Attracting over 80 million foreign tourists every year, France is undoubtedly one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world. The third largest country in Europe, France is well-known for its wine and cheese, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, a beautiful and picturesque countryside, pristine beaches, and historic cities. However, what is not known to many is that the hidden treasures of France are the many chateaux in the country.
If you are wondering how many chateaus in France are open to the public, this article will answer all your queries. While some are major tourist attractions today, some majestic chateaux remain unexplored. In this article, we shall speak about some of the magnificent, impressive, and popular chateaux that add to the beauty of the most romantic country in the world, France. Though it looks like a castle, a chateau is not exactly one. A chateau is actually a grand manor house or the country house of the royals and nobility of France. It does not have any fortification like a castle.
6 Top Chateaus In France
Some of them with exquisite architecture and sprawling gardens are open to the public today. Here is our curated list of chateaux in France where you can either stay or pay a visit when in France.
1. Château de la Roche Martel
If you are wondering which are the chateaus to stay in France on your next holiday, this lovely chateau built in a 15th century castle in a lovely countryside at Roiffé is an option that you can consider. The Château de la Roche Martel is a beautiful and quiet place that overlooks Loudun. The place has been renovated to accommodate modern amenities; however, the old and ancient furniture has been restored to add to the charm and grandeur of the place. The place is close to many historical sites, vineyards, and other attractions. There is a picnic area, a game room, a sun deck in the property. And the lovely hosts also allow pets on request.
Location: Château de la Roche Martel, 86120 Roiffe, Poitou Charentes
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2. Chateau de Chambord
Built by King François I as a hunting lodge in early 1519, this is one of the regal chateaus in France that you must visit during your trip. Located in Loire Valley in Central France, this chateau is an excellent example of French Renaissance architecture. It is believed that Leonardo da Vinci was the one behind the original design of the chateau that proudly stands today as a symbol of royal power. There are 440 rooms, 84 staircases, and over 300 fireplaces in the Chateau. The rooms are decorated with antlers, paintings depicting hunting scenes, and other historical objects. Visitors can bike around the entire castle ground, check out the rooms, climb to the top of the tower to enjoy the lovely view of the manicured garden and surrounding forest, ride horses, or check out the hunting games at the game reserve.
Location: 41250 Chambord, France
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3. Château de Montreuil
The Château de Montreuil is a simple, yet lovely chateau in northern France. It is located in the tiny town of Montreuil-Sur-Mer and served as a country retreat for the Wooster/Rothschild family once upon a time. The chateau is a mix of English and French cultures and is a comfortable place to stay. You can enjoy dining at the terrace or at the restaurant that serves French cuisine and also take a stroll in the well-manicured garden. The rooms are spacious, well-decorated, with a lot of windows that let in natural light. The nearby attractions are the beaches of the Opal Coast and the ramparts of the town.
Location: 4 Chaussee Des Capucins, 62170 Montreuil-sur-Mer, France
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4. Chateau De La Victoire
If money is not a factor in your chateau holidays in France and you wish to stay like royalty in a royal chateau, then head over to Chateau De La Victoire, a fairytale chateau in south of France. The chateau was built in the 19th century as a private palace in Grasse for a famous perfumier. Today, in this luxurious chateau, there are seven rooms and each room is intricately designed with wooden wall panelling, custom-made marble floors, large stone bathtubs, ornate taps, and imported tapestries. There is an indoor heated pool, a bar, a massage room, a sauna, a ballroom, a library, and a Jacuzzi at the property too. The Chateau is a favourite holiday destination of Queen Victoria too!
Location: 7BR, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, French Riviera, France
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5. Chateau de Pitray
How can you be in France and miss tasting freshly made wine? Of course, you can’t! And if you wish to stay in a historical chateau that also makes the best wine in the region, stay over at the Chateau de Pitray in the wine area of Saint Émilion. The history of the Chateau de Pitray dates back to the 15th Century and the rooms with old wallpapers, wood panel walls and tall ceilings, the old family portraits, and everything else in the chateau will give you that feeling. This French wine chateau has over 24 acres of vines and produces 2, 40, 000 bottles of wine every year. Enjoy a lovely breakfast overlooking the vast green meadows, tour the vineyards, taste some wine and take back home a bottle too!
Location: 33350 Gardegan-et-Tourtirac, France
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6. Chateau de Versailles
And last but not the least, do not miss out on visiting one of the most famous heritage sites in France. The Chateau de Versailles was constructed in 1624 as a hunting lodge for King Louis XIII and was later used as the residence of the royal family of France. The places to visit inside the Chateau are the Hall of Mirrors, The Royal Opera, Museum of the History of France, the Royal Apartments, and the beautiful garden. The buildings feature the architectural styles of the 17th and 18th Century. The views from the chateau are a sight to behold and must not be missed at any cost. Entrance tickets are available at the information desk in the first building.
Location: Place d’Armes – 78000, Versailles
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So, what are you waiting for? To explore these famous architectural beauties of the land, plan your trip to France with TravelTriangle and indulge in a soothing experience with your loved ones here! Also, do share about these Chateaus in France with your friends and folks.
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