Medieval castles in France. Unknown medieval castles of France X-XI centuries. Chambord - one of the most beautiful castles in France

The Middle Ages, the Renaissance left a large historical and cultural mark in the form of numerous castles and palaces, perfectly preserved in Europe. Looking at the photos of the castles of France, one can note their rich, elegant and detailed architecture. Undoubtedly, each of them has its own national characteristics characteristic of the culture of this country. There are more than 300 of them in total, we will show you the most beautiful and famous of them.

Castles of Loire

Castles of the Loire is a generic name for a number of architectural structures located in the Loire Valley, which flows through the whole country and, in the past, was of great transport importance.

Let's start the story with one of the most popular and visited castles - Chenonceau Castle, located next to the village of the same name.

King Francis I donated another fine example of architecture - Chambord Castle. By the way, Leonardo da Vinci and Domenico da Corton took part in its creation.

And this is the castle of Amboise, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located in the city of the same name, Amboise, named after a family that had a huge influence on the politics and economy of the region.

A distinctive feature of the Lavut-Polignac castle is that it is built entirely of gray volcanic stone. In the past, it had an important defensive value.

Smaller than its counterparts, but with an original appearance - La Bussière Castle.

Photos of the interior of the castle

Using the example of the same La Bussière castle, let's look at the interior decoration.

The servants, of course, dined and dined in the simpler rooms.

Photos of castles and palaces in other regions of France

Marseille has beautiful palace Longchamp, built in the middle of the 19th century. It is unanimously called a masterpiece of architecture of this era.

The fortress of Fort Boyard became famous throughout the world thanks to the TV show of the same name, which was shown in many countries of the world. After the appearance of long-range guns, the fort lost its original meaning and a prison was organized in its building and kept criminals.

And this is the famous Versailles, whose beauty cannot be contained in one photograph. in an absolutely huge palace complex the atmosphere of the golden era of Louis XIV, nicknamed "the sun king", reigns everywhere.

The Chateau d'If was originally built as a defensive structure to protect against attacks from the sea. However, it was never attacked, and subsequently became a state prison. This place became very popular thanks to the book The Count of Monte Cristo.

The Renaissance Palace of Fontainebleau was the residence of many French kings. It is located 60 kilometers from Paris towards the southeast.

And for dessert - the beautiful and well-known castle of Mont Saint-Michel, located on small island and towering over him like a heavenly throne.

Popular castles in France: modern, medieval and ancient castles. Photographs of castles in France.

Any UNESCO Museum Card

The very best

Vaux-le-Vicomte

The estate of Vaux-le-Vicomte is traditionally called the "predecessor" of Versailles. Those who have seen the favorite residence of Louis will be interested to get acquainted with its progenitor. Those who have not yet visited Versailles will be able to trace the development of French architecture step by step.

The very best

Longchamp Palace

There are many in Marseille beautiful buildings and sights, but the graceful Longchamp Palace, without exaggeration, is a real masterpiece of architecture. The palace was built in connection with the completion of a global project - the construction of the Marseille canal, which saved the rapidly growing city from lack of water.

The very best

Chateau d'If

“The annoying neighbor” - this is how the inhabitants of Marseilles called the Chateau d'If, they did not like that there was a fortress near the city. It was built hastily in 1524-1531 by order of the King of France, Francis I, the castle was intended to protect against attacks from the sea, and became a gloomy prison.

The very best

Clos Luce Castle

Against the backdrop of the majestic castles of the Loire, the modest Clos Luce seems like an ugly duckling. This is not even a real castle: there are no mighty walls, no deep ditches, no narrow loopholes for crossbowmen. And yet, every visitor to the much more eminent Amboise castle considers it his duty to visit Clos Luce.

The very best

Fougeres Castle

Brittany has always been famous for the independent character and courage of its sons, therefore it was not afraid to repulse even the obviously more powerful enemy. But the Bretons were not used to indiscriminately rushing into battle when the rear was not covered - therefore they erected the so-called "golden arc" of fortress cities.

