The 7 Most Beautiful French Chateaux
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Renowned worldwide for its culture and history, it’s no wonder France features some
of the most beautiful castles in the world. The word “chateau” includes castles,
palaces, vineyards and mansions and there are literally thousands of them, all over France.
Let’s have a look at the seven most beautiful French chateaux:
7. Chateau d’Ussé
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Located at the edge of the beautiful Chinon Forest, overlooking the Indre Valley, Chateau
d’Ussé is one of France’s picture-postcard castles. It was built in the
15th century, as a defensive castle, and then expanded in the 17th century.
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Chateau d’Ussé is said to have been the inspiration of Charles Perrault, for
the castle he describes in “Sleeping Beauty”. It also inspired Walt
Disney’s many castles. Chateau d’Ussé is still inhabited, so only part
of it is open for tourists.
6. Chateau Plessis Bourré
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One of the most popular castles of the Loire Valley, Chateau Plessis Bourré was built
between 1468-1462, by a close advisor of King Louis XI. Although many centuries have past
over it, time has been kind to Chateau Plessis Bourré, and it remains almost
unchanged.
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Surrounded by a broad moat and featuring a double draw bridge and impressive cornertowers, Chateau Plessis Bourré gives the impression of a defensive castle. But, in
reality, it was luxurious residence, with finely decorated rooms and grand bedchambers.
5. Chateau Chaumont
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Built during the 10th century, as a defensive fortress, to protect Blois from any attacks,
Chateau Chaumont is currently a museum that also hosts one of the most popular garden
festivals in the world.
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Over the centuries, the architecture of Chateau Chaumont changed drastically from a
fortress to a renaissance chateau. It was owned by the famous Catherine de Medici, who
used it to entertain astrologers, including Nostradamus, but later traded it for Chateau
Chenonceau. Unlike many other chateaux of the Loire Valley, Chateau Chaumont escaped
the damage caused by the French Revolution.
4. Pierrefonds
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Restored many times throughout its history, Pierrefonds looks like a 14th century castle, with
an 18th century interior design. Originally built in the 12th century, it had already been rebuilt
three centuries later.
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During the reign of Louis XIII, Cardinal Richelieu’s troops captured the castle and it
was to be demolished. Due to the amount of effort and time this required, Pierrefonds was
only partially ravaged. Napoleon III visited the castle in 1850 and decided to have it rebuilt.
Although his chief architect recreated the outside look of a 14th century castle, he paid little
attention to history when it came to the interior. In the end he simply imagined what the
castle must have looked like on the inside.
3. Chateau Chenonceau
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One of the most interesting-looking chateaux in France, Chenonceau also has a very rich
history. It was constructed between 1515 and 1521, by Thomas Bohier, but it was soon
seized by King Francois I, because Bohier couldn’t pay his debts. From there on
Chateau Chenonceau changed many owners, from Catherine de Medici, to the Duke of
Bourgogne and it current owners, the Meniers.
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Some of them tried to sell its treasures, while others try to restore it to its former glory. It
survived the French Revolution, under the pretext that it was the only river bridge in the
region, and both World Wars. During WW2, one part of the castle was in the Occupied Zone
while the other was in the French Free Zone.
2. Chateau Chantilly
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Located just 40 km north of Paris, Chateau Chantilly is a popular attraction among tourists
looking for a break from the city. The building process began in 1484, when the
Montmorency family moved to Chantilly. Unfortunately, the Grand Chateaux was destroyed
during the French Revolution and had to be completely rebuilt.
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The Petit Chateau dates back to 1560, while the new Grand Chateau was built in 1870.
There are those who say the reconstruction is an architectural disaster, but that
doesn’t make Chantilly a less popular attraction. Chateau Chantilly was featured in
the James Bond film, “A View to Kill” and hosts the fireworks show,
“Nuits de Feu”, every year.
1. Chateau Chambord
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Featuring French Renaissance architecture, which blends elements of French medieval and
Italian styles, Chateau Chambord is the biggest castle of the Loire Valley and one of the
most famous in the world.
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With over 440 rooms, 365 fireplaces and 84 staircases, it’s hard to believe Chateau
Chambord was built only as a hunting lodge for King Francois I and his entourage. Despite
its incredible beauty, Chambord was mostly ignored throughout the centuries. Francois I
barely visited it on a few occasions and, after its death it was abandoned for long periods of
time. Restorations began after WW2 and today Chateau Chambord is one of the most
recognized structures on Earth.