Are you interested in exploring historic castles? These are the must-see castles in France:
1Palace of Versailles
VersaillesThe Palace of Versailles, located in the city of Versailles, is approximately 25 km away from Paris. This grand castle complex is one of the largest in Europe and served as the primary residence for French kings from the mid-17th century until the French Revolution. 2Château de Vincennes
ParisThe Château de Vincennes is a significant historical site, once serving as a royal residence. It is situated just east of Paris, within the municipality of Vincennes. This location offers visitors the opportunity to explore a piece of French royal history while also enjoying the surrounding area of Vincennes. 3Palace of Fontainebleau
FontainebleauThe Château de Fontainebleau is a historic French castle located in the town of Fontainebleau, in the Seine-et-Marne department, approximately 55 kilometers south of Paris. This location makes it an accessible destination for tourists visiting the French capital. 4Castle of Lourdes
LourdesThe Castle of Lourdes, a medieval fortification, is situated in the French commune of Lourdes, within the Hautes-Pyrénées department in the Occitanie region. It holds a strategic position at the entrance of the seven valleys of Lavedan in the Pyrenees, offering a commanding view of the surrounding area. 5Castelnau-Bretenoux Castle
PrudhomatThe Château de Castelnau-Bretenoux, located in the commune of Prudhomat in the Lot département of France, is a significant historical monument. Recognized by the French Ministry of Culture since 1862, the castle stands as a testament to the rich history and architectural prowess of the region. Visitors to the castle can appreciate its historical significance and the role it played in the history of France. 6Tour du Suquet
CannesThis imposing stone tower dates back to the 11th century. The former part of the city fortification now houses the Castre Museum. 7Castle of the Dukes of Brittany
NantesThe Château des ducs de Bretagne, or Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, is a significant historical site located in the city of Nantes, France. It was the centre of the historical province of Brittany until 1956. The castle's historical significance and its central location in Nantes make it a notable point of interest for visitors to the city. 8Castle of Saint-Germain-en-Laye
Saint-Germain-en-LayeThe Castle of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, located 19 kilometers west of Paris, was once a royal palace of the French monarchy. Today, it serves as the home of the National Archaeological Museum. This historic site offers visitors a glimpse into France's rich past, with its well-preserved architecture and extensive collection of archaeological artifacts. 9Castle of Rambouillet
RambouilletThe Château de Rambouillet, also known as Rambouillet Castle, is a historic site located in the town of Rambouillet, in the Yvelines department of the Île-de-France region in northwest France. It is situated southwest of Paris, making it a convenient destination for those visiting the French capital. The castle has a rich history and has been a significant landmark in the region for centuries. 10Museum of the Great War
PéronneLe Château de Péronne is a significant historical site located in the town of Péronne, in the eastern part of the Somme department. This medieval castle has a rich history dating back to the Merovingian era and has been the residence of several notable figures throughout the centuries. Today, it houses the entrance to the Historial de la Grande Guerre, a museum dedicated to the Great War. 11Château de Lacaze
LacazeThe Château de Lacaze is situated in the commune of Lacaze, a location that has been recognized as a Small City of Character since 2018. This label is a testament to the rich history and unique charm of the area, making it a worthwhile destination for those interested in exploring the cultural heritage of the Tarn region. 12Château de Villiers-le-Mahieu
Villiers-le-MahieuThe Château de Villiers-le-Mahieu, also known as Schloss Launay, is a water castle dating back to the 17th century. It is situated in the town of Villiers-le-Mahieu, within the Yvelines department of the Île-de-France region. This historic structure offers a glimpse into the architectural style and grandeur of the period. 13Castle of Thierry
Ville-d'AvrayThe Castle of Thierry, located in Ville-d'Avray, was constructed in 1776. It was built by Marc-Antoine Thierry, who was the first valet of King Louis XVI. The castle was initially his residence and was designed by the architect Joseph-Elie-Michel Le Fèvre. 14Château de Malmaison
Rueil-MalmaisonChâteau de Malmaison is a historic castle located in Rueil-Malmaison, in the French department of Hauts-de-Seine. It is situated a few kilometers west of Paris, making it an accessible destination for tourists visiting the French capital. The castle is known for its rich history and architectural beauty. 15Rouen Ceramic Museum