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Louvre

The Louvre in Paris is rightfully considered the most famous museum in the world - you would hardly be able to quickly find a person who has not heard of it, even if you seriously set out to do so. In addition to fame, the Louvre breaks records in other categories - it is the largest and most visited of all the museums in the world.

The most unesco

Mont Saint Michel

An indescribably delightful feeling: to sit at a table covered with a crisp white tablecloth on the terrace, crashing its rocky part into the endless ocean, and expose your face to a fresh, gusty wind filled with strong smells of age-old dampness and unexplored sea depths.

The most unesco

fontainebleau

Fontainebleau is a city 60 km southeast of Paris, known primarily for its magnificent Renaissance palace, the residence of many rulers of France. Built in the style of Italian Mannerism, the palace most of all resembles a row of intricate crystal goblets of various heights and shapes.

The most unesco

Chambord

Chambord Castle - architectural masterpiece Renaissance and concurrently one of the largest royal residences in the Loire Valley. It was built in the 16th century by order of Francis I, and, as has already been proven, Leonardo da Vinci himself had a hand in this grandiose project.

The very best

Chantilly

Chantilly Castle is one of the most important and beautiful in France, built during the Old Regime (late 16th - early 17th centuries). The estate was founded in 1484, when the local land passed into the hands of Montmorency. This ancient family was famous for its aristocracy and "kept the mark."

The very best

Chenonceau

The birthplace of the castle is a region that has long been famous for some of the best wines, delicious goat cheese, royal history and the purest French. Fortunately or unfortunately, none of the bloody crimes skillfully hidden by the thick walls of royal residences are connected with Chenonceau.

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The French word "château", traditionally translated as a castle, actually has a much broader meaning. They are called palaces, estates, fortresses and even citadels. And in old France there is more than enough of such goodness - about five thousand, to be exact. And just as much, alas, fell into the dust of time. It is remarkable that each region of France has developed its own unique architectural style, but even within the same region, each castle is unique and inimitable.

The most famous and popular castles in France are located in the Ile de France region, which includes Paris and its suburbs. It is here that the famous Louvre, Versailles and Trianon, Rambouillet, Saint-Germain, Malmaison, Vaux-le-Vicomte and Fontainebleau are located.

Paris has a rich collection of castles. Here, on the right bank of the Seine, rises the ancient royal castle of the Louvre, which has unofficially become a symbol of France itself. Louvre, main residence French kings, surpasses all museums in the world in terms of attendance. And this is not surprising: the Louvre is famous as the richest museum in the world. You can walk around this magnificent castle-museum for a day or even two, if you set out to see the many thousands of works of art exhibited in the local halls. It is here that the great Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo live.

The French word "château", traditionally translated as a castle, actually has a much broader meaning. They are called palaces, estates, fortresses and even citadels. And in old France there is more than enough of such goodness - about five thousand, to be exact.

The old royal castle and Conciergerie prison, located in the heart of the capital near Notre Dame Cathedral, is distinguished by a special grace. She spent her last days Queen Marie Antoinette. In the southeastern suburbs of Paris, the famous Vincennes Castle is located, gloomy not only with its harsh architecture, but also with its history, but around which a whole city has formed. And the magnificent Ekuan Castle not only embodies the architectural masterpiece of the Renaissance, but also accommodates within its walls National Museum Renaissance with a rich collection of medieval works of art.

Of course, it is impossible not to honor with your visit the unique palace and park ensemble of Versailles, the most famous metropolitan suburb, tourist centre of world importance with magnificent parks and gardens, rich interiors and an atmosphere of aristocratic luxury. Here, the ideas of creating " ideal city”, tormenting the minds of the masters of the Renaissance. To this day Palace of Versailles remains unsurpassed in its magnificence the standard of grace and sophistication of European architecture. The magnificent Trianon palace and park ensemble located here, built by Louis 14 to relax from the strictness of palace etiquette in the circle of a few close associates, delights no less.

