15 best castles to visit in France: our top picks

There are few more quintessentially French views than castle turrets stretching up into a clear blue sky. From the gracious châteaux of the Loire to majestic palaces like Versailles, the country’s castles mark its landscapes, reveal its history and draw visitors from around the world. Here are the best of France’s castles. 

1. Châteaux Vaux-le-Vicomte, Seine-et-Marne

While most people flock to Fontainebleau or Versailles, of all the great mansions within reach of a day’s outing from Paris, the classical Château of Vaux-le-Vicomte is the most architecturally harmonious and aesthetically pleasing – and the most human in scale. It's a fantastic addition to a Paris city break.

Louis XIV’s finance minister, Nicolas Fouquet, had the château built between 1656 and 1661 at colossal expense, using the top designers of the day – architect Le Vau, painter Le Brun and landscape gardener Le Nôtre. The result was magnificence and precision in perfect proportion, and a bill that could only be paid by someone who occasionally confused the state’s accounts with his own.

How to get to Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte

This France castle is in Maincy, about 37 miles (60 km) southeast of Paris. On days the château is open, you can take the “Châteaubus” shuttle from Gare de l’Est. Another option is taking a regional train to Melun, then transferring to the local shuttle. Driving takes around an hour if traffic’s clear, and there’s parking right on site. See our guide to getting to France for more ideas on where to fly in. 

2. Château de Malbrouck, Lorraine

Only a mile (or 2 km) from France’s border with Germany, the imposing and impregnable Château de Malbrouck is a restoration marvel. Every brick and turret has been placed in the medieval manner by masons re-schooled in bygone techniques.

It gained its name from the Duke of Marlborough, who decided to invade France through the Moselle using the castle as his base. It took just two weeks for the Duke of Villars, one of Louis xIV’s best generals, to assemble a massive army and scupper his plans, but the castle’s name has remained in folk memory as Malbrouck, a Francification of Marlborough.

The best time of year to visit is in the fall to see the surrounding colorful foliage. See our guide to the best time to visit France if you’re still figuring out when to time your trip.

How to get to Château de Malbrouck

From Metz, it’s about a 28-mile (45 km) drive north on the A31. You can also take a train to Thionville and catch a local bus to Manderen. If you're coming from further away, Luxembourg Airport is about a 19-mile (30km) drive. Once you’re in the region, signs for the château are easy to follow.

3. Château de Rohan, Brittany

The three Rapunzel towers of the Château de Rohan in Josselin, embedded in a vast sheet of stone above the water, are the most impressive sight along the Nantes–Brest canal, and are some of the best things to see in Brittany.

They now serve as a facade for the remnants of the much older castle behind, built by Olivier de Clisson in 1370, the original riverfront towers of which were demolished by Richelieu in 1629 in punishment for Henri de Rohan’s leadership of the Huguenots. It’s still owned by the Rohan family, which used to own a third of Brittany.

How to get to Château de Rohan

You can take a train to Josselin from Rennes (about 60 minutes) or from Vannes (around 25 miles / 40 km away), and the château is a short walk from the station. By car, it’s roughly an hour’s drive from Rennes on the N24. If you’re cycling the canal towpath, it runs right alongside the château. There are also bus connections from Vannes and Ploërmel.

4. Château de la Ferté-St-Aubin, The Loire

The Château de la Ferté-St-Aubin lies 20km south of Orléans, at the north end of the village of Ferté-St-Aubin. The late sixteenth- and early seventeenth-century building presents an enticing combination of salmon-coloured brick, creamy limestone and dark slate roofs.

The interior is a real nineteenth-century home – and you are invited to treat it as such, which makes a real change from the stuffier attitudes of most grand homes. You can wander freely into almost every room, playing billiards or the piano, picking up the old telephone, sitting on the worn armchairs or washing your hands in a porcelain sink.

How to get to Château de la Ferté-St-Aubin

From Paris, take the train to Orléans (around 60 minutes), then hop on a local bus to La Ferté-Saint-Aubin. By car, it’s just off the A71—look for the La Ferté-Saint-Aubin exit. The château is about 12.5 miles (20 km) south of Orléans. If you’re biking the Loire à Vélo route, it’s an easy detour into the village.

5. Château des Pêcheurs, The Loire

Six miles northeast of Gien in La Bussière is a surprising château dedicated to fishing: the so-called Château des Pêcheurs.

Initially a fortress, the château was turned into a luxurious residence at the end of the sixteenth century, but only the gateway and one pepper-pot tower are recognizably medieval. Guided tours are available, but you’re free to wander around, soaking up the genteel atmosphere evoked by the handsome, largely nineteenth-century furnishings and the eccentrically huge collection of freshwater fishing memorabilia bequeathed by Count Henri de Chasseval.

How to get to Château des Pêcheurs

It’s easiest to drive to this France castle—take the D951 and D49 from Gien. There’s on-site parking. If you’re not driving, you could take a taxi from Gien’s train station. Renting a bike in Gien is another good option if you’re up for a scenic ride. The château is open March to November, with shorter hours in winter. Your ticket includes access to the garden.

