An incredible number of remarkable castles are scattered around France’s regions...
Going from impressive fortresseses via more dicreet manors to extravagant royal and imperial palaces, you can visit countless beautiful châteaux dotted around France’s provinces. Many boast fine furnishings and gardens; many have have been impressively restored and are now presented in modern ways.
The castle-palace of the Dukes of Anjou
The castle-palace of the Dukes of Anjou in the 14th and 15th centuries, Saumur Castle was the home of King René, and is the last surviving example of the Princely palaces erected by the Valois dynasty. A former residence of the city governors, a prison and then an arms and munitions depot, it was purchased by the City in 1906 to accommodate the city museum, now known as the Museum of France.
Visit the Châteaux de la Loire by bike
Enjoy heading off along the Châteaux à Vélo cycle routes, with 400km of cycle paths, tracks and quiet country roads to explore, following a dozen secure, well-signposted circuits. Seek out grand châteaux like those at Chambord, Chaumont-sur-Loire, Cheverny and Blois… and discover many less well-known treasures such as Loire-side villages, the Sologne’s mysterious forests and lakes, and countless wine-making estates.
The Château de Chantilly
Chantilly is a relatively new town. It developed in the 18th century, around its château. This magnificent castle contains the Musée Condé, a splendid art museum, and is surrounded by remarkable water gardens laid out by the famed 17th-century designer, André Le Nôtre. Set alongside the Château de Chantilly, the sumptuous Grandes Ecuries, or Great Stables, are home to the Musée Vivant du Cheval and stand right by the town's famed racecourse. Around Chantilly, you find yourself in the most intense horse-training area in France. Chantilly's racecourse hosts such prestigious meets as the Prix de Diane and the Prix du Jockey Club. The town also plays host to numerous celebratory events.
Le Château de Digoine
Si l’édifice même du Château de Digoine mérite une visite, vous apprécierez aussi de vous promener dans l’immense parc paysager qui l’entoure, entre l’étang, le jardin à la françaises, les alignements d’orangers dans des caisses bicentenaires et les innombrables palmiers.
Visite of the Château de Versailles and its gardens
The Château de Versailles is a 17th-century masterpiece of French art and architecture and the ultimate symbol of French royal absolutism. Originally created for King Louis XIV (‘The Sun King’) as a hunting lodge, it grew into a centre of French government and is now a sumptuous museum plunging you into the heart of French history. Explore the king’s and queen’s apartments, the famed Hall of Mirrors, the royal chapel, the separate Grand and Petit Trianon buildings, plus the fabulous gardens designed by André Le Nôtre, with copses, fountains and mythological sculptures.
The Château de Rambouillet
The Château de Rambouillet is a former royal residence which later became a presidential residence. Many important historic figures are linked with this fine, unique, surprising home, with its 14th-century keep, its oak-panelled rooms, its marble salon, and its Napoleonic decorations. Discover the château’s grounds, its French-style formal gardens, the queen’s dairy and the shell cottage in the midst of the English-style garden.
The Château de Maintenon
In the town of Maintenon you will find the eponymous castle whose construction began in the 12th century and was completed in the 17th century, following the modification of plans by Jean Cottereau who transformed this fortress into a pleasure castle. Vauban had the aqueduct built which borders the castle, the occasion of a refreshing break by bicycle in the heart of the royal valley of the Eure during your hike on the Veloscénie
The Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire
Located between Chaumont-sur-Loire and Amboise, take this stage of the Loire by bike to reach the Château de Chaumont. Sentinel over the Loire between Blois and Tours, this castle became the property of the State in 1938, which sold it to the Centre region in 2007. Known for its buildings, the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire is also renowned for its park, which has hosted the International Garden Festival since 1992.
The Château de Cormatin
Between Tournus and Cluny, in the heart of South Burgundy, the Château de Cormatin awaits you in the middle of its gardens and its water pieces. The Marquis d'Huxelles had it built at the beginning of the 17th century to testify to its power and prestige: wide moats, turrets, high base with bosses, gunboats and drawbridge, the castle was made to impress. He still succeeds today. Richly restored and furnished, this private castle is open to visitors.