Other castles of this region are no less beautiful and interesting: Rambouillet Palace - summer residence French monarchs and presidents, still used for high-level meetings, Vaux-le-Vicomte, once the favorite residence of Louis; Fontainebleau, the first palace in Europe without defensive fortifications, loved not only by Louis, but also by Napoleon; Malmaison, known as the residence of Napoleon Bonaparte and Josephine Beauharnais, Saint-Germain Palace, now the Museum of National Archeology of France and many, many others.

Among connoisseurs of castles, another one is very popular. french region- The Loire, best known for its picturesque vineyards and exquisite castles. Most of them belong to the Renaissance, and therefore are distinguished by a particularly elegant design. In addition, this region has french kings and aristocratic families, so the special expressiveness and luxury of the castles of the Loire is fully justified.

Due to the abundance of architectural and historical monuments, the Loire Valley from Sully-sur-Loire to Châlons-sur-Loire was included in the List world heritage UNESCO.

Among the most recognizable castles of the Loire is Chambord Castle, which may have been created by Leonardo da Vinci, who at that time served as the court architect of King Francis I. And Leonardo lived and worked almost in the neighborhood - in the castle of Amboise. Within its walls, the artist's famous masterpiece, the immortal Gioconda, was completed.

The richness of the interior decoration and, most importantly, the integrity of the original interiors, distinguishes the Cheverny castle, which, by the way, became the prototype of many cartoon palaces.

Among the more than 300 "château" there are many more worthy of attention: Chenonceau with a huge collection of medieval furniture, carpets, tapestries, the Museum wax figures And art gallery, better known as the "Castle of the Beautiful Ladies" - Diane de Poitiers, Catherine de Medici, Louise Dupin; the oldest in France is Langeais; Brese hunting castle, built for almost eight centuries (from the 11th to the 19th) and famous for its underground fortress; the huge Blois in which Catherine de Medici died; Castle Villandry, the last of the great castles of the Renaissance, surrounded by wonderful stepped gardens and many others. Definitely, the castles of the Loire embody the unsurpassed skill and taste of the Renaissance artists.

The most beautiful region of France - Provence - this is the Alps and Cote d'Azur. It attracts tourists from all over the world not only by sea and mountain resorts, mild and pleasant climate, the aroma of the sea and the proximity picturesque mountains- there are also several impressive castles. The most famous of them - If and Tarascon - are familiar to us thanks to the novels of Dumas and Daudet, whose characters concerned castle walls, sat in the local dungeons and intertwined their fate in the history of these beautiful structures.

Is it true, real story familiar to us from childhood from books and films fairytale castle If, which is located on the island of the same name in the Mediterranean Sea near Marseille, is somewhat different from the fictions of Dumas. In the prison-fort of the castle of If, especially dangerous criminals were indeed kept - in particular, those who posed a danger to the state.

Worthy of attention and others magnificent castles region: the neo-Gothic castle of Valrose, the elegant Laskari Palace, the well-preserved fortress of Mont-Alban with amazing views of the sea and many other castles, palaces and fortresses, from the sight of which the head is spinning and the heart stops, which beckon with their charm and remain in memory forever.

There are hundreds of castles in France, of which only ruins remain. Here is our list of the top ten medieval castles France - those who managed to keep their appearance from the Middle Ages.

Vitre Castle (Chateau de Vitro)

The medieval castle of Vitre is located in the city of the same name in the north-west of France in the Brittany region. The castle was founded by Baron Robert I de Vitre. Construction began around 1060. This castle was one of the first in France, which the authorities officially classified as a historical monument.

Tarascon Castle (Chateau de Tarascon)

French medieval castle Tarascon or as it is also called locals King René's castle - a landmark of the city of Tarascon in historical area Provence. The fortress began to be built in the XII century. Before the start of construction, there was a military fortification of the Romans in its place.

