The 15 Most Beautiful Castles in France You Need to See

France is renowned for its rich history and stunning architecture, and among its many treasures. From fairytale villages to stunning chalets, we loved exploring all of the beauty this country has to offer. We experiences some of the most beautiful castles in France, and are ready to share them with you. 

These magnificent structures, ranging from opulent palaces to medieval fortresses, offer a fascinating glimpse into the country’s royal past.

Whether you're captivated by their fairytale towers, sprawling gardens, or historical significance, exploring these castles allows you to experience France’s grandeur firsthand.

In this article, we’ll take you through 15 of the most beautiful castles in France, showcasing their unique charm, architectural brilliance, and captivating stories. Get ready to discover some of France's most iconic landmarks.

The Most Beautiful Castles in France

So are you ready to learn about some of the most beautiful castles in France? We've chosen our 15 favorites, but the more we explore, the more we'll continue to add to this list.

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1. Château de Versailles

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Versailles is not only one of the most beautiful castles in France, but also the most famous one.

With its Hall of Mirrors, gold trimmed gates, and magnificent gardens, it truly is a breathtaking masterpiece to add to your France bucket list.

Just about an hour from France's capital, it makes a popular day trip from Paris. It's important to note that due to its popularity, Château de Versailles requires reservations. They're often sold out days in advance, and lines to get in are insanely long.

2. Château de Chantilly

Nestled amongst lush forests just north of Paris, Château de Chantilly is a masterpiece of French elegance and artistry. The château features exquisite Renaissance and classical architecture, housing the Musée Condé, which boasts one of France's most impressive art collections, second solely to the Louvre.

Surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens designed by André Le Nôtre, visitors can stroll past fountains, statues, and the Grand Canal. The estate is also home to the Great Stables, a stunning equestrian complex that hosts incredible horse shows and demonstrations.

Château de Chantilly offers a perfect blend of history, art, and nature, making it a must-visit for travelers seeking a unique French experience.

3. Château de Chenonceau

Spanning the River Cher, this beautiful castle is known as the "Ladies' Castle," highlighting the role of women in French history.

It's honestly one of the most beautiful castles in France, and one that we love even more than most because of the serene nature surrounding it. 

You can visit inside, take one of the various trails around it, explore its gardens, or even rent a kayak and paddle right up to this beauty.

4. Château de Pierrefonds

Château de Pierrefonds is a fairytale-like castle nestled on the edge of the Compiègne Forest in northern France. Originally built in the 14th century and restored in the 19th century by renowned architect Viollet-le-Duc, the château is a stunning blend of medieval and neo-Gothic design.

Its soaring towers, drawbridge, and intricate carvings transport visitors back in time, making it one of the most beautiful castles in France. Inside, you'll find grand halls, detailed sculptures, and exhibits showcasing the château’s history. Frequently used as a filming location, it’s also known for its role in the BBC series Merlin.

A visit to Château de Pierrefonds offers an enchanting journey into the past and a chance to experience one of France’s most picturesque castles.

5. Château de Haut-Kœnigsbourg

This stunning hilltop fortress in Alsace offers sweeping views and tells the story of medieval and Renaissance Europe. Perched high in the Vosges Mountains of Alsace, Château de Haut-Kœnigsbourg offers breathtaking views and a fascinating glimpse into medieval life. 

Originally built in the 12th century and meticulously restored in the early 1900's, this fortress boasts towering walls, drawbridges, and intricately decorated rooms.

The château’s strategic location also makes it an excellent spot to admire panoramic vistas of the Alsatian plains and surrounding vineyards. Château de Haut-Kœnigsbourg is a must-see for history enthusiasts and anyone captivated by the romance of medieval France.

6. Château d’Amboise

Perched above the Loire River, Château d’Amboise is a magnificent Renaissance castle with a rich royal history. Once a favored residence of French kings, this UNESCO-listed château is famed for its architectural elegance, stunning views, and beautifully landscaped gardens.

The château also holds historical significance as the final resting place of Leonardo da Vinci, whose tomb is located in the Chapel of Saint-Hubert on the grounds.

Visitors can explore opulent royal apartments, climb the towers for panoramic views of the Loire Valley, and walk through gardens that seamlessly blend history and nature.

Château d’Amboise is a captivating destination for lovers of art, history, and breathtaking landscapes.

7. Château de Villandry

Château de Villandry, located in the Loire Valley, is renowned for its stunning Renaissance gardens, which are among the finest in France. Built in the 16th century, the château’s interiors are beautifully preserved, offering visitors a glimpse into elegant French aristocratic life.

The true highlight, however, is the meticulously landscaped gardens, including ornamental flowerbeds, a water garden, a maze, and a kitchen garden bursting with vibrant colors and geometric designs. Each garden area reflects a unique theme, creating a visual masterpiece that changes with the seasons.

