Castles of France occupy a special place among the world’s attractions. First of all, the Loire Valley, the architecture of the palace complexes and the beauty of the park areas surrounding them of interest. French monarchs knew how to surround themselves with luxury and delicacy. The legacy left after them a golden fund, amazing places that attract tourists.
Some magnificent buildings became residences, others turned into museums, and still, others passed into private hands. The rich history of each castle allows us to trace the main milestones of the past of the entire country. Such beauty cannot do without restoration work so that the appearance does not fade and pleases both local residents and guests. They carried out with extreme caution: you cannot allow the original species to disappear or change unnecessarily.
Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant
Disneyland Castle, aka the Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Paris, the main symbol of this amusement park. In general, the fairytale castle the logo of the Disney studio, it shown in the intro before each film of the company. Castles in Disneylands different.
In Disneyland Paris, this is the Sleeping Beauty Castle, dedicated to the cartoon of the same name. It located at the end of the main street of the park ” Main Street ” in a small square. Several different Disneyland theme parks converge at this place, so most tourists will definitely pass through it. The castle the gateway to Fantasy Land, a theme park designed for the youngest tourists.
The inside of the castle not very big. The first floor of the castle a through the passage, which houses a souvenir shop, made in the style of a fairy tale. The store interesting because here, right on the spot, a master glassblower makes all sorts of trinkets from a glass.
From the first floor of the castle, a staircase leads to the second floor, where there a small gallery decorated with colored stained-glass windows and various exhibits dedicated to the tale of the Sleeping Beauty. There also a dungeon in the castle, made in the form of a dark cave with stalactites. A fire-breathing dragon lives here, which moves and emits smoke from its mouth.
Chambord Castle (Château de Chambord)
Built-in the first half of the 16th century. Located in the Loire. Refers to the Renaissance style. The area of the park exceeds one thousand hectares and a nature reserve. There about a hundred species of birds. Features of the architecture – an open double staircase, nearly three hundred fireplaces, decorated columns, and more. There a regular light show at night. Belongs to the state, it one of the most visited castles in France.
Château des Milandes
If you visiting Bordeaux and driving, visiting the beautiful Château des Milandes can be great to enter the French Dordogne and marvel at its beautiful medieval villages ( Beynac-et-Cazenac, Castelnaud-la-Chapelle or St Cyprien) and its rural charm. Not for nothing in this French region some of the most beautiful villages in France. Getting to the Castle of Milandes from Bordeaux will take you almost 3 hours but the landscapes that you will travel will be worth it.
Château de Chenonceau
Built at the beginning of the 15th century. Located next to the village of the same name. It has private owners, although it included in the list of historical monuments. It stands on the Sher River, which to some extent part of the ensemble. A medieval well, an ancient tower, a drawbridge have been preserved, and a vegetable garden being maintained. Inside, many of the decorations also originals. The kitchen looks especially authentic with a huge spit and antique dishes
Château de Pierrefonds
Built at the turn of the XIV and XV centuries. Belongs to the commune of Pierrefonds. It destroyed almost to the ground and rebuilt only in the 19th century. The architecture Gothic and even the changes made in the era of Romanism could not correct its appearance. In the front yard, there a monument to Louis of Orleans. It not only an architectural landmark but also a fortification museum.
Château de Vaux le Vicomte
The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte traditionally called the “predecessor” of Versailles . Those who have seen Louis’ favorite residence will be interested in getting to know its progenitor. Those who have not yet visited Versailles will be able to follow the development of French architecture step by step.
The history of the creation of this palace and park masterpiece closely intertwined with the history of France itself and clearly demonstrates the features of the era. Combining the efforts of the best craftsmen of his time, Vaux-le-Vicomte under construction for three years (1658-1661) and taken from the owner by the king in one day.
Papal Palace in Avignon (Palais des Papes)
The most magnificent Gothic palace in Europe makes an indelible impression thanks to its high unapproachable walls and massive tower platforms. The colossal structure harmoniously fits into the overall landscape, dominating the entire panorama of Avignon.