The castle is located near west coast France in the department of Morbihan. Served as a residence for the Dukes of Brittany. It was built at the beginning of the 13th century as a boyar house, and at the end of the 14th century it was fortified and expanded. This moated fortress includes a chapel, a dovecote, and several ruined outbuildings.

Saumur Castle

The castle is located in the city of Saumur in western France. It was originally built in the 10th century as impregnable fortress by order of Theobald I, Count of Blois. But after its destruction in 1067, the castle was rebuilt by Henry II Plantagenet at the end of the 12th century.

Angers Castle (Chateau d'Angers)

It is located in the city of the same name in the department of Maine and Loire. It was built in the 9th century, and in the 13th century it was expanded to the form in which it can now be seen. During the Second World War, it was badly damaged, but, nevertheless, it was restored and is now a museum.

Falaise Castle (Chateau de Falaise)

The French medieval castle of Falaise or the so-called castle of William the Conqueror, which is located in the southwest of the city of Falaise. Almost the first stone castle in the region of France - Lower Normandy. The name of the castle comes from the word "falaise" - "rock", because the fortress is located on a local hill. The castle is associated with William the Conqueror, son of Robert of Normandy, who was born here in 1028. The castle and surrounding lands belonged to the family and descendants of William the Conqueror, who became King of England, until the 13th century.
The castle was abandoned in the 16th century due to changes in the conduct of the war and new installations in fortification construction. The living quarters were not used either, because the first luxury royal residences-palaces renaissance-manneristic character like Fontainebleau or castles in the Loire Valley. The entire 17th century was empty and destroyed. The ruined castle was noticed only at the beginning of the 19th century.

Josselin Castle (Chateau de Josselin)

The castle is located in the region of Brittany, France. It was built in the XI century. In 1488, Francis II, Duke of Brittany, took the fortress and partially destroyed it. And only in 1822 the castle was completely restored.

Castelnaud Castle (Chateau de Castelnaud)

The French medieval castle of Castelnau is located at the confluence of the Dordogne and Seu rivers in the Dordogne department. It was built in the XIII century to protect against the nearest fortress, built opposite - Chateau de Beynac. Now the Castle of Castelnau is a museum of medieval wars.

Foix Castle (Chateau de Foix)

Foix Castle - located near the border with Spain near the city of Foix in the Pyrenees. The first mention of the castle dates back to 987. Throughout the history of its existence, the castle was besieged many times, but was taken only once in 1486. Now a museum.

Fortress of Carcassonne

The fortress is in French city Carcassonne and is located on a hill, on the right bank of the Aude River, in the southeastern part of the city. Founded in the Gallo-Roman period. At the beginning of its history, it was a Gallic settlement, then in the 3rd century AD, the Romans decided to turn it into a fortress city. The castle was finally annexed to the kingdom of France in the distant 1247.

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To the southern and northern parts. Each of them has its own climate. This area of ​​unique beauty is famous for its villages of great historical significance, pastoral landscapes, good wine, famous monuments architecture and castles.

There are about 300 estates in the valley. You can see many castles in France on the map below. Among them there are real fortresses with defensive buildings and fortifications. For construction work, the best were hired here. landscape designers and architects of those years.

At the moment, many palaces and castles in France continue to be private property, some are open to the general public, but there are also those that now have hotels.

Plassey Burre Castle

This stunning castle is located in the commune of Ecuier, on the Loire coast, near Angers. Plessis-Bourre is perfectly preserved, so many tourists can see it in the same form in which it was built 500 years ago. The castle is a combination of Renaissance luxury and medieval trends.

