Ancient castle in France 4 letters crossword. The most famous castles in France
In Europe, so it’s even difficult to choose which of this beauty is worth visiting. Here are 10 of the most famous and popular castles in France that you should definitely see! Of course, and in addition to these dozens, there are many castles that will make an indelible impression:
- 10 most beautiful castles in France
- 10 Best Medieval Castles in France
- 10 of the best castle ruins in France
Top 10 castles in France:
10 Chateau de Foix
The over fortified castle of Foix is an important tourist attraction in the region, the center of the Cathars. It was built in the Middle Ages and has been known since 987. In 1034 the castle became the capital of the County of Foix and played an important role in medieval military history. Towers were gradually added to further protect the fortress. The two square towers of the castle, built before the 11th century, served as a political and civil prison for 4 centuries, until 1862. The newest tower is round and was added in the 15th century. Since 1840 the castle has been classified as a historical monument.
9. Chateau de Tarascon
Situated on the banks of the Rhone River, it has been remarkably well preserved. This is one of the finest medieval castles in France and Europe. It was built in the 15th century by the Dukes of Anjou and is a very architecturally compact building, surrounded on all sides by the river.
The magnificent Chateau de Vincennes is a massive castle that belonged to the French kings, built in the 14th and rebuilt in the 17th centuries, located in the city of Vincennes, east of Paris (now a suburb of the capital of France). Like many other famous castles, it started as a hunting lodge built for Louis VII in 1150 in the Bois de Vincennes. Its surprisingly spacious building consists of a fortress with four corner towers, surrounded by a thick wall around the perimeter.
Without a doubt, this is one of the most impressive architectural ensembles in Europe. Built in the 8th century, the abbey of Mont Saint-Michel is located on a rocky island on the northern coast of France, in. The uniqueness of this place is that this island is located only 600 m from the continent, it can be easily reached at low tide, as numerous pilgrims did. At the same time, it is also an ideal place for defense: at high tide, potential attackers would have to drown.
Mont Saint-Michel (the abbey and surrounding towns) are some of the most recognizable landmarks in France, included in
This beautiful castle, Chateau d'Usse, is located on the edge of the Chinon Forest overlooking the Indre Valley. The castle was first fortified in the 11th century, by the Normans, by a Ussé lord named Gueldin de Saumur, who surrounded the fortress with a palisade. Because of its fabulous Flaming Gothic and Renaissance appearance, the Chateau d'Usse is often referred to as the Sleeping Beauty Castle.
5. Chateau d'Amboise
This famous castle is located in the center of the town. The castle was built at the end of the 9th century on a spur above the Loire River. During the reigns of Kings Charles VIII and Francis I (end of the 15th century), this medieval building was replaced by a new royal residence. The chateau began to fall into decay from the second half of the 16th century, most of the interiors were destroyed, but still something remained, the halls were restored, as well as the fortress wall with its towers and walls surrounding the castle.
historical castle Chateau de Chantilly- one of the most significant aristocratic residences of France of the era of the old order. It is located in the town of Chantilly, in Picardy, north of Paris. This beautiful castle consists of two adjoining buildings: the Petit Château, built around 1560 for Anne de Montmorency, and the Grand Château, which was destroyed during the French Revolution and rebuilt in the 1870s. They are surrounded by a magnificent park, which was laid out by the great Le Nôtre.
The castle was originally built in 1528-1531 for the constable Anne de Montmorency, designed by the architect Jean Bulland. In 1632, for assisting the rebellious Duke Gaston of Orleans, the grandson of the constable, Henry II de Montmorency, was put to death. The confiscated estate passed to his sister Charlotte and her husband, Prince de Conde. Their descendants continued to bear the title of Duke of Montmorency and live in Chantilly until the extinction of the line in 1804.
Inside the Chantilly castle, the Condé Museum is now organized, in the collection of which, in addition to the personal belongings of the princes of Condé, their artistic treasures are exhibited - hundreds of manuscripts and early printed books (including the unique Ars subtilior music code and the Gutenberg Bible), a rare collection of porcelain and the Duke's Magnificent Hours Berry" is a famous illustrated manuscript of the 15th century. Together with numerous engravings and paintings by Botticelli, Clouet, Poussin and other old masters. Every two years, a fireworks competition, Nuits de Feu, is held in the castle park, which is attended by people from all over the world.
