In France, every castle is a château, but not every château is a castle. The word château is a broad term that can refer to anything from grand palaces to medieval fortresses and stately homes. And with thousands of them scattered across the country, France is a dream destination for castle lovers.
While the Loire Valley is famous for its storybook châteaux, you’ll find magnificent strongholds and romantic ruins all over the country. From the fairytale-like Château de Saumur to the awe-inspiring Cité de Carcassonne, no trip to France is truly complete without exploring some of its most iconic castles.
10. Château de Vitré (A Medieval Gem in Brittany)
Perched in the charming town of Vitré, Brittany, this medieval fortress is straight out of a history book. Originally built in the 11th century, it had to be reconstructed after suffering repeated fires. By the 15th century, the château was reinforced with a gatehouse, a drawbridge, and an imposing tower, giving it the formidable appearance it has today.
Despite its strength, the fortified citadel surrendered without a battle in 1487. Later, in 1820, the town of Vitré purchased the château for 8,500 francs and restored much of its outer structure. Today, it serves as a town hall and a small museum, offering a fascinating look into France’s medieval past.
9. Château de Fougères (One of the Largest Medieval Castles in Europe)
Nestled near Rennes in Brittany, Château de Fougères is one of Europe’s largest medieval fortresses. Originally constructed in the 11th century, it was built on a rocky foundation surrounded by the Nançon River.
After being destroyed by the English, it was rebuilt in stone by Henry II Plantagenet and later reinforced with two massive towers in the 13th century. Today, visitors can step into the past with immersive audio tours featuring music and sound effects that bring the medieval era back to life.
8. Château d’Angers (Home to the Legendary Tapestry of the Apocalypse)
Standing on the site of an ancient Roman settlement, Château d’Angers is a Loire Valley masterpiece that dates back to the 9th century. But what truly makes this castle legendary is its priceless treasure—the Tapestry of the Apocalypse, an enormous 14th-century tapestry woven between 1373 and 1382.
This remarkable artwork, commissioned by Louis I, Duke of Anjou, visually narrates the events of the Book of Revelation in vivid color and exquisite detail. With 17 watchtowers and ominous black-stone walls, Château d’Angers is both a historical and architectural marvel.
7. Château Gaillard (The Fortress of Richard the Lionheart)
Overlooking the Seine River in Upper Normandy, Château Gaillard is one of France’s most picturesque ruins. Built by the legendary Richard the Lionheart between 1196 and 1198, this castle was considered an architectural feat of its time, boasting concentric fortifications and deadly defenses.
Despite its advanced military design, the castle fell to Philip II of France just six years later. Over the centuries, it continued to change hands between the English and French until it was finally ordered to be demolished in 1599. However, the thick stone walls resisted complete destruction, and today, its breathtaking clifftop ruins remain a must-see for history lovers.
6. Château de Vincennes (A Royal Fortress Near Paris)
Once a hunting lodge for Louis VII, Château de Vincennes evolved into a heavily fortified royal residence. In the 14th century, a massive keep was added, followed by a rectangular-shaped outer wall and deep moat in the 15th century.
While its defensive purpose faded over time, it remained a symbol of royal power until Napoleon III transformed the château and the Bois de Vincennes into a public park in 1860. Today, the keep and its stunning 16th-century chapel are open for visitors, offering a glimpse into France’s medieval and Renaissance past.
5. Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg (An Alsatian Fortress with a Tumultuous History)
Towering above the Alsatian plains in the Vosges mountains, Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg was once a strategic stronghold for centuries of rulers. It saw action from the Middle Ages to the Thirty Years’ War, when it was burned and abandoned after a brutal 52-day siege by Swedish troops.
For centuries, the ruins lay forgotten until Kaiser Wilhelm II restored it in 1899, bringing the fortress back to its former glory. Though once mocked for its links to the German Empire, today it’s one of France’s most visited castles, drawing over 500,000 visitors per year.
4. Château de Loches (The Castle that Witnessed Joan of Arc’s Triumph)
Built just 500 meters from the Indre River in the Loire Valley, Château de Loches is best known for its massive square keep and its connections to some of history’s most iconic figures.
In the 12th century, the castle was held by Henry II of England and Richard the Lionheart, but it later became a favorite residence of Charles VII of France. Most famously, it was here that Joan of Arc convinced Charles VII to be crowned at Reims, forever altering the course of French history.
While parts of the château have fallen into ruin, the 16th-century royal lodgings remain beautifully preserved, offering visitors a chance to walk through one of France’s most historic landmarks.
3. Château de Saumur (A Storybook Castle Overlooking the Loire River)
Sitting high above the Loire River, Château de Saumur is a picture-perfect fairytale castle. Built as a 10th-century fortress, it was later transformed in the 12th century under Henry II of England, giving it a lighter, more elegant design.
Today, this dreamy château is home to several museums, including the Musée de la Figurine-Jouet, which features a charming collection of antique toys and figurines—a perfect stop for families.
2. Palais des Papes (The Grand Gothic Palace of the Popes)
A colossal fortress located in Avignon, the Palace of the Popes is one of Europe’s most significant medieval structures. When Rome rebelled against Pope Clement V’s election in 1309, he relocated the Papacy to Avignon, making this massive Gothic palace the center of Christianity for nearly a century.
Today, over 650,000 visitors a year explore its towering walls, hidden chambers, and 14th-century frescoes, making it one of France’s most-visited historical landmarks.
1. Cité de Carcassonne (The Ultimate Medieval Fortress Town)
A visit to Cité de Carcassonne feels like stepping into a medieval fantasy novel. Unlike most castles, this is a fully fortified town that has stood for over 5,000 years.
With its 52 watchtowers, fortified double walls, and medieval streets, Carcassonne is one of the best-preserved fortifications in Europe. A major restoration in the 19th century transformed it into a must-see destination, and today, guided tours take visitors deep into the citadel’s ancient chambers and ramparts.
Which French Castle Will You Visit First?
Whether you’re drawn to fairytale elegance, medieval fortresses, or royal palaces, France’s castles offer something for every history lover and traveler. Which one will you explore first?