When designing it, the task was to build a small, but real fortress with the necessary attributes for it. In addition, Plessy-Bourre had to be comfortable and convenient so that the owner could live there, invite many guests and hold various balls. The architect was able to realize all these requirements. The rectangular castle is located on the territory of 59 by 68 meters. Like others medieval castles France, its corners are completed by towers. A moat was dug around the entire building, through which you can only cross over a small drawbridge - a bridge house was built to protect it. At the same time, a space was left between the moat and the wall so that the owner of the castle had a place where one could take a walk.

Chenonceau castle

Amboise castle

Considering the castles in the south of France, it is worth noting this one, which rises above the Loire. It began its history in the eleventh century. Therefore, he experienced many different periods - he was a royal residence and a powerful medieval fortress, a button factory and a prison... This castle was visited by many humanists, philosophers, artists and sculptors from all over Europe. It will be interesting for every tourist to walk along the cavalry towers and royal chambers, get acquainted with a stunning collection of furniture, enjoying the beautiful panoramic garden of the Loire coast.

Chateau d'If

Known to many by the novel by A. Dumas, the castle is located in the south of France. It was built to protect the city from attacks from the sea. It was ordered to be built by Francis I, although the castle was never attacked, due to which it has been able to remain completely intact to this day.

Modern Marseille is rightfully proud of it - this is one of its main attractions. So, there are excursions around the If castle, there is a cozy cafe, and postcards and souvenirs are also sold.

For a long time this castle was used as a prison, as it was the best place for exile - it was almost impossible to escape from there due to strong currents off the coast of the islet. In the fortress there were cells without windows, located in the depths of the building, although there were other conditions for wealthy people - they were located in the upper part of the building, where it was possible to enjoy seascape and breathe fresh air.

Only at the end of the nineteenth century the prison ceased to exist, and the castle became a landmark of the country.

Serran Castle

The fortress of Serran was built in the sixteenth century, but, like many castles in France, the old building was significantly rebuilt in later centuries. The property originally belonged to the Le Bris family - they asked for permission to build it from Louis XI. Designed by the famous Philibert Delorme.

After the changes, the spirit of the Renaissance, characteristic of the period of Francis I, still remained here (almost all the castles of the Loire were built in it). The corner towers and moats are considered the oldest elements of the castle, which are harmoniously combined with the domes crowning the towers and wide windows. The towers at the top are decorated with balustrades.

On the facade of the building, decorated with a triangular pediment, white sandstone and dark brown slate create a beautiful contrast.

Castle of Carcassonne

This is a unique masterpiece of defensive and military architecture, which amazes with its grandeur and power. The castle of Carcassonne (France) consists of a two-row three-kilometer powerful wall with towers, the sight of which makes anyone tremble.

A distinctive feature of the castle is that in this place there is a completely ordinary life - cars drive and local residents live. Here you can feel like a resident medieval city– the entrance to the fortress is completely free and free!

It is located in the southeast on the right bank of the river. Od. Around it there is a double row of walls with a total length of about 3 kilometers, which are crowned with 52 towers. This fortress in Europe at one time was considered the most impregnable. On its territory there is a basilica and the count's castle of Comtal. The fortress has been included in the UNESCO list since 1997.

Clos Luce Castle

Of course, not all castles in France are associated with the name of the famous Leonardo da Vinci, but not this one. Leonardo, at the invitation of Francis the First, visited this region and lived here for the last 3 years of his life. He devoted this time to completing work on his canvases and inventions. Walking here will be pleasant and interesting for everyone. In this place, drawings and inventions of the master come to life, here every visitor will be able to discover true world this genius.

Ge Pean Castle

Studying the numerous castles of France, it is worth mentioning this medieval building, built near Ponlevois in the XIV-XV centuries. It is an elegant hunting pavilion square in plan. The fortress walls with towers end with a terrace. All of its residential buildings are located in the shape of the letter "P", forming a huge courtyard inside. Main building draw up round towers, and in the facade there are many elegant windows, due to which there is always a huge amount of light in the chambers.

Here there were such guests as Henry I, Lafayette, Balzac. The inner chambers were decorated in the style of the Renaissance period.

