The 10 most beautiful castles in France
The palatial residences of kings and political figures of the period, the most symbolic probably lie in the Loire Valley. France Comté, Languedoc-Roussillon, Midi-Pyrénées and Paris region.
One only needs to drive a short distabce to see the many chateaux and their wonderful architecture. We are on the way towards 10 of the most beautiful chateaux of the country !
In France Comté and less than two hours from Les Castels Le Château de l’Epervière campsite :
The X11th century castle of Haut-Koenigsbourg situated at 750 meters altitude was a former ancient fort. The castle underwent major reconstruction in the XVth century. Destroyed during the One Hundred Year War it was later in possesion of the Germans during World War I. The castle of Haut-Koenigsbourg has undergone numerous restorations over a considerable period of time. It now welcomes more than 550 000 visitors annually.
Midi-Pyrénées:
Not far from Les Castels Camp de Florence campsite is the castle of Castelnaud. This medieval fortress has been historically classified due to its exceptional towers and fortifications. Castelnaud offers a unique museum with more than 250 rooms of weaponary from the Middle Ages of the X11th to the XV11th century. A visit to this castel covers an immense period in time !
Languedoc-Roussillon:
One and a half hours from Collioure and Les Castels Les Criques de Porteils campsite is the castel Peyrepertuse which is worh seeing. These ruins perched on a calcified crest 800 meters in altitude gives you an idea of the past grandeur of this Xth century castel. A fantastic view over Corbières !
Loire Valley :
Whether you stay at Les Castels Le Petit Trianon St Ustreor Les Castels Parc of Fierbois campsites, you are in the richest and the most well known region for its unique castles: Cheverny, Chambord, Chenonceau, Ussé …
Classified as “Historic Monument”, the castle of Cheverny is built in the classical style of the XV11th century. If this castle reminds you of something it is probably due to the drawings seen in the comic books “Adventures of Tintin”. Indeed, Hergé was inspired by the Castle of Moulinsart, for the mythical house of Captain Haddock.
A few kilometers away, you will find the castle of Chambord, the largest castle in the Loire. Situated in an immense forest and parkland of 50km2 ruled by king François Ier. A masterpiece of the Renaissance, this castle will delight you with its interior and its immense landscape.
Chenonceau is not a typical construction. Nicknamed the Château des Dames as it was the residence of Catherine de Medici and Diane de Poitiers, the galleries of Chenonceau are exceptionally unique.
One says that Charles Perrault was inspired by the castle of Ussé for his fairytale ” Sleeping Beauty ” ‘. The castle presents two architectural styles, one of medieval and Gothic inspiraton and other one of the Renaissance. So many symbolic scenes in the fairytale are reproduced inside ! A visit both young and old will love !
Finally, not far from the capital is the most beautiful residence of the kings of France.
Versailles is the most symbolic with its famous Hall of Mirrors, is inseparable from the Roi Soleil. The castle of Vaux-le-Vicomte built by Nicolas Fouquet is a masterpiece of the classic architecture of the environment during the XV11th century. It is the most important private property of France today. To finish, the castle of Fontainebleau classified by UNESCO was the symbolic residence of the kings of France from François 1er until Napoleon III
Have a wonderful visit !