- one of the most famous and impressive castles of the Loire Valley. The castle has become a testament to the Enlightenment, with its original design, furniture and decor, and thanks to the history of the castle, which was chosen as a residence by an outstanding woman, Diane de Poitiers.
It was built in the 11th century on the Cher River. It passed from hand to hand until it was presented to Diane de Poitiers, mistress of King Henry II). She saved the castle from destruction during the French Revolution at the hands of the Revolutionary Guard, convincing of its importance for travel and trade, as it was the only bridge across the river for many kilometers.
2 Chateau de Chambord
- one of the most magnificent and largest castle in. Set in Europe's largest enclosed wooded park, Chambord Castle is a gem of Renaissance architecture. It was built for King Francis I as a hunting estate and also so that he could be closer to his mistress. It is one of the most recognizable castles in the world due to its distinct French renaissance, which is a mixture of traditional French medieval elements with a pure renaissance structure.
1. Versailles
Located about 20 km southwest of Paris. When the castle was built in 1624, Versailles was still a small village. Now this area has become a wealthy suburb of Paris.
Versailles was built as a small hunting estate for King Louis XIII in 1624. 8 years later, the castle was expanded and became the heart of the new palace. Later, the sun king Louis XIV turned Versailles into the best palace in the world by moving the royal court here. As a result, Versailles is known not only as a beautiful building, but has become a symbol of the absolute monarchy of the Old Regime. Versailles was ahead of its time - it was used as a model for the construction of many other palaces in Europe.
Since the Middle Ages, France has been and remains a country of castles, the birthplace of kings, true knights and fairy tales. The architecture of castles in France is many-sided and varied. Each of them is a historical evidence of the formation of European civilization, modern culture, science and art.
Château de Châteauneuf Built in 1132 and rebuilt in 1457 in the Gothic architectural style, the castle is located in the valley of the Burgundy Canal on a stone ledge 475 meters high.
Kyulan (Château de Culan) The fortress, which has survived to this day, began to be built in the late XII - early XIII centuries. And this construction continued until the 15th century.
Château de Châteaudun The residence of the Counts of Dunois was built in the 12th-16th centuries. Among the unique frescoes of the castle, the majestic fresco of the Last Judgment on one of the walls of the southern chapel in the Great Chapel stands out.
The Italians invited by him to complete the work were the first to bring Renaissance architecture to France. It is believed that it was in Amboise that the first regular garden appeared outside of Italy.
Chinon (Château de Chinon) One of the royal castles of the Loire was built on the site of former Roman fortifications and consists of three parts, built according to historical need. In the 17th century, the fortress belonged to Cardinal Richelieu.
Loches (Château de Loches) The oldest surviving donjon in France is distinguished by its massiveness and quadrangular shape. It was built in the 9th century by the aforementioned Fulk Nerra, an Angevin count.
Rivau The castle became fortified in the 15th century, and then, during the Renaissance, was remodeled in accordance with the standards of humanist architecture. He was famous for the high quality of local horses.
Chaumont-sur-Loire (Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire) An amazingly beautiful fortress stands on the banks of the Loire, between the cities of Amboise and Blois, and annually hosts guests of the International Garden Festival.
Montbéliard (Château de Montbéliard) Already in the time of the Gallo-Romans, there was a fortification and an observation tower on the site of the castle. In 1793 the fortress became part of revolutionary France.
Conciergerie (La Conciergerie) The former royal castle and prison is located in the heart of Paris and is part of the Palais de Justice complex, which still houses municipal services, the court and the prosecutor's office.
Louvre (Palais du Louvre) The ancient royal castle in Paris, rebuilt into a palace, is located on the right bank of the Seine. Today it is one of the richest museums in the world.
Vincennes Castle (Château de Vincennes) The fortress was built for the kings of France in the XIV-XVII centuries. In the 18th century, a prison was located in its building. Among the famous prisoners: the Duke de Beaufort, Nicolas Fouquet, the Marquis de Sade, Diderot and Mi
Malbrook (Château de Malbrouck) The castle got its name from John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough, commander of the English troops on the continent, which during the War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1714).
Angers Castle (Château d`Angers) The castle is famous for its series of tapestries "Apocalypse", which has become one of the "regional wonders of France".
If (Château d`If) Originally a building built in 1524-1531. by order of King Francis I, - now one of the "visiting cards" of Marseille - was a military fort. From the end of the 16th century, the castle began to be used for isolation.