RouenThe Rouen Ceramic Museum, established in 1864, is recognized as a 'museum of France'. This prestigious label signifies the museum's importance in preserving and showcasing the rich ceramic heritage of the country. Visitors can expect to explore a wide range of ceramic artifacts that reflect the artistic and cultural evolution of France over the centuries. 16Castle of Hermine
VannesThe Castle of Hermine, located in the city of Vannes, Morbihan, served as the primary residence for the Dukes of Brittany from the late 14th century to the 15th century. This small fortified castle was integrated into the city's ramparts, reflecting its strategic importance during that period. 17Castle of Termes
TermesThe Château de Termes, located near the village of Termes in the Aude département of France, is a historical site with a rich past. This ruined castle is one of the so-called Cathar castles, built on a promontory and defended on three sides by deep ravines. The ruins of the castle cover an area of 16,000 square metres, offering a glimpse into the past and the architectural prowess of the time. 18Pyrenean Museum
LourdesThe Pyrenean Museum of Lourdes, located in the fortified castle of Lourdes in the Hautes-Pyrénées region, is a museum dedicated to all aspects of the Pyrenees. It has been housed in this location since 1921, offering visitors a comprehensive look at the history, culture, and natural beauty of the Pyrenees region. 19Museum of the Royal Estate of Marly
Marly-le-RoiThe national estate of Marly-le-Roi, located in the Yvelines, is a park that borders the Marly forest. It is under the management of the Public Establishment of the castle, museum and national estate of Versailles. This location offers a serene environment for visitors to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. 20Saissac Castle
SaissacThe Château de Saissac, located in the southernmost tip of the commune of Saissac in the Aude département in the north-west of Carcassonne, France, is a ruined castle. It is one of the so-called Cathar castles, a group of fortresses built by the Cathars in the Middle Ages. Despite its ruined state, the castle still stands as a testament to the architectural prowess of the Cathars and offers a glimpse into the region's rich history. 21Dieppe Castle
DieppeThe Château de Dieppe is a castle situated in the city of Dieppe, within the Seine-Maritime department in the Normandy region of northern France. This historic site offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history of the region and the castle itself, which has stood as a symbol of the city's past for centuries. 22Musée de l'atelier Rosa Bonheur
ThomeryThe Rosa Bonheur Workshop Museum, located in the Château de By in the commune of Thomery in Seine-et-Marne, was the home and workshop of renowned animal painter Rosa Bonheur for forty years starting from 1859. This private museum offers a unique insight into the life and work of the artist. 23National Museum and the Château de Pau
PauThe Château de Pau is a significant historical site located in the heart of Pau, the capital of Pyrénées-Atlantiques and Béarn. This castle is a prominent feature of the city and offers a glimpse into the rich history of the region. 24Château de Châteaubriant
ChâteaubriantThe Château de Châteaubriant, located in the commune of Châteaubriant in the Loire Atlantique department of France, is a medieval castle with a rich history dating back to the 11th century. It was initially founded as a fortress to defend the eastern border of Brittany. Over the centuries, the castle has undergone several renovations and modifications, particularly during the Renaissance period, which have contributed to its current appearance. 25Château Chanorier
Croissy-sur-SeineThe Château de Croissy, also known as Château Chanorier, is a historical monument located in the town of Croissy-sur-Seine, in the Yvelines department of France. Named after one of its former owners, the château is a significant part of the town's history and culture. 26Cayla Castle-Museum
AndillacThe Cayla Castle-Museum, also known as the Eugénie and Maurice de Guérin Museum, is situated in the quaint town of Andillac, in the Tarn department of France. This location offers visitors a chance to explore the rich history and culture of the region while enjoying the scenic beauty of the French countryside. 27Edgar Mélik Museum
CabrièsSituated in the castle, this museum is dedicated to the local artist but more sound names have been exhibited here as well. 28Dubuc Castle
La TrinitéDubuc Castle, originally a colonial mansion, is located in Tartane, a village in the commune of La Trinité in Martinique. This historical site, now in ruins, was built in the early 18th century around a sugar plantation worked by slaves. It offers a glimpse into the colonial history of the region and the sugar industry that once thrived there. 29Musée des Arts décoratifs, de la Faïence et de la Mode
MarseilleMusée des Arts décoratifs, de la Faïence et de la Mode (The Museum of Decorative Arts, Earthenware and Fashion) is a museum in Marseille that is housed in Château Borély. The musuem holds a collection that is displayed of 2,500 works, including furniture, ceramics, glasses, tapestries, works of art, 30Count's Castle