6. Château de Tanlay, Burgundy

The romantic Château de Tanlay is a pleasant 4 mile (8 km) cycle along the canal southeast from Tonnerre. This early sixteenth-century construction, very French in feel, is only slightly later in date than its near neighbour, but those extra few years were enough for the purer Italian influences visible in Ancy to have become Frenchified.

Encircling the château are water-filled moats and standing guard over the entrance to the first grassy courtyard is the grand lodge, from where you enter the château across a stone drawbridge.

How to get to Château de Tanlay

The canal route from Tonnerre is an easy ride if you’ve got a bike. By car, just follow signs off the D965. There’s a limited bus to Tanlay village in the summer, but the easiest combo is to take the train from Paris to Tonnerre (about 2 hours), then bike or taxi the rest of the way. The château is open April through October.

7. Château de Bussy-Rabutin, Burgundy

The handsome Château de Bussy-Rabutin, a French National monument, was built for Roger de Rabutin, a member of the Academy in the reign of Louis XIV and a notorious womanizer. The scurrilous tales of life at the royal court told in his book Histoires Amoureuses des Gaules earned him a spell in the Bastille, followed by years of exile in this château. 

There are some interesting portraits of great characters of the age, including its famous female beauties, each underlined by an acerbic little comment such as: “The most beautiful woman of her day, less renowned for her beauty than the uses she put it to”. This French castle is a great thing to do in Burgundy.

How to get to Château de Bussy-Rabutin

This France castle is easiest to reach by car along the D980. Montbard is on the TGV line, so if you’re coming by train, you can grab a taxi or catch a seasonal shuttle from the station. It’s also a good area for cycling, with marked country roads. You could combine it with a visit to the nearby Abbey of Fontenay. The château’s open year-round, with longer hours in summer. See more of the best road trips in France.
 

8. Château de Châlucet, The Limousin

The Château de Châlucet lies 5km up the valley of the Briance to the east of Solignac. At the highest point of the climb there is a dramatic view across the valley to the romantic, ruined keep of the castle, rising above the woods. 

Built in the twelfth century, the château was in English hands during the Hundred Years’ War and, in the lawless aftermath, became the lair of a notorious local brigand, Perrot le Béarnais. It was dismantled in 1593 for harbouring Protestants and has been much restored recently. Easily one of the best things to do in Limousin.

How to get to Château de Châlucet

From Solignac, you can follow a signposted trail up to this France castle. It’s not a long walk, but it is uphill, so wear decent shoes. If you’re driving, follow the D32 and look for signs to Châlucet—there’s a small car park nearby. You can also take a bus from Limoges to Solignac and walk from there. It’s open daily, and guided tours run on summer weekends.

9. Château de Hautefort, The Dordogne 

The Château de Hautefort enjoys a majestic position at the end of a wooded spur above its feudal village. A magnificent example of good living on a grand scale, the castle has an elegance that is out of step with the usual rough stone fortresses of Périgord d is one of the best things to do in the Dordogne.

The approach is across a wide esplanade flanked by formal gardens, over a drawbridge, and into a stylish Renaissance courtyard, open to the south. In 1968 a fire gutted the castle, but it has since been meticulously restored using traditional techniques; it’s all unmistakably new, but the quality of the craftsmanship is superb.

How to get to Château de Hautefort

If you're coming from Périgueux, it’s about a 30-minute drive east on the D5. There are also buses from Périgueux and Brive-la-Gaillarde to Hautefort village. If you’re taking the train, head to either of those cities first, then transfer. There’s a parking area for visitors near the entrance. The château is open from February through November, and guided tours run in several languages.

10. Château de Menthon, Haute-Savoie

Close to the village of Menthon-St-Bernard near Annecy is the grand, turreted Château de Menthon. The fortress has been inhabited since the twelfth century and was the birthplace of St Bernard, the patron saint of mountaineers – indeed, the castle remains in the hands of the de Menthon family.

In the nineteenth century, however, it was extensively renovated in the romantic Gothic revival style and now possesses an impressive library containing some 12,000 books. On weekends, costumed actors relate the château’s history.

How to get to Château de Menthon

Driving from Annecy takes about 15 minutes, and there’s parking nearby. Buses from Annecy stop in Menthon-Saint-Bernard, though you’ll need to walk uphill a bit from the stop. If you’re cycling, there’s a nice route along the lake. Some local tours include transport from Annecy. Visits usually run in the afternoons from spring to autumn.

11. Château d’If, Côte d’Azur

The Château d’If, on the tiny island of If, is best known as the penal setting for Alexandre Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo nd for being a popular stop for southern France itineraries.

Having made his watery escape after fourteen years of incarceration as the innocent victim of treachery, the hero of the piece, Edmond Dantès, describes the island thus: “Blacker than the sea, blacker than the sky, rose like a phantom the giant of granite, whose projecting crags seemed like arms extended to seize their prey”. In reality, most prisoners went insane or died before leaving.

