Cherac – Chateau de Dion
The Chateau de Dion is a typical castle for the Cognac area. It’s set in a beautiful and lush garden with many trees. The castle is in private hands and can not be visited.
° Castles
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 website for further information.
Note: These are mostly the articles dedicated to castles showing, many of the general city posts will also contain castle information, so at times expect more information than just castle info.
Etrigny – Balleure Castle
The Balleure Castle lies deep in the Burgundy wine region, and there’s a good reason for it.
The hotel/restaurant is owned by one of world’s most recognised wine taste/specialists. The castle has several comfortable and cozy rooms, and the wine menu is to die for. The area is beautiful and very quiet.
Epoisses – Chateau d’Epoisses
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.
Port-Louis – Citadel/Fortress
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.
Brest – Chateau de Brest
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.
Labarde – Chateau Dauzac
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).
Margaux-Cantenac – Chateau Marojallia
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.
Margaux-Cantenac – Chateau Durfort-Vivens
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.
Margaux-Cantenac – Chateau Cantenac Brown
Chateau Cantenac Brown at Margaux-Cantenac is not only a beautiful castle, but also a top class wine producer.
Margaux-Cantenac – Chateau Desmirail
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.
Margaux-Cantenac – Chateau Palmer
Chateau Palmer, named after a British owner, is another one of the famous Margaux wines. The castle can be visited.
Margaux-Cantenac – Chateau Margaux
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.
Les Sables-d’Olonne – Saint-Clair Castle
The Saint-Clair Castle at Les Sables-d’Olonne is small but does its job; protecting the harbour entrance. Now it’s a museum.
Bretteville-Saint-Laurent – Chateau de Bretteville
The Bretteville Castle at Bretteville-Saint-Laurent in Normandy, France is a little jewel and it can be visited.
Noirmoutier-en-l’Ile – Chateau de Noirmoutier
The Chateau de Noirmoutier-en-l’Ile, on the Noirmoutier island, is quite amazing for such a small village. Today, it’s a museum
Ermenouville – Chateau de Mesnil-Geoffroy
Built: 17th centuryStatus: PrivateVisitable?: Yes, only the gardensNotable: Property of Prince and Princess Kayali (Syria). The castle has not been modified since the 18th century. Known for the largest rose garden in Normandy.Web: None In a small town in Upper Normandy called Ermenouville you will find this quite spectacular castle. Ermenouville is a very small …
Nantes – The Castle
The Duke of Brittany’s castle is located in Nantes and can be visited, partially for free, partially wby paying a fee.
Camaret-sur-Mer – Introduction
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 …
Dinard – Villa Eugenie
Built: 1866Status: PrivateVisitable?: NoNotable: Web: 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 …
Bayonne – Introduction
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 …
Sarzeau – Suscinio Castle
If ever there was a castle/fortress that merits a detour to go and visit, it’s this one, belonging to the Duke of Brittany. Stunning.
Pornic – Castle
Built: 12th centuryStatus: PrivateVisitable?: Yes (sometimes)Notable: –Web: – 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 …
Saint-Jacut-de-la-Mer – Guildo Fortress
Built: 14th centuryStatus: Public (ruins)Visitable?: YesNotable: Web: 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 …
Concarneau – Fortress
Built: 15th centuryStatus: PublicVisitable?: YesNotable: –Web: – 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 …