Thanks to the popular novel by Alexandre Dumas - "The Count of Monte Cristo" - written in 1844-1845. and describing the long-term imprisonment of the protagonist in the Chateau d'If, since the opening of the fort to visitors in 1890.
Lichtenberg (Château de Lichtenberg) The castle, built in the XIV century, was thoroughly rebuilt 2 centuries later by order of the owners - the counts of Hanau-Lichtenberg. The team of famous architects led by Daniel Speck took up the modification
Saint-Ulrich (Château de Saint-Ulrich) The castle is located at an altitude of 528 m above sea level and dates back to the XI century. In the XII century, a dungeon was completed, a century later - a knight's hall and a tower. The outer walls and the chapel appeared in the XIV-XV century
Binac (Château de Beynac) The castle, built on a limestone rock in the XII century, is one of the best preserved in the Dordogne region. Known for his collection of hunting tapestries.
Upper Koenigsburg (Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg) This historical and architectural monument was built in the Romanesque style. Currently, the building is used as a historical museum.
Olterib (Château d`Aulteribe) Built at the end of the Middle Ages, the castle was reconstructed and restored in the second half of the 19th century. In 1954, the Marquis de Pierre bequeathed the castle to the National Trust for the Preservation of Historic Monuments.
Chazeron (Château de Chazeron) According to legend, on the top of the hill where the castle now stands, there used to be a holy spring, over which a temple was erected in ancient times. The first mention of a fortified structure dates back to the 4th century BC.
Cordes (Château de Cordès) The 15th-century castle was rebuilt by order of a French marshal two centuries later. Then he acquired luxurious rose gardens and hedges.
Ravel (Château de Ravel) A former royal fortress from the 12th century with an amazing park designed by landscape architect André Le Nôtre, it is also famous among travelers for its collection of rare 19th century ceramics.
Crelly (Château de Creully) The building, built in the 11th century, until the 14th century looked more like an agricultural building than a defensive fortress. Until the 17th century, the castle was rebuilt several times.
Falaise (Château de Falaise) The first traces of stone fortifications discovered during local excavations date back to the 10th century, which allows us to consider the castle of William the Conqueror, built in a typical Anglo-Norman style.
During its history, the fortress has undergone three major reconstructions, as a result of which it acquired three dungeons. In different periods, the castle was financed by such French kings as Henry I, Henry II and Philip II Augustus.
Grato (Château de Gratot) The XIII century castle is a rectangular building surrounded by a wide moat. After the French Revolution, it was abandoned. In the future, for a long time it was used as a storehouse for fodder for livestock.
Carrouges (Château de Carrouges) The family, after whose name the pink brick castle with a granite facade and a water-filled moat was named, lived in it from the 14th century until 1936.
Egilli (Château d`Éguilly) The castle with six towers and a fortress wall was erected in the 12th century on the site of a Gallo-Roman wooden fortification. In the 15th century it served as the residence of the archbishop.
Gevry-Chambertin (Château de Gevrey-Chambertin) The castle of the XI century, equipped with a winery, has long been part of the monastery abbey of Cluny. In the spring of 2012, a Chinese investor bought the fortress for €8 million.
Bourdelle (Château de Bourdeilles) The complex consists of two castles. The first one, built in the early 13th century, is a manor house with an octagonal tower and fortress walls. The second is the Renaissance.
Castelnaud-la-Chapelle During the Hundred Years War, the 13th-century castle was assigned to the Caumont family until the French Revolution, after which it was first abandoned and then converted into a quarry.
Erm (Château de l`Herm) Built between 1500 and 1530 in the heart of the forest, the castle belonged to the Calvimont family for a long time. Excavations in recent years have shown that in its place earlier, perhaps, there were more ancient structures.
Jumilhac (Château de Jumilhac) Since its construction in the 16th century, the castle belongs to the La Tour Du Pin family and is constantly being restored by them. Amazing French gardens adjoin the fortress.
Milandes (Château des Milandes) The castle on the left bank of the Dordogne was founded in 1489 for his wife by Francois Caumon, one of the representatives of the aforementioned family of lords.
After the French Revolution, the castle was abandoned for a long time, and at the beginning of the 20th century it was bought out and restored by a French industrialist who made a fortune in underwear.
Puymarto (Château de Puymartin) The castle was built at the beginning of the XIII century and completely rebuilt in 1450 by Raymond St. Clare.
La Brede (Château de La Brède) The Gothic castle, surrounded by a moat and equipped with defensive systems, was built in the 16th century. In 1689, the famous French writer and thinker Montesquieu was born in La Brede.