Today, the sixteenth-century castle and its cells are horribly well preserved, and the views back towards Marseille are fantastic.

How to get to Château d'If

Ferries leave from Marseille’s Old Port (Vieux Port) and take around 20 minutes to reach the island. Boats run all year, but there are more departures in summer. It’s worth booking ahead in high season. Boats don’t run if the sea is rough, so check conditions before you go.

There’s nothing on the island in terms of food or accommodation, so plan to head back the same day. A couple of hours is plenty to explore.
 

12. Château de Pierrefonds, Oise

Originally built in the 14th century by Louis of Valois, Château de Pierrefonds was dismantled in the 17th century and left in ruins—until Napoleon III commissioned architect Viollet-le-Duc to restore it in the 19th century.

The result is a dramatic reimagining of a medieval fortress, complete with drawbridges, towers, and moats. Although not fully historically accurate, the restoration makes for a striking and theatrical example of neo-Gothic architecture. Inside, you'll find painted ceilings, sculptural friezes, and cavernous halls that once hosted imperial banquets. 

Just 55 miles (90 km) from Paris, it’s an easy day trip and has even served as a filming location for series like Merlin. The views over the Compiègne Forest are worth the climb. It's a fantastic addition to any northern France itinerary.

How to get to Château de Pierrefonds

From Paris, it’s pretty straightforward: take the train from Gare du Nord to Compiègne (about an hour), then a local bus to Pierrefonds. Driving takes around 90 minutes on the A1. See our guide to how many days do you need in Paris to see if you have time for the day trip.

Some tours combine this with nearby Compiègne Palace if you want to make a day of it. Once you’re in Pierrefonds, it’s an easy 10-minute walk from the village to the castle. Weekdays tend to be a bit quieter, especially in summer.
 

13. Château de Chenonceau

Spanning the River Cher on elegant arches, Château de Chenonceau is one of the Loire Valley’s most recognizable castles. Built in the early 16th century, it became known as the “Ladies’ Château” thanks to the powerful women who shaped it, including Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de’ Medici.

Its symmetrical gardens, fine tapestries, and riverside gallery make it one of the best castles in France. During World War I, it was used as a hospital, and during World War II, it straddled the line between occupied and free France. There’s a lot of history packed into the building, and the setting by the river feels calm and leafy.

How to get to Château de Chenonceau

You can take a train from Tours or Paris directly to Chenonceaux village, and it’s just a short walk from the station to the château (about 1,300 feet / 400 meters). Driving from Paris takes around 2.5 hours on the A10. If you’re cycling the Loire Valley, it’s a scenic place to roll into. Aim for early morning or late afternoon if you want to avoid the busiest times. For more on transit through the country, see our guide to getting around France.
 

14. Château de Val, Auvergne

Rising dramatically above the waters of the Dordogne river, Château de Val is a fairytale vision perched on a rocky promontory and one of the best things to do in Auvergne. Built in the 13th century, the fortress was designed for defense, but over time it took on more decorative features, including six conical towers.

In the 20th century, the creation of a reservoir partially flooded the valley, turning the castle’s surroundings into an island-like landscape. Inside, you’ll find medieval-style rooms and rotating art exhibitions. Summer concerts are sometimes held in its courtyard. It’s one of the best of France’s castles.

How to get to Château de Val

The easiest way is to drive—it's about 2 hours from Clermont-Ferrand via the A89 and D979. The closest train station is Bort-les-Orgues, which is around 4.3 miles (7 kilometers) away, and there are taxis there if you’re not driving. In the warmer months, you can also get there by boat on the reservoir, which is a nice way to arrive.  

There’s parking at the castle, and it’s worth combining with nearby nature stops like Puy Mary if you’re already in the area. For more advice, see our France travel tips.
 

15. Château de Joux, Doubs (Franche-Comté)

Château de Joux sits above a mountain pass near the Swiss border and has been here in one form or another since the 11th century. It started as a wooden fort and was gradually rebuilt and expanded into a stone fortress, then used as a military prison. One of the most well-known people held here was Toussaint Louverture, leader of the Haitian Revolution, who died in the castle in 1803.

You’ll see layers of history in the structure itself—medieval sections, 17th-century military upgrades by Vauban, and later additions. A visit usually includes a walk through the old dungeons and powder rooms nd across the drawbridge. This is a great place to go if you're in France with kids.

How to get to Château de Joux

It’s easiest to drive—about 45 minutes from Besançon or around an hour and a half from Geneva along the N57. If you’re using public transport, the nearest train station is in Pontarlier (about 6 miles / 10km away), and from there you can take a local bus or taxi. In winter, keep an eye on weather updates, since the road can close if there’s heavy snow. The nearby village of La Cluse-et-Mijoux is close enough for a walk or a short drive, and it’s nice for a quick wander after the castle.