At the present moment, the owner is the Marquis de Keguelen. The castle is open to the public, with its most famous rooms being the salon, the Hall of the Guards, the library and the chapel. Many works of art have been used to decorate the interiors, this place houses furniture from Louis XV and XVI, stunning tapestries are displayed on the walls. The canvases decorating the castle belong to the brushes of famous artists, including Rigaud, Jean-Louis David, Fragonard, Guido Reni, Andrea del Sarto.

Legendary Versailles

Versailles, as one of the most famous castles in the country, annually attracts about 3 million visitors. The magnificent palace built in 1624 for Louis XIII as a hunting lodge. It later expanded to become the residence of the entire royal family. Unique Features The palace includes a corridor with 17 mirrored arches, a Hall of Mirrors and a huge number of other equally interesting details. Visitors to the Queen's bedroom can see a hidden door - Marie Antoinette made her escape through it. Versailles, with its stunning halls, is simply a must-see. We must not forget the 250-acre gardens of the palace, showing the geometric idyll of paths, flowers and trees.

For all tourists, travelers and vacationers, stunning landscapes, French charm, majestic castles France ... Today everything historical monuments The cultures of the Middle Ages of the country are carefully preserved, and many that were previously in a dilapidated state are now beginning to be restored.

How to spend the night in a French castle?

And here is the long-awaited selection of the best castle hotels in France. Who dreams of living in a real castle? It's a great experience! Just imagine how many secrets such places keep. Please note that most castles are not heated, so you should not wait for the onset of cold weather.

Chateau D "artigny

Château D "Artigny is located in an 18th century castle. This castle hotel is ideal for those who want to explore the castles of the Loire Valley. The hotel is only 15 km from Tours (Tours mini-guide). It offers: swimming pool , SPA, restaurant, fitness center, tennis court.Cooking master classes, wine tastings of the region are held in the hotel.

Domaine De La Tortiniere

My personal favorite among castle hotels is Domaine De La Tortinière. Also ideal for exploring the castles of the Loire Valley. The castle is only 10 minutes drive from Tours. The castle offers guests: a swimming pool, tennis courts, a restaurant. I would especially like to note the wonderful rooms, which are beautifully decorated with antique furniture.

Chateau de La Ballue

The Château de La Ballue is set in a large garden in ancient castle 17th century, near the cities of Saint-Malo and Mont-Saint-Michel. To services of visitors: restaurant, SPA in the open air. Breakfast is served in the morning Buffet” prepared with seasonal ingredients.

Book now: Château de La Ballue.

Chateau de Gilly

The Château de Gilly is not a castle. This is the former residence of the monks of the 14th century. The hotel is located between Dijon and Beaune, 2 minutes from the village of Vougeot, the famous wine region of Burgundy. The owners of the hotel managed to preserve the spirit of the 14th century. You will be surprised to see: fortress ditches, french gardens, as well as a dining room with a majestic vaulted ceiling. The hotel's famous Le Clos Prieur restaurant serves regional delicacies. The restaurant is located in a former 14th century wine cellar.

Book: Château de Gilly.

Chateau Des Briottieres

This 18th century castle is located in the heart of the Loire Valley. At guests' service open pool heated, tennis court, picturesque park with an area of ​​50 hectares. Château Des Briottieres serves dinner in the dining room traditional dishes region. Dinner includes appetizers, 3 courses, and coffee or tincture. Restaurant reservations must be made 24 hours in advance. The hotel is located just 25 minutes from Angers and 45 minutes from Saumur.

Chateau Sainte-Sabine

This wonderful hotel is located in the center of Burgundy in a 17th-century castle built in an old monastery in a park of 8 hectares. It offers an outdoor pool, a garden, a restaurant where you can taste traditional dishes made from local products. You can walk through the neighboring villages, visit the famous vineyards of the Burgundy region and taste the most popular wines.