Boulogne-sur-MerThe Château de Boulogne-sur-Mer, located in the French seaport of Boulogne-sur-Mer in the Pas-de-Calais département, is a significant historical site that currently houses the Boulogne museum. This castle, built in the 13th century, offers a unique glimpse into the past and serves as a cultural hub for visitors. 31Château du Méjanel
Recoules-PrévinquièresChâteau du Méjanel is a historical monument located in the commune of Recoules-Prévinquières, in the Aveyron department of the Occitanie region in France. This castle is a significant example of the architectural and defensive characteristics of the Renaissance-era strongholds in Rouergue. It is nestled in the hamlet of the same name, along the D96 route leading to Vezins de Lévézou, and is situated near the village of Sévérac le Château in the upper valley of the Aveyron. 32Ducal Palace of Nevers
NeversThe Ducal Palace of Nevers is a historic castle dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. It was once the residence of the counts and dukes of Nevers and is located in the city of Nevers, France. This castle is a significant part of French history and offers a glimpse into the past. 33Castle of Joyeuse
JoyeuseThe Castle of Joyeuse Garde is steeped in Arthurian legend. It was once known as the castle of 'Douloureuse Garde', a place notorious for the atrocities committed by bloodthirsty giants. However, the brave knight Lancelot du Lac managed to liberate the castle, after which it was renamed 'Joyeuse Garde'. This rich history adds a layer of intrigue and fascination to the castle, making it a point of interest for those interested in Arthurian tales. 34Castle Cassan Abbey
RoujanCassan Abbey, also known as Cassan priory, Abbaye de Cassan, Le prieuré de Cassan, château de Cassan, or château-abbaye de Cassan, is an 18th-century building in France. It is recognized as a historical monument and is situated in the Roujan commune, within the Hérault département of the Occitanie region. 35Castle of Caylus
CaylusThe Castle of Caylus, also known as Château de Cailus, is a fortified castle located in Rouairoux, in the Tarn region of Occitanie, France. Built in the 15th century, this beautiful fortified residence was the seat of a barony and then a marquisate. The castle represents the historical center of the current village of Rouairoux. The castle is a beautiful residence consisting of a large main building on four floors oriented to the West and flanked by a powerful square tower at the Southwest corner. This can be likened to a keep. A wing on three floors is articulated at a right angle from the Northeast corner of the main building. This part is adorned with a circular corner turret, remodeled in the 19th century, with for example decorative false machicolations. 36Lastours Castles
LastoursThe Lastours Castle is a significant historical site located in the commune of Rilhac-Lastours in Haute-Vienne, France. It is situated in the country of feuillardiers, amidst the mountains of Châlus, and is accessible via the Richard-Cœur-de-Lion route. The castle's strategic location between Limousin and Périgord adds to its historical significance. 37Castle of Dourdan
DourdanThe Château de Dourdan is a historical castle located in the town of Dourdan, within the Essonne department of France. This castle is a significant representation of the military architecture of its time, showcasing a unique square pattern with towers at three corners and an isolated donjon at the fourth. 38Musée du Domaine Départemental de Sceaux
SceauxThe Musée du Domaine Départemental de Sceaux is situated in the heart of the Parc de Sceaux. It is home to collections that portray the art of living in the Île-de-France region from the time of Louis XIV to Napoleon III. The museum's collections are presented in the current Château de Sceaux, built between 1856 and 1860 for the Trévise family. 39Château de Bernicourt
Roost-WarendinChâteau de Bernicourt, located in Roost-Warendin in the Nord department, is a historical structure that dates back to the early 18th century. This castle, with its rich history, offers a glimpse into the architectural style and lifestyle of the period. 40Castle of Blérancourt Franco-American Museum
BlérancourtThe Castle of Blérancourt, or Château de Blérancourt in French, is a historical site located in the municipality of Blérancourt in France. This castle offers a unique glimpse into the rich history and culture of the region. 41Château de Goulaine
Haute-GoulaineThe Château de Goulaine is a historic castle located in the Loire Valley wine region near Nantes, France. This property has been home to the family of the Marquis de Goulaine for over a thousand years, making it a site of significant historical value. Visitors can explore the castle and its grounds, gaining a unique insight into the history of the region and the family that has resided there for centuries.- 42
House of Comics
BloisThe Château de Blois, located in the department of Loir-et-Cher in the Loire Valley, is a significant historical site. It served as the residence for several Kings of France and holds the distinction of being the place where Joan of Arc received her blessing from the Archbishop of Reims in 1429 before she set off to battle the English in Orléans.