Adding to France’s grand atmosphere, there over 40,000 châteaux dotted across the country. Châteaux have longstanding histories as hunting lodges, summer residences and homes of French people of nobility. Each one is unique and may feature immaculate gardens, ancient tapestries and paintings, and plenty of stories. Here are seven of the most beautiful châteaux to visit in France.
1. Château de Chambord
Loire Valley
Chambord is the most visited château in France’s famed Loire Valley, and for good reason! It boasts the largest interior and exterior spaces of any château in the Loire Valley with over 400 rooms, almost 300 fireplaces and a 5,440-hectare walled park. With this sizeable undertaking, it comes as no surprise that Chambord took 28 years to build! As the hunting lodge of the French royal family, its grounds were home to deer, boar and sheep; and you can now go boating or cycle through here.
2. Palace of Versailles
Île-de-France
One of the most famous château in France, the Palace of Versailles is found just outside of Paris. King Louis XIII built it as a hunting lodge; however, King Louis XIV and Queen Marie Antoinette then turned it into a palace. A highlight is the Hall of Mirrors – a grand room that is instantly recognisable with 357 mirrors that has hosted many historic events. If you venture further through its pristine gardens, you’ll find a nature reserve that has been developed into an area with wetlands, beehives and small critters. Its proximity to Paris meant that its park was the venue for equestrian events and the modern pentathlon at the recent Paris 2024 Olympic Games!
3. Château de Blois
Blois
The Château of Blois has been reconstructed several times, so it has a fascinating mix of architecture – from medieval to Renaissance. Several French Kings lived here with a wonderful outlook over Blois town and the Loire River. The Château de Blois is also famous for being the location where Joan of Arc had her banner blessed by the Archbishop of Reims before heading into battle against the English.
4. Château d’Azay-le-Rideau
Loire Valley
While all châteaux are enchanting, Château d’Azay-le-Rideau is particularly special. It’s the only château to be built on an island, this one on the Indre River. Originally built as a castle, it has since morphed into a château with strong Renaissance architecture, ancient turrets and a host of beautiful trees. We especially adore the reflection pool from which you can capture a stunning photo of the castle.
5. Château de Chantilly
Chantilly
Not only is the town of Chantilly known for the invention of Chantilly cream, but it is also the home to a beautiful château. A home-turned-museum, the Château de Chantilly features an impressive art museum – the Musée Condé. This holds the second largest collection of ancient paintings after the Louvre! Don’t miss its picturesque 2.5-kilometre Grand Canal or Hameau Restaurant where you can try Chantilly cream.
6. Château de Chenonceau
Loire Valley
Chenonceau has been made famous all over the world with photographs of its symmetrical arches that sit over the River Cher. It’s also famous for its grand lock gates that were designed by none other than Leonardo da Vinci, and for its impressive collection of ancient furniture.
7. Château Gaillard
Normandy
Richard the Lionheart built Château Gaillard, choosing a smart and picturesque location all in one. Lofty ramparts and towers were erected, bringing his fortress vision to life. Perched on top of a cliff, Château Gaillard has sweeping views across the charming village of Les Andelys and the Seine River. It’s no wonder that this location and its surrounding landscapes have inspired many artists.
Is France on your bucket list? Experience all that this wondrous country has to offer on a Globus or Cosmos tour, or an Avalon Waterways river cruise.
