If you’re planning a trip to France this year, you may picture Parisian cafes and everything the nation’s capital has to offer but it’s worth looking further into this magnificent country’s history. Anyone putting together their list of places to visit in France should make sure they’ve made time for some of these top attractions!
Across the nation, there are plenty of French chateaus open to the public to explore. So whether you’re spending a weekend in France or visiting for longer, this is a great way to see some of the best Medieval and Renaissance architecture anywhere in the world.
The Petit Trianon in Versailles
The first French chateau on our tour was constructed in 1758 by Louis XV and later home to Marie Antoinette. The simple but elegant castle is part of the Versailles estate which is located 12 miles west of the nation’s capital.
While smaller than the grand Palace of Versailles at the centre of the site, the Petit Trianon was constructed as an example of ancient Greek architecture. It stands today as a prime example of neoclassical style and is open to visitors from midday to 5.30 pm from Tuesday to Sunday with guided tours available.
Château de Maintenon
One of the oldest French castles on our tour was originally constructed in the 12th century before being built out into what you see today. If you’re wondering where the Chateau de Maintenon got its name, it comes from the second wife of Louis XIV.
For anyone looking for landmarks and buildings to visit during the summer, this French chateaux also includes stunning grounds and an aqueduct to wander around once you’ve taken in the castle’s rooms and artefacts!
Château du Grand Lucé
Situated in the heart of the Loire Valley, the Chateau du Grand Lucé is found just outside Paris and was constructed in 1760. Its stunning splendour has hosted historical figures including Mozart and today this Chateau in France also features twelve rooms for visitors to stay in.
The French royalty knew how to live in luxury and onsite you can explore the Orangerie, spa, ballroom and more. If you are looking for more chateau-style destinations like the Hotel Château du Grand Lucé to stay in, check out our guide to France’s finest examples!
Château de Villandry
This Loire Valley chateau is renowned for its incredible landscaped gardens. These six carefully designed areas are modelled on a love of Italian art and since 1908 their design has been delighting visitors.
While the gardens are open year-round, the Chateau de Villandry’s opening dates vary so be sure to check before visiting! This is recognized as one of the best chateaux in the Loire Valley so it isn’t to be missed on your trip.
This Loire Valley castle was also the location for peace talks between King Philip II of France and Richard I so it has long played a part in national history.
Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte
This charming entry to our picks of the best chateaus in France is surrounded by a moat and was also the inspiration for the Château de Versailles!
The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is just over an hour’s drive from France’s capital via the A4 and N104, making it a great option for day trips if you are staying in Paris.
Domaine de Chantilly
Another great option for day trips from Paris, the Domaine de Chantilly offers 115 hectares of gardens which feature a maze and playground making it an ideal choice for a family day out.
If you have ever tried a dessert with Chantilly cream, this famous ingredient was created in the French chateaux’s kitchen in the 1670s as a way to make limited stores last longer! Today you can enjoy a visit to this famous French castle topped off with a Chantilly cream hot chocolate or rum baba at Le Hameau, their garden restaurant.
Château de Valençay
The Château de Valençay was built in 1540 and serves as a prime example of French royal splendour with over a hundred rooms for its residents. It is located just south of the Loire Valley and is easily recognizable by its impressive twin turrets.
Nearby attractions to this chateau in France also include the Beauval Zoo and if you’re bringing your car onboard with P&O you will reach your destination in around five and a half hours from Calais via the A16.
Château de Chambord
For anyone with a love of the outdoor, this French chateau is the largest enclosed park in Europe and its grounds cover a similar area to the boundaries of Paris. The castle itself is also the largest chateau in the Loire Valley so soak up its grandeur yourself on your next trip to France!
The castle’s style was also partly designed by Leonardo da Vinci and it has been open to the public since 2007. You can visit Château de Chambord any day of the year except December 25th and January 1st and it is open from 10 am to 5 pm from October to March and 9 am to 6 pm from April to September.
Château de Cheverny
Our next pick among the best chateaus in France for visitors has been owned by one family for over six hundred years. Château de Cheverny’s interior design has plenty to offer including walls which show the story of Don Quixote!
Any fans of the Belgian comic Tintin will appreciate that this French chateau was the model for Captain Haddock’s castle in the series. This castle in the Loire valley is also great for any animal lovers as the kennels are open to visitors for feeding at 5 pm daily.
Château de Versailles
The palace in France with the greatest global status has to be the Château de Versailles. Its Hall of Mirrors, the King’s Grand Apartment and of course its magnificent gardens make Versailles a French landmark which draws visitors from across the globe.
Seen by many as the best chateaux in France, this attraction consists of over 2,300 rooms so make plenty of time to explore the full grounds of this UNESCO World Heritage Site!
Château d’Amboise
Next up is one of the most visited Loire Valley chateaus – originally built as a medieval fortress but later home to royalty in the Renaissance era. Wandering around this attraction you’ll get a chance to see some of the greatest examples of Gothic and Renaissance furniture.
The Château d’Amboise also looks out across the Loire Valley from its raised position giving you incredible views of this scenic area of France and the town of Amboise.
This great French chateau is open every day of the year apart from the 1st of January and 25th of December – opening hours vary by month so check before you go!
Château de Fontainebleau
The Château de Fontainebleau has been home to a staggering 34 kings and two emperors. This attraction was a favourite among palaces in France for kings for nearly eight centuries!
Certainly, one of the best chateaus to visit in France, this magnificent building was at one time home to Napoleon and also features a garden which is spread over 130 hectares.
If you’re planning on visiting this palace in France, its opening hours are 9.30 am to 6 pm from Wednesday to Monday except October to March when it closes at 5 pm.