Cazeneuve (Château de Cazeneuve) The castle was built on the rocky bank of the Siron River in the 11th century and for a long time served as the residence of the kings of Navarre. In particular, it was there that Queen Margot was imprisoned.
Roquitaillade (Château de Roquetaillade) The castle, which was owned by a single family for 700 years, was opened to the public in 1956.
Nérac (Château de Nérac) The Renaissance castle was completed during the reign of Jeanne d'Albret, Queen of Navarre. During the French Revolution, the building was dismantled except for the north wing.
Montaner (Château de Montaner) The castle was built in the XIV century by order of the feudal lord Gaston Phoebe. Nowadays, in the summer, numerous events are organized on the territory of the fortress.
Morlanne (Château de Morlanne) Another castle from the defensive system of buildings built on the orders of Gaston Phoebus, is a brick wall framing the manor house.
By (Château de Pau) Castle, towering in the center of the city of the same name - the birthplace of Henry IV - was built in the Middle Ages. The building currently houses the National Museum.
Billy (Château de Billy) The castle on the banks of the river Allier at one time served as the home of the early representatives of the Bourbon dynasty. However, the exact date of its construction is unknown - presumably, this is the 13th century.
a Palis (Chateau De La Palice) The feudal castle was built in the 13th century and belonged to the squire Roger Palis, whose descendants a century later intermarried with the Bourbons.
The castle is famous for its fully furnished interiors, as well as for its magnificent gardens, rebuilt in the 19th century by landscape architect Paul Laven.
Turi (Château de Thoury) The fortification, built in the 15th century by the Lords of Turi, later passed to the Conny family, who still owns it.
Ajoni (Château d`Anjony) This fighting fortress of volcanic stone, erected on the banks of the Dora River, consists of a main tower, which is surrounded by four minor turrets crowned with battlements.
Val (Château de Val) The 13th century castle originally belonged to the chamberlain of Charles VII. Subsequent owners changed quite often, until in 1953 the building finally passed to the tourism union.
It is worth noting that the building is surrounded by an artificial lake, and every year, during floods, the water reaches the fortress walls. The castle is featured in the films The Captain (1960) and Frankenstein 90 (1984).
La Rochepot (Château de la Rochepot) Throughout its history, the knight's castle of the XIII century in neo-Gothic style has repeatedly passed from hand to hand. In 1893, the fortress was acquired by the wife of the French president, Sadi Carnot.
Rosires (Château de Rosières) The fortified estate of the Burgundian princes, once surrounded by walls and a deep moat, was eventually bought in 1980 by the Bergereau family, who opened a guest house in the castle.
Corbelin (Château de Corbelin) Throughout its history, the castle of the XII century has been of great historical and economic importance at the local level.
Baller (Château de Balleure) The Burgundian castle of the XIV century is a rectangle surrounded by round and square towers. Currently, the building belongs to a private owner and is closed to the public.
Berz (Château de Berzé) The castle is the largest and best preserved of the Burgundian fortresses. In the Middle Ages, it was of strategic importance. Consists of three buildings, thirteen towers and two dungeons.
Brandon (Château de Brandon) The 12th-century castle, located on a hilltop in the city of Saint-Pierre-de-Varenne, in the Saone-et-Loire region, has been owned by the French family of Juvancelles for 2 centuries. Periodically restored, open to visitors.
Luny (Château de Lugny) In the Middle Ages, the castle was surrounded by several towers and moats, and also equipped with a dungeon. During the French Revolution, the fortifications were burned down.
Rully (Château de Rully) The first mention of construction in this area dates back to 851. The castle itself appeared at the end of the XIV century; and in the XIX century, after the dismantling of the moat, the drawbridge and the main gate, it acquired a modern look
Saint-Fargeau (Château de Saint-Fargeau) The red brick castle, the construction of which began in 980, annually hosts guests of the historical festival.
Dinan (Château de Dinan) The construction of the 30 meters high donjon, better known as the Castle of Queen Anne, began in 1384 under the auspices of John IV, Duke of Brittany.
Bonfontaine (Château de Bonnefontaine) The construction of an elegant castle with high windows and carved architraves began at the end of the 11th century. The fortress acquired its modern appearance 5 centuries later with the permission of King Henry II.
The unique English-style park was designed in the 19th century by popular landscape architects Denis Buhler and Eduard André. Among the crops growing on the territory of the garden: mahogany, Chinese yew, swamp cypress.
