All castle to visit in France

Step into history at the majestic castles in France. These 42 architectural wonders offer a glimpse into the past with their grand structures and historical significance.

Are you interested in exploring historic castles? These are the must-see castles in France:

  1. Palace of Versailles1

    Palace of Versailles

     Versailles
    The 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.
  2. Château de Vincennes2

    Château de Vincennes

     Paris
    The 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.
  3. Palace of Fontainebleau3

    Palace of Fontainebleau

     Fontainebleau
    The 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.
  4. Castle of Lourdes4

    Castle of Lourdes

     Lourdes
    The 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.
  5. Castelnau-Bretenoux Castle5

    Castelnau-Bretenoux Castle

     Prudhomat
    The 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.
  6. Tour du Suquet6

    Tour du Suquet

     Cannes
    This imposing stone tower dates back to the 11th century. The former part of the city fortification now houses the Castre Museum.
  7. Castle of the Dukes of Brittany7

    Castle of the Dukes of Brittany

     Nantes
    The 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.
  8. Castle of Saint-Germain-en-Laye8

    Castle of Saint-Germain-en-Laye

     Saint-Germain-en-Laye
    The 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.
  9. Castle of Rambouillet9

    Castle of Rambouillet

     Rambouillet
    The 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.
  10. Museum of the Great War10

    Museum of the Great War

     Péronne
    Le 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.
  11. Château de Lacaze11

    Château de Lacaze

     Lacaze
    The 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.
  12. Château de Villiers-le-Mahieu12

    Château de Villiers-le-Mahieu

     Villiers-le-Mahieu
    The 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.
  13. Castle of Thierry13

    Castle of Thierry

     Ville-d'Avray
    The 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.
  14. Château de Malmaison14

    Château de Malmaison

     Rueil-Malmaison
    Château 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.
  15. Rouen Ceramic Museum15

    Rouen Ceramic Museum

     Rouen
    The 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.
  16. Castle of Hermine16

    Castle of Hermine

     Vannes
    The 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.
  17. Castle of Termes17

    Castle of Termes

     Termes
    The 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.
  18. Pyrenean Museum18

    Pyrenean Museum

     Lourdes
    The 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.
  19. Museum of the Royal Estate of Marly19

    Museum of the Royal Estate of Marly

     Marly-le-Roi
    The 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.
  20. Saissac Castle20

    Saissac Castle

     Saissac
    The 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.
  21. Dieppe Castle21

    Dieppe Castle

     Dieppe
    The 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.
  22. Musée de l'atelier Rosa Bonheur22

    Musée de l'atelier Rosa Bonheur

     Thomery
    The 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.
  23. National Museum and the Château de Pau23

    National Museum and the Château de Pau

     Pau
    The 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.
  24. Château de Châteaubriant24

    Château de Châteaubriant

     Châteaubriant
    The 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.
  25. Château Chanorier25

    Château Chanorier

     Croissy-sur-Seine
    The 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.
  26. Cayla Castle-Museum26

    Cayla Castle-Museum

     Andillac
    The 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.
  27. Edgar Mélik Museum27

    Edgar Mélik Museum

     Cabriès
    Situated in the castle, this museum is dedicated to the local artist but more sound names have been exhibited here as well.
  28. Dubuc Castle28

    Dubuc Castle

     La Trinité
    Dubuc 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.
  29. Musée des Arts décoratifs, de la Faïence et de la Mode29

    Musée des Arts décoratifs, de la Faïence et de la Mode

     Marseille
    Musée 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,
  30. Count's Castle30

    Count's Castle

     Boulogne-sur-Mer
    The 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.
  31. Château du Méjanel31

    Château du Méjanel

     Recoules-Prévinquières
    Château 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.
  32. Ducal Palace of Nevers32

    Ducal Palace of Nevers

     Nevers
    The 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.
  33. Castle of Joyeuse33

    Castle of Joyeuse

     Joyeuse
    The 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.
  34. Castle Cassan Abbey34

    Castle Cassan Abbey

     Roujan
    Cassan 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.
  35. Castle of Caylus35

    Castle of Caylus

     Caylus
    The 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.
  36. Lastours Castles36

    Lastours Castles

     Lastours
    The 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.
  37. Castle of Dourdan37

    Castle of Dourdan

     Dourdan
    The 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.
  38. Musée du Domaine Départemental de Sceaux38

    Musée du Domaine Départemental de Sceaux

     Sceaux
    The 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.
  39. Château de Bernicourt39

    Château de Bernicourt

     Roost-Warendin
    Château 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.
  40. Castle of Blérancourt Franco-American Museum40

    Castle of Blérancourt Franco-American Museum

     Blérancourt
    The 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.
  41. Château de Goulaine41

    Château de Goulaine

     Haute-Goulaine
    The 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. 42

    House of Comics

     Blois
    The 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.