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.
Built: 15th centuryStatus: WineryVisitable?: Yes, as a guestNotable: The castle is a modified fortress, now a luxury hotel (this is no longer a hotel but a winery). The castle used to belong to the Marquis la Fayette (the French general who helped the USA gain its independence from the UK)Web: Chateau de Reignac This absolutely beautiful …
Built: 15th centuryStatus: PrivateVisitable?: SometimesNotable: At times, in the attic, there’s a children theatreWeb: – The Renaissance-style Manor of Auffay is located in the small village of Oherville (Upper Normandy), on top of the Durdent valley. Built in the 15th century and updated regularly with new additions, the Manor is currently in private hands. There is …
Built: 1886Status: PrivateVisitable?: NoNotable: The castle is modelled on the Arco de Santa Maria castle in Spain, it survived WWII bombingsWeb: – Despite the heavy bombings during WWII, Le Havre still has one of its beautiful castles mostly intact; the Gadelles castle. The “Chateau des Gadelles” is also known as “Porte de Burgos” after the 14th …
Built: 19th centuryStatus: Hotel/RestaurantVisitable?: Yes, as a customerNotable: Overlooks the beach resort town of Etretat, each room is unique. The restaurant is a 1 Star Michelin rated restaurant.Web: Le Donjon The name is ominous for a hotel, since that is what the castle is. The Donjon means “the dungeon”. Located in the most popular tourist …
Etretat Castle – Domaine St. Clair Donjon Castle and Villa Read More »
Chateau de Frefosse in Tilleul, Normandy (right next to Etretat) is one of my favourite castles. It’s almost a palace.
Built: 11th centuryStatus: PrivateVisitable?: NoNotable: Name of the castle used for the “Count of Valmont” in the movie “Dangerous Liaisons”Web: – The Valmont castle is most impressive; a mixture between a fortress and a castle, perched high on a hill overlooking the town of Valmont in Upper Normandy. The families who owned it were numerous (including …
The castle, recently renamed to Chateau de Sissi, is to be found in the small village Sassetot-le-Mauconduit in Normandy. It’s biggest claim to fame is that the Austrian Empress Sissi stayed there (and is rumoured to having given birth to an illegitimate child).
The beautiful Janville castle in Paluel, Normandy is located right next to a WWII R&R camp and airport (and a kilometer away from a nuclear reactor).
Built: 950Status: RuinsVisitable?: YesNotable: –Web: – In the city of Avranches, located very close to the Mont Saint-Michel, are the ruins of a fortress and its associated dungeon. The fortress itself was built around the year 950, while the dungeon was built in the 11th century. Most of the walls are still intact, but parts …
Built: 1599 centuryStatus: PrivateVisitable?: YesNotable: WWII German V1 Launch padsWeb: – The Filieres Castle, to be found close to the Gommerville village (in Upper Normandy), is very interesting to see. Built in 1599 the Henri IV style castle itself is quite big and the gardens are equally interesting (and not just for the plants and …
The castle of Cany-Barville in Normandy is beautiful. It used to be part of the international horse & buggy races championship.
The castle/fortress of Caen is one of the biggest in Europe. Made by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it still stands big and proud after centuries of attacks.
The Chateau d’If, a French equivalent of Alcatraz, is a prison island close to Marseilles and the setting of the famous book The Count of Monte Cristo. A visit to marseilles is never complete without a visit to this island.
A visit of the castle/fortress of Dieppe, a very old but functional castle which can be seen for free, but also has an ivory and painting museum inside.
The Mont St. Michel is France’s second most visited monument, second only after the Eiffel Tower in Paris. With over 3 million visitors each year, it is no wonder United Nation’s UNESCO put it on their World Heritage Sites. And there are several good reasons for this. Mont St. Michel has not been changed over …
The benedictine liqueur is famous all over the world, and it’s made here in Fecamp in this incredible palace, which is also a museum.