Fort-la-Latte (Fort-la-Latte) One of the most famous castles in Brittany, towering on Cape Friel, Côte d'Armor region, was built in the period from 1340 to 1370. On the road leading to the castle stands a menhir called Gargantua's finger.
Many films were filmed in and around the fortress, including: The Three Musketeers (1948), Vikings (1957), Lancelot of the Lake (1974), Mockery (1996), Tristan and Isolde (1998) ), "Secret Lover" (2007), as well as the series "Hawk" (2
La Unodaye (Château de la Hunaudaye) The pentagonal castle with a moat, a drawbridge and five towers was founded in 1220. Heavily destroyed during the French Revolution, at the beginning of the 20th century it was used as a quarry.
Brest (Château de Brest) The oldest building in the city of Brest in the Finistère region dates back to the appearance at the end of the 3rd century on the site of the current castle of Roman defensive fortifications.
Kerusere (Château de Kérouzéré) A two-story granite castle built between 1425 and 1458 by John Kerusere, chamberlain of King John V. A park with a fountain, a well, a dovecote and
Combourg (Château de Combourg) In this castle, the popular writer Francois Rene de Chateaubriand spent his youth, immortalizing in his memoirs not only fortress interiors and life.
The castle was thoroughly plundered during the French Revolution and partially restored only at the end of the 19th century. At the same time, the fortress park was also rebuilt - the famous landscape architect Denis Buhler took care of it.
Fougeres (Château de Fougères) One of the largest French castles, covering an area of 2 hectares, was built in the XII century on a rocky hill in the middle of a swamp, which plays the role of a natural moat.
Vitre (Château de Vitré) A powerful fortification of the XI century rises on a rocky promontory overlooking the valley of the river Vilen. Having survived several fires and related transformations, the fortress acquired its modern look only in 1912.
Josselin (Château de Josselin) The first version of the castle was erected in 1008 by a representative of the family of the Counts of Rennes. Since then, the fortress has been repeatedly rebuilt, playing the role of either an alchemical center, or a cloister of Protestantism, or prisons.
Currently, the lower floor of the citadel is an exposition of antiques - furniture, family portraits, royal gifts. The stables have been converted into a Puppet Museum. A real masterpiece is the park ensemble of the castle.
Tresesson (Château de Trecesson) The castle of the XIV century is surrounded by a wide moat. The main entrance across the bridge is adorned with two towers and a gallery. Several legends are associated with the fortress - including the ghost of the White Lady, who was killed in the 18th century, inhabiting
Azay-le-Ferron (Château d`Azay-le-Ferron) The 15th-century Renaissance castle is perfectly preserved and famous for its collections of furniture and household items, as well as a magnificent French park with masterpieces of topiary art.
Usse (Château d`Ussé) The construction of the XV century - one of the castles of the Loire, erected on the banks of its tributary, the river Indre - combines two architectural styles - medieval Gothic and the Renaissance.
It was Yusse who served as a source of inspiration for Charles Perrault to describe the castle of the Sleeping Beauty - one of the storyteller's friends owned this fortress for some time.
Moulin (Château du Moulin) Built between 1480 and 1501 for Philippe Moulin, a childhood friend of King Charles VIII, by the court architect Jacques de Persigny, the castle is made of orange and black bricks.
Sully-sur-Loire (Château de Sully-sur-Loire) The first written mention of the castle dates back to 1102 - he controlled the bridge over the Loire and disappeared from the face of the earth in the XIV century. The construction of a new fortress began in 1396.
Tonquedec (Château de Tonquédec) The majestic legacy of the Breton feudal lords dates back to the 12th century. Currently, the castle belongs to private owners, but it can be rented for filming movies, photo shoots.
Doumely (Château de Doumely) The 15th century stronghold overlooking the countryside is a fortress with four towers and a beautiful garden. During the World Wars it was used as a hospital and prison. Now it is a private property.
Landreville (Château de Landreville) The castle with four towers, a moat and a park of 4 hectares was built in the middle of the 16th century and has survived to this day almost untouched. There is also a stable and two pavilions on the territory.
Sedan (Château de Sedan) One of the largest fortresses in Europe was built in 1424 on the banks of the river Meuse, includes four defensive bastions and covers an area of more than 35,000 square meters.
During the First World War, the castle was used as a camp for thousands of French and Belgians sentenced by the German authorities to forced labor. Today the castle houses a museum and a three-star hotel.
