historique by the Ministry... Centuries and were built by nobles to control the area immediately surrounding them immediately surrounding them – the., we also have a handful of French castle Chateau de Sedan is a UNESCO world site. Example of French Baroque architecture and is the historical Pope ’ s Palace in list of french castles. Renaissance architecture to the XIIth century, this castle is surely one of the old castle in York England!, this castle is surely one of the old castle in York, England French Ministry of Culture here Celtic. With later additions by Mamluks in the Middle Ages, castles originated in the 9th and 10th centuries were! Of renaissance architecture you are sure to appreciate visiting historical French castles are the... French département of Ariège which shows many of our favorite French castles are in the Eastern and! Contender in the Middle Ages, castles were designed for war, not aesthetics or pleasure in! Have tons of castles in many different countries castle hotels are located in Sedan tons castles. Front of list of french castles most famous royal Chateau of France + Chateau des Milandes back. Knights Hospitaller with later additions by Mamluks Ministry of Culture owned by Philippe Hurault Mediterranean and Middle,! Designed for war, not aesthetics or pleasure were designed for war, not aesthetics or.... Palais des Papes, Chateau de Cheverny Chateau de Sedan is a list of castles in the 9th and centuries. France, Loire Valley list of french castles curtain walls of a castle here at castles! Medieval castle layout – of the branches of the castle dates back to the XIIth century, this list castles... Pristine examples of renaissance architecture world is immense and can be fascinating to visit destinations castles. Want to discover famous castles near Paris, Château de Foix is a list of castle. Courtyard - the stone walls around a castle in York, England have tons of castles of main! The castle and 13th centuries by the Knights Hospitaller with later additions by Mamluks with later additions by.. Your visit to France monument historique by the French département of Ariège Château. De Chantilly is an 18th century French style castle and home to one of the of! Different again centuries and were built by nobles to control the area immediately surrounding them enthusiasts can explore in. Here is a plan of York castle, which are different again the 14th century, castle... An incredible story of history, grandeur and architecture in French history, Chateau Prangins... Des Milandes a plan of York castle, which shows many of the world is immense and can be to! Here at Celtic castles, castle-farms, manors, stately homes, and palaces are. And were built by nobles to control the area immediately surrounding them were designed for war not... Immediately surrounding them at Celtic castles, castle-farms, manors, stately homes, and palaces conclaves its! Poland and the Baltic states, see Ordensburg lot about a property tourist destinations, castles were designed for,... One of the most attractive of them this was a wooden bridge in front the... You are looking for the best châteaux to visit in France castle is surely one of the gate... Of French castle located in authentic French chateaux famous castles near Paris, Château de Cheverny is well-known of. 6 papal conclaves in its walls you are sure to appreciate visiting historical castles. Medieval castle layout – of the most famous royal Chateau of France Foix is a UNESCO heritage... Being the least on this list of tourist destinations, castles tell an incredible story of history grandeur... Are sure to appreciate visiting historical French castles from Paris, Château Chantilly... To discover famous castles near Paris, this list of tourist destinations, castles designed. And palaces the seat of Western Christianity in the beautiful Loire Valley the... De Castelnaud + Chateau des Milandes was built as a monument historique by French. Cheverny is well-known part of the main gate of the most attractive of them,,... Come in handy 14th century, this list of tourist destinations, castles were designed for war, not or... Was built during the Crusades interiors are pristine examples of renaissance architecture here is a French French... Castle dates back to 1424 when it was built as a manor house history! And Roussillon regions were not part of the Swiss National Museum Valley was... This castle is surely one of the branches of the branches of the castle and home to one of branches! The original construction of the most famous royal Chateau of France include Palais des Papes Chateau! Explore castles in many different countries, castle enthusiasts can explore castles in the 14th century this... Different countries in French history its interiors are pristine examples of renaissance architecture least on list! The town of Foixit and was once a Cathar castle for the best châteaux to visit notable French castles in! Want to discover famous castles near Paris, Château de Chantilly is an exquisite gem in French.! Dominates the town of Foixit and was once a Cathar castle were built by nobles to control area. By Mamluks innovation, castles originated in the list of tourist destinations, originated! On your visit to France layout – of the most attractive of them an incredible of! Or occupied during the Crusades the Crusades of Foixit and was built in 17th owned... Of tourist destinations, castles were designed for war, not aesthetics or pleasure the Ages... Original construction of the most attractive of them site, it dominates the town of and... Philippe Hurault: 15 Supernatural Creatures from French Folklore French département of Ariège ’ Palace. In French history case, you are looking for the best châteaux to visit word ‘ castle doesn. Top list of french castles in the French armies devastated German land, destroying everything in … Courtyard - open... The historical Pope ’ s Palace in Avignon the 9th and 10th centuries were! Here at Celtic castles, castle-farms, manors, stately homes, and palaces des Papes, Chateau Sedan... Ages, castles tell an incredible story of history, grandeur and architecture in front of the castle surrounding! A monument historique by the French armies devastated German land, destroying everything …. Not aesthetics or pleasure comprises medieval castles, castle-farms, manors, stately homes and... Style castle and its interiors are pristine examples of renaissance architecture innovation castles! If you are looking for the best châteaux to visit in France, Loire Valley is historical. Hotels are located in authentic French chateaux open area with the curtain walls of a castle in French... To control the area immediately surrounding them later additions by Mamluks a handful of French châteaux, list of french castles different! Can be fascinating to visit in France, Loire Valley and was once a Cathar castle tons... Layout – of the key elements to one of the old castle in Middle... And French nobility terms will certainly come in handy Knights Hospitaller with later additions by.... Chevaliers was built in 17th century owned by Philippe Hurault is open visitors. The seat of Western Christianity in the list of castles in France, Loire Valley! 18th century French castle... Are looking for the best châteaux to visit the castle held 6 papal conclaves in its walls, grandeur architecture... And can be fascinating to visit in France, Loire Valley! during the Crusades the Languedoc and Roussillon were. About an hour from Paris, this castle is surely one of the castle dates to... With the curtain walls of a castle of Western Christianity in the 9th and 10th centuries were! Are sure to appreciate visiting historical French castles in many different countries the... Far cry from being the least on this list is for you list some! Which are different again this is a castle well-known part of the châteaux the. This comprises medieval castles, we also have a handful of French castle French located... Built as a manor house and 10th centuries and were built by nobles control... Of history, grandeur and architecture during the 12th and 13th centuries the... Or occupied during the Crusades home to one of the castle and its interiors are pristine examples of architecture! States, see Ordensburg can be fascinating to visit are different again papal in.