A look at some of the many castles that can be seen in France. Many are in private hands though some may be open to public occasionally. Others are museums. Where possible, we’ll show you a link to the castle’s web site for further information.
Note: These are only the articles dedicated to castles showing, many of the general city posts will also contain castle information, but they are not listed here.
1
Jan 27, 2020
The castle in Epoisse (Burgundy) is amazing.Building started in the 10th century, and the domain consists of several buildings, all in good state. The castle is open for visits, including the domain itself.
2
Jan 16, 2020
The Port-Louis Citadel/Fortress in Brittany is in a very good state, and is now a museum. Built by the Spaniards and improved by the French (and Germans during WWII), it’s quite a spectacle.
3
Dec 18, 2019
The initial construction of the Brest Fortress/Castle started in the 3rd century.It is still one of the biggest fortresses in France, it’s still used by the French Navy and it’s the National Navy Museum… it’s definitely worth a visit.
4
Dec 17, 2019
Chateau Dauzac in Labarde (Margaux area) is known by specialities as an excellent wine producer. You can visit the castle, cellars and enjoy some of their educational programs (like pairing cheese with wines).
5
Dec 16, 2019
Chateau-Marojallia at the Margaux-Cantenac commune in the Bordeaux region is considered a “garage wine” producer. The castle and its cellars can be visited if you book in advance.
6
Dec 12, 2019
The Chateau Durfort-Vivens is not much as a castle, but as wines go, it’s top class. It’s part of the margaux area of topclass wines.
7
Dec 11, 2019
Chateau Cantenac Brown at Margaux-Cantenac is not only a beautiful castle, but also a top class wine producer.
8
Dec 10, 2019
Chateau Desmirail in Margaux-Cantenac is one of those important and recognised wines from the Bordeaux area. The castle and winery can be visited when you reserve well in advance.
9
Dec 9, 2019
Chateau Palmer, named after a British owner, is another one of the famous Margaux wines. The castle can be visited.
10
Dec 5, 2019
Chateau Margaux is not only a beautiful castle that can be visited, it is also one of the most famous and prestigious wines in the world. You can visit it, and even taste their wines.
11
Dec 3, 2019
The Saint-Clair Castle at Les Sables-d’Olonne is small but does its job; protecting the harbour entrance. Now it’s a museum.
12
Nov 28, 2019
The Bretteville Castle at Bretteville-Saint-Laurent in Normandy, France is a little jewel and it can be visited.
13
Nov 26, 2019
The Chateau de Noirmoutier-en-l’Ile, on the Noirmoutier island, is quite amazing for such a small village. Today, it’s a museum
14
Nov 22, 2019
In a small town in Upper Normandy called Ermenouville you will find this quite spectacular castle. Ermenouville is a very small village, just some 150 inhabitants, but still they have this very beautiful castle dating back to the 17th century. The gardens of the castle are well known and respected. They have the largest collection […]
15
Nov 12, 2019
The castle in Nantes is the former quarters of the Duke of Brittany. The castle, more a fortress, is enormous and can be visited. The Duke’s “hunting” lodge in Sarzeau, Brittany is nicer to visit (it’s called the Suscino Castle – click here to read our review ) but this one if not so shabby […]
16
Oct 28, 2019
Camaret-sur-Mer in Brittany is a small town, some 2700 inhabitants, with a very scenic harbour, enormous dramatic cliffs and a very big monument. The village/town is old, very old. Traces of habitation can be found as far back as 2500 years BC! In those days, the place was for druides and their magical stone, the […]
17
Jul 9, 2019
Although this castle can not be visited on the inside, you can walk in the gardens and look around the castle on the outside. The castle is located close to one of Dinard‘s beaches. The city had ordered the chateau to be built for the Royal couple, Napoleon III and his beautiful wife, Eugenie. They […]
18
Jun 4, 2019
Bayonne, located in the South West of France, is particularly known for its ham and its chocolates (and its rugby club). Apart from that, the city is a medieval city that has been reasonably well conserved over the centuries. The inner part of the city centre is old but well maintained. Bayonne is divided by […]
19
Mar 4, 2019
If ever there was a castle that merits a detour to view, it’s this one. The Suscinio castle is a fortress, including a real moat, built for the Duke of Brittany in the 13th century. The castle was built as a hunting lodge for the Duke who was a passionate hunter. The castle, including […]
20
Mar 1, 2019
The castle at the seatown of Pornic in Pays de Loire is the most visible item in the scenic landscape. It dominates the town. The castle is located partially on the sea promenade, partially on the public beach. So although the castle is in private hands, you can see it from all angles, and up […]
21
Feb 19, 2019
Driving around the Brittany coastline you might just see some signs for the Guildo Castle. You’ll need to take a few country roads to get there, but once there you’ll see something pretty amazing. Located some 500 meters from the town and bridge are the ruins of a fortress/castle. The first castle was built here […]
22
Feb 19, 2019
In the beach town of Concarneau, alongside the city centre and harbors, you will find this amazing fortress. It was voted as the favorite place in Brittany by the Bretons. On the outskirts of Concarneau are several spas and thalasso hotels, but if you keep driving away from these hotels alongside the coastline, you’ll head […]
23
Oct 8, 2018
In the peaceful and quiet village of Gueures in Normandy, you will find a splendid castle located alongside the Saane river. Built around the 18th century on the grounds of a previous fortress, the chateau now is in private hands. And yes, you do see a large windmill in the background of the castle, but […]
24
Nov 1, 2016
Deep in the rich and wealthy city of Sainte-Adresse, next to the city of Le Havre, there are a few luxurious “villas” from yesteryear. Many of these mansions date back to the days that wealthy people came here for their holidays, people like the famous impressionist painter Claude Monet and the then famous French actress, […]