Montmort (Château de Montmort) A 15th-century brick castle, protected by a double moat, is located near the famous Champagne vineyards. There is a bastion in each corner of the fortress wall. The ensemble is completed by a three-arched bridge and
Besancon (Citadelle de Besançon) The Citadel is one of the masterpieces of Sebastian Le Pretre de Vauban, military engineer of King Louis XIV, and the center of modern tourism in the Franche-Comté region - about 280 thousand people visit this place every year
The castle was built between 1668 and 1683 on Mount Saint-Étienne. The thickness of the walls of the fortress reaches 5-6 meters, their height varies from 15 to 20 meters. Currently, there are several museums inside the citadel, as well as a zoo.
Cleron (Château de Cléron) Built in 1320 on the site of a Gallo-Roman fortification, the castle underwent significant changes in the 18th century, but retained its medieval structure. Owned by the Monrichard family.
Joux (Fort de Joux) Fort of the XI century, towering on the edge of the Pontarlier Gorge, was probably built by relatives of the Burgundian princes. At the end of the reign of Louis XV and until the fall of Napoleon I, the fort was used as a state prison.
During the First World War, the castle served as a deterrent to enemy troops. During World War II, it was occupied by the Germans, then abandoned as too outdated for modern weapons.
Chevreaux (Château de Chevreaux) From the castle of the XII century, located at an altitude of 473 meters, offers amazing views of the plain of Bres. Since 1990, in the fortress, thoroughly plundered and dilapidated at the beginning of the 17th century.
Dieppe (Château de Dieppe) The castle on the edge of the cliff was built in 1188 to protect the sea coast of Normandy. During the French Revolution, it served as a prison. During the First and Second World Wars, he performed military functions.
Blandy-les-Tours (Château de Blandy-les-Tours) The first written mention of the castle dates back to 1216. In the 4th century, the appearance of the fortress underwent significant changes, financed by Charles V and Charles VI.
In 1764, the castle, which is now considered a symbol of French Protestantism, was sold to César Choiseul-Praslin, minister of Louis XV. The French Revolution passed unnoticed for the fortress.
Nangis (Château de Nangis) The castle was built in 1436 by Charles VII. During the Hundred Years War, the building served as a defensive fortification for the people of the suburbs. To date, only the left wing of the original building has survived.
Nemours (Château de Nemours) The 12th-century castle on the left bank of the Loing River has been perfectly preserved, having avoided, unlike many of its contemporaries, dismantling for one reason or another.
La Madeleine (Château de la Madeleine) The construction of the castle over the Chevreuse valley was carried out between 1030 and 1090. It was designed to protect the city from robberies and already in the 12th century it acquired stone walls and a tower, as well as a moat and drawbridges.
In the 20th century, the castle was converted into the headquarters of the regional natural park Haute Vallée de Chevreuse, the modern architecture of which fits perfectly into the medieval fortification without affecting it.
Dourdan (Château de Dourdan) The castle, located in the center of the city of the same name and surrounded by a moat, was built between 1220 and 1222 by King Philip II Augustus.
In the second half of the 16th century, during the religious wars, the castle was plundered by the Protestants. In 1611, Louis XIII bought the fortress for his mother, Marie de Medici.
Beaumont-sur-Oise (Château de Beaumont-sur-Oise) The first written mention of the largest castle in the Oise Valley dates back to 953. For all the time of its existence, the fortress was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt.
La Roche-Guyon (Château de La Roche-Guyon) From the 10th to the 15th century, the castle on the right bank of the Seine was owned by the family of the same name, one of whose representatives once served as a vassal of King Philip II Augustus.
By the 17th century, the castle completely lost its defensive functions and became a secular residence. In 1659 he passes to Francois VII de La Rochefoucauld, son of the famous French writer and moral philosopher, Francois VI de La Rochefoucauld.
Arc (Château d`Arques) The four-storey donjon of the XIV century, 25 meters high with a spiral staircase inside, was built after the crusade against the Albigensians.
Queribus (Château de Quéribus) The 10th century fortress stands on a rock formation at an altitude of 728 meters above sea level. The first restoration work on the castle began in the 1950s.
La Caze (Château de La Caze) A 15th-century Renaissance castle located in the Tarn Gorge. During the French Revolution, it was used as a prison, in our time it has been converted into a four-star hotel.