However, this building has little resemblance to the palace itself in the modern sense. The former residence of the popes a well-fortified castle with thick walls, two impregnable battle towers, and narrow loopholes.
The time period from 1309 to 1378. preserved in history as the “Avignon rule of the popes”. For 70 years, the seat of the heads of the Catholic Church located not in Rome, but in Avignon. During this time, 7 French popes ruled here, the Papal Palace built, and the city itself surrounded by bastions.
Amboise castle (Château d’Amboise)
It began to take shape in its current form at the end of the 15th century. But he had a predecessor who stood in the same place. Located in a city of the same name. His park, with symmetrical plantings and the same markings, the first such garden outside Italy. The architectural style the Gothic of the last periods of its heyday. Members of the Valois dynasty, as well as Da Vinci, buried in the complex. Terraces and towers observation platforms with panoramic views.
Rambouillet Castle (Château de Rambouillet)
Round towers entwined with ivy, exquisite pavilions, luxurious gardens – all this the Rambouillet Castle, located 50 km from Paris. At the end of the 14th century, on the site of a hunting lodge, which stood in the middle of the forest, a powerful fortress erected, surrounded by a moat. Since then, it has been rebuilt and expanded more than once, but the ancient building to this day keeps the memory of influential owners and important historical events.
The castle walls remember the kings and emperors: Francis I, Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, and Napoleon. For over 100 years, Rambouillet has been the summer residence of French presidents.
Blois Castle (Château de Blois)
Construction began in the 13th century and dragged on for many decades. Located on the right bank of the Loire. The architectural style Gothic, but with influences from other directions, as the castle had many architects. One of the attractions the cache for the poisons of Catherine de Medici, who died here. For a long time, it belonged to a chocolate factory, and outsiders were not allowed here. Now the flow of tourists impressive.
Clos Luce castle (Château du Clos Lucé)
Against the backdrop of the majestic castles of the Loire, the modest Clos-Luce seems like an ugly duckling. It not even a real castle: there no mighty walls, no deep ditches, no narrow loopholes for crossbowmen. And yet, every visitor to the much more eminent castle of Amboise considers it his duty to visit Clos-Luce – because this discreet estate served as the home, refuge, and last refuge of the great genius.
Chinon Castle (Forteresse Royale de Chinon)
Built-in the X century. Refers to the commune of the same name. The structure heterogeneous: it located on the site of the former Roman redoubts and completed as needed. There parts intended for rest and relaxation, and there also purely defensive buildings. The main material a natural stone, nothing left of the wooden inserts in modern times. During the reconstruction, which began more than a hundred years ago, the architects used the original drawings.
Chantilly Castle (Château de Chantilly)
The small Picardy town of Chantilly inhabited by only 11 thousand inhabitants. And tourists come here every year in real crowds. It’s all about the castle, which located here and considered the most important attraction not only of the city but of the whole of France. One castle would be enough to glorify Chantilly to the whole world. But this town also the birthplace of the famous dessert, no less famous, stunningly detailed handmade lace, which has been made here since the 17th century. Moreover, the famous Chantilly Codex, a manuscript with a record of medieval music, which dates back to the 14th century, also appeared here.
Ferdinand Cheval’s Ideal Palace
If Archimedes had enough a fulcrum (or a banal lever) to turn the world around, then the French postman Ferdinand Cheval went further and asked only for a stone. To build yourself a real dream palace. An extremely extravagant idea visited the responsible postal clerk, as usually the case, in an extremely everyday situation – he tripped over a cobblestone on the pavement. Cursing and looking at the stone, unusual in shape and color, Ferdinand saw his future life path. The postman began to collect original boulders and stones in order to subsequently build an ideal mansion for himself. His “stone epic” lasted 33 years, and today every curious tourist can see perhaps the most extraordinary house in all of France.
Azay-le-Rideau (Château d’Azay-le-Rideau)
Built-in the first half of the 16th century. Refers to the commune of the same name. The architectural style French Renaissance. It surrounded by an English garden typical of that time. The castle looks like a rectangular monolith on a high foundation, due to the type of terrain. The dark roof contrasts with the light walls. There few adornments, but the interior decoration striking in its variety.
