5 Best Castles in France

This grand 16th-century Renaissance castle in the Loire Valley is one of the most recognizable châteaux in the world. Its distinct French Renaissance architecture features an astounding 440 rooms, 84 staircases, and 365 fireplaces spread across a sprawling complex designed to impress.

The château's centerpiece is the famous double-helix staircase, an ingenious design that allows two people to ascend and descend without ever crossing paths. Surrounding the château are 13,000 acres of woods and gardens that are perfect for exploring.

Wander through interior rooms that showcase lavish decorations, including ornate carvings, frescoes, and royal furnishings that will give you a sense of the French court's excessive tastes during the 16th century. A visit to Chambord provides an immersive glimpse into one of the finest examples of French Renaissance architecture and opulence.

This iconic palace just outside Paris was the extravagant home to French royalty from 1682 until the French Revolution in 1789. The ornate interior contains 700 rooms filled with crystal chandeliers, gilded carvings, priceless artworks, and decorative flourishes. The remaining grandeur of the palace demonstrates how the structure was designed and built to overwhelm visitors by projecting the king's absolute power.

Experience the dazzling Hall of Mirrors, the king and queen's lavish private apartments, and the opulent chapel. Outside, stroll through sculptured gardens with fountains and tree-lined paths, the Grand Canal, and tree-covered park grounds once used for royal hunts. From the gilded gates to the palace's sheer scale and splendor, Versailles exemplifies unrivaled extravagance and stands among the world's most impressive palaces.

Spanning the River Cher in the Loire Valley, the elegant Château de Chenonceau is often referred to as the "Ladies' Castle”, due to the influential women, among them Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de' Medici, who helped shape its design and legacy.

The château's distinctive arched bridge stretches across the river, allowing you to experience a fairy-tale setting along the water. Inside, you can explore the two-story circular guardroom, grand ballroom, ornate chapel, and museum galleries showcasing Renaissance-era artworks, tapestries, and furniture.

Immerse yourself in the château's lush gardens, lovingly manicured green spaces accentuated by flower beds and groves that lead to the river's edge, as you experience the beauty and elegance of French castle life.

Rising dramatically from the flat coastal landscapes of Normandy, the medieval village and abbey church atop Mont Saint-Michel are among the most iconic and picturesque sights in France. This historic pilgrimage site dates back to the 8th century, with the grand Romanesque abbey church constructed in the 11th century.

At high tide, the granite mount is entirely surrounded by water, giving it the appearance of a mythical castle on an island. Walk across the raised entrance, through the medieval village's narrow streets and fortifications, and up to the crowning glory featured in the awe-inspiring abbey church.

From its highest point, you can take in sweeping views of the surrounding bay and countryside. The Gothic-style building took over two centuries to construct, and with its unique coastal setting and incredibly preserved medieval architecture, Mont Saint-Michel offers an unparalleled glimpse into the past.

The fortified city of Carcassonne is a wonderfully preserved medieval citadel that looks plucked straight from the pages of a fairy tale. Its unmistakable turrets and double-walled fortifications were fully restored in the 19th century, making it one of the best examples of a medieval castle town still standing today.

As you approach the old drawbridge and through the oak gates, you're instantly transported back to the pomp and pageantry of the Middle Ages. Once inside the Cité's walls, explore the narrow cobblestone streets lined with craft boutiques, restaurants, hotels, and homes still inhabited by locals. The inner and outer ramparts also offer incredible views across the countryside.

At the center is the formidable Château Comtal, the citadel within the city featuring a small church, towering watchtowers, and underground displays of medieval weapons and life.

France's long and storied history has bequeathed it an unparalleled collection of castles and chateaux. From the magnificent Palace of Versailles to the picturesque Château de Chenonceau, the castles you can visit on your trip represent the remarkable architectural and cultural treasures throughout the country's regions.

If you seek to explore more of France's fairy-tale castles and storybook manors, explore our France travel guide, or find more inspiration with our France tours and vacations to create your dream trip.