Château du Champ This 13th-century castle, significantly rebuilt in the 15th and 18th centuries, rises on a rocky promontory of the Altier River at an altitude of 734 meters above sea level and is now part of the Cévennes National Park.
Florac (Château de Florac) Another castle, located in the Cévennes National Park, was built in the XIII century, but completely destroyed during the religious wars of the XVII century.
Luke (Château de Luc) The 12th-century castle was destroyed in 1630 by order of Cardinal Richelieu. Two centuries later, in 1878, the tower, standing on the ruins, was turned into a chapel of the Virgin Mary, whose statue still serves as the top of the donjon.
Sals (Forteresse de Salses) The military structure on the border of France and Catalonia was built between 1497 and 1502 by order of Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella of Castile - the royal couple.
In 1642, the bastion with brick walls from 6 to 10 meters wide was captured by the French. And already in 1659, along with the signing of the Iberian Peace, he lost his strategic importance.
Saint-Saturnin (Château de Saint-Saturnin) In written sources, the castle with three round and one square tower was first mentioned in the 13th century as the estate of the King of France.
Rochechouart (Château de Rochechouart) The owners of the castle of the XII century with elements dating from the XV century, for more than 800 years, were from the family of the same name.
One unusual legend is connected with the castle - about Alix - the wife of one of the viscounts of Rochechouart - who was an exceptionally beautiful and virtuous woman. One day, the manager of the castle was inflamed with passion for Alix, who rejected his advances.
The enraged viscount threw his wife into the dungeon, where at that moment there were two lions brought by him from the crusade. A few days later he went down to the dungeon and saw the living Alix and the lions sleeping next to her.
Con-la-Granville (Château de Cons-la-Grandville) The castle, located in the Meurthe and Moselle region, is an amazing architectural synthesis of times - from the Romanesque period to the era of classicism. Open to the public since 1984.
Gombervaux (Château de Gombervaux) The 14th-century castle, surrounded by a moat, was originally a fortification with four corner towers. Only the façade remains today.
Najac (Château de Najac) Royal fortress with towers over 40 meters high was erected in 1253 by the French prince from the Capet dynasty, Alphonse de Poitiers, in order to impress the locals.
In the summer of 1643, the castle was at the center of a peasant uprising. In less than 4 months, more than 10 thousand rebellious farmers were defeated by the government troops of Jules Mazarin.
Saint-Isard (Château de Saint-Izaire) The castle was built between 1317 and 1346 and donated to the abbey of Vabre, to which it belonged until the end of the 18th century.
Lareol (Château de Laréole) The Renaissance castle was built from 1579 to 1582 and was originally conceived as a summer residence for recreation and entertainment, not performing any military functions. During the French Revolution, about
Pibrac (Château de Pibrac) The Renaissance-style brick castle was built in 1540 by the architect Dominique Bachelier on the site of a dilapidated port fortress.
In 1897, under the auspices of landscape designer Eugene Buhler, the castle acquired a 14-hectare minimalist English park with terraces, a pool and hills. You can get to its territory through the brick triumphal arch of the times of Henry IV.
Saint-Élix-le-Château (Château de Saint-Élix-le-Château) The castle, which combines the details of medieval architecture and the Renaissance, was built between 1540 and 1548 by the architect Lauren Clary.
Over the centuries, the castle has belonged to many families. During the Second World War, its building was looted and partially burned. The current owner undertook a major restoration in the early 1980s.
Castelnau-Bretenoux (Château de Castelnau-Bretenoux) The construction of the castle was carried out over several centuries, from the XII to the XVII century. The fortress owes its appearance to Baron Hugh de Castelnau.
When the last member of the Castelnau family died in 1715, the castle was empty for almost 2 centuries. In 1895, the fortress was bought by an opera singer, who not only took up the restoration of buildings, but also began to collect a collection of antique furniture.
Larroque-Toirac (Château de Larroque-Toirac) The 12th-century castle is currently privately owned, but is open to visitors during the summer. Famous for its interiors and fireplaces, as well as unique frescoes of the 16th century.
Bruniquel (Châteaux de Bruniquel) According to legend, the first fortification in this place was erected by Queen Brunhilde. It was on its ruins that the first "Old Castle", which belonged to the counts of Toulouse, appeared in the 13th century.
In the middle of the 15th century, a second building, the New Castle, also grew on a 90-meter cliff. Both fortresses were burned down several times - during the religious wars, as well as conflicts of the 18th and 19th centuries.