Château de la Roche Courbon
Construction began in 1475. Located in the commune of Saint-Porcher. The area swampy, which adds color to the surrounding area against the backdrop of the castle. Listed in the register of historical monuments, but owned by private owners. His garden has been preserved in its original form: it difficult to maintain authenticity since strict proportions and symmetry need constant adjustments and maintenance.
Longchamp Palace
There many beautiful buildings and attractions in Marseille, but the graceful palace of Longchamp is, without exaggeration, a real masterpiece of architecture. The palace built in connection with the end of a global project – the construction of the Marseille Canal, which saved the rapidly growing city from water shortages. And it happened somewhere in the middle of the 19th century. Since then, the Palace of Longchamp adorns the French Marseille and delights all, without exception, tourists who come to him. And believe me, there something to be surprised about!
Château du Rivau
Built-in the middle of the 15th century. Located in the commune of Lemere. The architectural style dates back to the Renaissance. The castle looks more like a defensive structure than a palace. Famous for its stables. Joan of Arc’s visit to these places has increased their historical value. With the exception of a few rooms, minimalism prevails inside. The garden retains its original shape, but it contains many modern art objects.
Château de Verteuil
The Château de Verteuil a historic building in Charente, France. Dating back to 1080, it has since been extensively rebuilt, although 12th-century walls still remain. The castle has always been in the possession of the La Rochefoucauld family.
During the Hundred Years’ War (1337-1453), the castle occupied several times by the English. It demolished in 1442 but soon rebuilt with the original stones. In the religious wars of the 16th and 17th centuries, the castle a Huguenot base, and in 1650 it partially demolished by royal troops. Another castle built, but it severely damaged in a fire in 1793.
Losh Castle (Château de Loches)
Start of construction IX century. Its tower the oldest surviving tower in the country. Located in the Indre-et-Loire department. The ensemble rebuilt many times: fortress walls appeared and disappeared, chambers replaced halls, farm buildings were added. For some time, a prison located here and well-known captives were kept: prominent figures, ministers of the church, nobility and others. Access to the dungeon, tower and most of the rooms open.
Keribus Castle (Chateau de Queribus)
Keribus the last Cathar outpost in 1255. The architecture and interiors of the castle, standing at a height of 728 meters on a rocky mountain, have been perfectly preserved to this day. The Hall of Columns (Salle du Pilier), located in the heart of the castle-fortress, still has Gothic columns supporting vaulted ceilings and arched openings, just like centuries ago. Upstairs, a staircase leads to the roof, which offers beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Pyrenees. There also a small house that has become a cinema, which shows documentaries about the history of Keribus Castle.
Castle of Rocamadour
In Occitania, in the south of France, on top of a huge cliff above the Alzou / Alzou River stands castle Rocamadour. The castle got its name from the town, whose houses were ornately attached to the steep slope of the cliff.
The town has three levels – a kind of hierarchy – top -Rocamdour castle- the upper class, below – mere mortals. A long time ago, the holy hermit Amadur lived on the rock – that’s how the area called – the rock of Amadur – Rocamadour. Amadour made a sculpture of the Virgin Mary out of walnut wood – now she known as the Black Madonna.
It has darkened from candles, lamps and from time to time. There a bell next to the altar of the Black Madonna – they say it starts ringing when sailors shipwrecked and pray for salvation. Exactly 216 steps with 14 spans lead to the chapel of the Virgin Mary – “The Way of Sorrow”. This exactly how much Christ went to Calvary. At the top of the rock the relics of Amadur and the “Jerusalem cross” installed.
In the 12th century, when the imperishable foundations of the holy hermit were found, miracles began to take place here. Pilgrims were drawn to the holy places. Among them were royalty. They say Henry II came here with his wife Alionora of Aquitaine, thank the Virgin Mary for healing from the disease. During the religious wars, the city of Rocamadour was desecrated by the Cathars, so they took revenge on the Catholics for oppressing their faith.