Château de Villandry is a must-visit destination for history buffs, garden lovers, and anyone seeking the tranquil beauty of the French countryside.

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8. Château de Fontainebleau

Château de Fontainebleau is a magnificent royal residence that has hosted French monarchs from the Middle Ages through the 19th century. Located just outside Paris, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is celebrated for its opulent interiors, Renaissance architecture, and sprawling gardens.

Famous highlights include the richly decorated François I Gallery, the Grand Apartments, and the stunning Horseshoe Staircase. With over 1,500 rooms, the château offers a journey through centuries of French history, showcasing styles from medieval to Napoleonic eras.

A visit to Château de Fontainebleau is a great day trip from Paris, and is one of France's most beautiful and historic castles.

9. Château de Mont-Saint-Michel

Located on a tidal island, this fortress-abbey hybrid is not technically a castle, but certainly enough of one to make our list of the most beautiful fortresses in France.

Explore the abbey, visit the museums, run along the meanders, or simply enjoy roaming the cobblestone streets of this unique fortification.

Mont Saint Michel is a true bucket list destination, and if you'd like to learn a bit more about it, then make sure to check out our Mont Saint Michel travel guide.

10. Château de Cheverny

Located in the heart of the Loire Valley, Château de Cheverny is a stunning example of French classical architecture and is renowned for its impeccable preservation and rich history. 

The castle has been owned by the same family for over six centuries and boasts luxurious interiors, including antique furniture, tapestries, and an impressive art collection.

Famous for inspiring Captain Haddock’s Marlinspike Hall in The Adventures of Tintin, the château offers visitors a journey into both history and pop culture. Its beautifully manicured gardens and the kennel, home to over 100 hunting dogs, make it an engaging destination for all ages.

This Loire Valley gem combines elegance, charm, and a touch of adventure, making it one of the region's must-see castles.

11. Château de Ussé

Known as the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty, Ussé’s fairy-tale appearance makes it one of the most enchanting castles in the Loire Valley, and certainly one of the most beautiful castles in France.

Not only does it have stunning architecture and manicured gardens, but inside the castle you're able to immerse yourself in the true story of Sleeping Beauty.

12. Château des Milandes

Nestled in the Dordogne region, Château des Milandes is a picturesque Renaissance-style castle celebrated for its charm and historical significance. Originally built in the 15th century, it is best known as the former home of Josephine Baker, the legendary entertainer and civil rights activist.

Visitors can explore exhibits dedicated to Baker’s extraordinary life, including her contributions to the French Resistance and her adoption of 12 children to form her "Rainbow Tribe." The château also features beautifully landscaped gardens, a falconry display, and sweeping views of the Dordogne Valley.

This enchanting castle blends history, art, and nature, making it a truly unique destination.

13. Château de Beynac

Perched on a cliff in the Dordogne, Beynac is one of the best-preserved castles in France, offering spectacular views and a glimpse into medieval French history.

Whether you want to climb throuhg the village to explore the top and the scenic views around it, or rent a boat to admire it from below, Beynac is certainly a hidden gem to add to your France bucket list.

14. Château Rivau

Tucked away in the Loire Valley, Château du Rivau is a fairy-tale castle that captivates visitors with its blend of medieval charm and whimsical gardens. Built in the 15th century, the château boasts a rich history and striking Gothic architecture, complete with towers and a drawbridge.

The castle is renowned for its extraordinary themed gardens, designated as "Remarkable Gardens of France." From fragrant rose bushes to imaginative sculptures, these gardens create a magical atmosphere. Inside, the château features stunning medieval rooms alongside modern art installations, blending history with contemporary creativity.

Château du Rivau is one of the most beautiful castles in France, and is a must-visit for those seeking a unique and enchanting experience in the Loire Valley.

15. Château de Chambord

Located in the Loire Valley, this iconic Renaissance castle is (in our opinion) number one on the list for the most beautiful castles in France.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site was commissioned by King Francis I in the 16th century as a hunting lodge and reflects the influence of Leonardo da Vinci in its design.

Famous for its double-helix staircase and 440 rooms, the château is surrounded by a vast forested park that adds to its majestic charm. Visitors can explore the intricately designed interiors, climb to the rooftop terraces for panoramic views, and learn about the château’s fascinating royal history.

So are you ready to starting exploring some of the most beautiful castles in France? This country has some of the most romantic destinations in the world, and certainly will make you feel as if you've stepped right into a fairytale with these stunning chateaus.

Want to explore more of France? Well, we have plenty of other France travel guides that are coming up, so make sure to subscribe to our newsletter for all of the most recent updates.

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