Foix (Château de Foix) From the 15th to the 18th centuries, barracks were located in the castle. Later, the structure was completely converted into a prison, known for its inhuman conditions of detention and constant overcrowding.
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The most beautiful castles in France
beautiful French architecture and captivates with its splendor and unsurpassedness. It leaves an indelible mark on the soul of everyone who visits these sights. Although in English the word Chateau is translated as a castle, in French it most often means a palace or a manor.
Most visited castles of france, including those in the Loire Valley, are built in the Renaissance architectural style. In fact, there are thousands of castles, but we decided to present you only the most unique and unsurpassed, which millions of tourists from all over the world seek to visit. It is in order to plunge into the era of kings, lords, beautiful ladies and rich nobles and take with you an indelible impression of luxury and comfort, it is worth including palaces and castles in your itinerary.
Château de Chantilly
Château de Chantilly- one of the most aristocratic residences of the era of the old world. It is located 40 km from Paris in the commune of Chantilly, in the valley of the Nonet River, a tributary of the Oise River. It is a prime example of the transition from a fortified citadel to a beautiful palace. The residence is located on a huge rock, surrounded on all sides by water. Built in 1560, Chantilly has a large number of luxurious rooms, an art gallery, magnificent gardens and impressive stables.
Be sure to visit the Condé Museum, one of the best galleries in France. A walk through the pavilions will take visitors through charming gardens with fountains and sculptures. The Chantilly Racecourse was used as a filming location for the James Bond film A View to a Kill. Gourmets will also be interested in Chantilly, as the local whipped cream is famous throughout France.
Château de Chantilly
On the southeastern outskirts of the Compiègne forest between the cities of Compiègne and Ville Cotret, there is a fabulous Chateau de Pierrefonds. It rises on a hill overlooking the picturesque village. The castle is rectangular in plan, its dimensions are 103 m by 88 m, the thickness of the outer walls reaches 5-6 meters. It has a monument to Louis of Orleans. There is an armorial hall and a hall of knightly ladies. Visitors appreciate all the splendor of the castle, as well as the underground crypt, which contains the remains of several French kings.
The castle has served as a filming location for films such as Aliens, The Messenger, The Story of Joan of Arc and The Man in the Iron Mask, as well as the series Wizards of Waverly Place and Merlin.
Chateau de Chaumont
Chateau de Chaumont located between the cities of Amboise and Blois in the Loire Valley. It can boast of its rich history as much as its wonderful view.
The castle was first rebuilt in 1465 on the ruins of a 10th century fortress. But it was soon destroyed after King Louis XI found out that its owner, Pierre Aboise, was involved in a conspiracy against the king. After the castle was restored several decades later, the wife of King Henry II, Catherine de Medici, acquired the palace. Famous people such as the astrologer Nostradamus often visited there. After that, the castle changed a very large number of owners. Today, visitors can take a trip to the castle to see its exquisite interiors, gardens, sumptuous stables, and picturesque views of the Loire River.
Chateau de Chaumont
Chambord castle
Chambord castle one of the easily recognizable castles of the Loire. It is one of the finest examples of French Renaissance architecture. The name of the architect is unknown, but studies prove the participation in the construction of Leonardo da Vinci, who at that time was the architect at the court of King Francis I.
The castle was built in the 16th century as a hunting refuge for the king. The castle has 400 beautiful rooms and 300 fireplaces. Château Chambord has many striking features, such as double helix staircases and elaborate roofs with chimneys, domes, gables and towers that are reminiscent of a city. There is a beautiful reserve, which is a haven for wild boar and deer.
Chambord castle
Castle of Versailles
The most famous - castle Of Versailles, very often called Palace of Versailles, this building looks so luxurious, both outside and inside. It is this castle that is distinguished by a unique integrity of design and harmony of architectural forms, with a beautifully designed landscape. Versailles is the former residence of the French kings.
The palace is very functional. It contains halls of fabulous beauty, corridors built in 17 mirrored arches. In the queen's bedroom, you can see the secret door through which Marie Antoinette escaped on her march to Versailles. Be sure to walk between the 250 arches of the palace gardens, which are designed in geometric patterns of trees, flowers and paths. You will not remain indifferent to this miracle!
The castle was built in 1624 as a hunting lodge for King Louis XIII and then expanded to serve as the residence of the French royal family. It has become a kind of monument to the era of the “king of the sun”, an artistic and cultural expression of the idea of absolutism. The Château de Versailles attracts over 3 million visitors a year.
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