Castle of the Marquis de Sade in Lacoste
Château de Lacoste. The picturesque ruins of the Lacoste castle, located on a hill near the town of the same name, nowadays attract the attention of tourists from all over the world. The point not in the special architectural merits of the castle or the antiquity of the building (although it erected in the 11th century), not in the beautiful landscapes of Provence that open from the height of the fortress walls – Lacoste Castle owes its popularity to the most famous of its owners, the Marquis Donassien Alphonse François de Sade.
Angers castle (Chateau d’Angers)
The building dates back to the 11th century, but before the erection of the stone walls, there were already defensive structures here. Located in a city of the same name. The castle continued to be modified in the future: it could play an important role in the event of uprisings and riots. Its towers were built on and then demolished. Now their height aligned with the height of the massive walls. The main attraction the tapestry with scenes from the Apocalypse.
Château d’If
Built-in the 20s of the 16th century. This a real fort on the island of the same name near Marseille. The original function to protect the city when attempting to attack the sea. Later it became a prison and a place of torture. Thanks to the novel by Dumas, the castle became famous all over the world. Now the historical monument attracts tourists with an excursion program, themed souvenirs, as well as a colorful cafe.
Chateau de Caen
Chateau de Caen, built by William the Conqueror, today remains one of the largest medieval fortified castles in Western Europe. It cannot be called particularly picturesque or decorative: a fortress a fortress. But the castle has been very well restored, and everything in it literally breathes history.
The castle built in 1060 by the future conqueror of England and subsequently completed by his heirs. Thus, Henry I, son of William, built the Church of St. George and a large ceremonial hall.
Chaumont-sur-Loire
Founded in the 10th century, the modern look began to take shape five centuries later. Located in the Loire-et-Cher department. Location of the annual garden festival. Household and auxiliary buildings around: stone stables, a chapel with stained-glass windows, towers. There an unusual and very bright ornament on the floor in the living room. The interior decoration mostly white. There several images of the coat of arms of Louis XII.
Cité de Carcassonne
The period of construction the Middle Ages. Reconstruction carried out, which somewhat changed the initial appearance. Partly owned by local authorities, partly by the state. Located in the city of the same name. Since it stands on a dais, it visible from many points of the area. The walls in two rows. The towers of various shapes and diameters, some of them have gates. There additional buildings in the vast inner territory of the fortified city.
Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg
Built in the middle of the 12th century. Located in the city of Celeste. It almost completely destroyed: ruins and archival records about its appearance remained. The decline caused by two factors: the absence of a permanent owner and the siege by enemy artillery. The walls ten meters thick partially intact, the same goes for the original guard towers. The excursions associated with it popular due to the rich history dating back to the Roman outposts.
Château de Saumur
The beginning of construction – X century. Located in the city of the same name. It stands at the confluence of rivers on a hill. Initially, it a fortress, which later transformed into a chateau. From the nearby vineyards, a wooden bridge leads to the main entrance of the castle. Despite the modest size of the town, there plenty of other attractions within walking distance: the House of Wine, the Town Hall, the riding school.
Château of Vincennes
The beginning of construction the XIV century. It located in the city of the same name, and it the settlement that formed around the castle and not vice versa. Belongs to one of the districts of Paris. It has an extremely unusual citadel: as if several towers connected together. It rises significantly above the main walls of the fortifications. There a hunting lodge of monarchs, a prison, and a temporary residence, and executions were also carried out.
Tarascon Castle
Built in the first half of the 15th century. Located in the city of the same name on the banks of the Rhone. Initially, there were Roman fortifications on this site. Geometrically, the structure simple, without frills and decorations. This due to its initial functions – defensive. For some period of its history it used as a prison. Became the venue for costumed events. Open to the public.
Château d’Ussé
Built-in the 15th century. Stands on the Ender River. The architectural style late Gothic. The massive walls surrounded by a dense grove. For tourists, scenes from the fairy tale “The Sleeping Beauty” have been recreated inside, some rooms have been preserved in their original form. The courtyard practically not ennobled. Researchers draw parallels between Yousse and Chaumont Castle. The excursion also takes place in the underground.
Josselin Castle
Refers to the Middle Ages. Located in the city of the same name. A road built around it, which almost came close to the river. The outer walls very high, thanks to which the courtyard built on a hill. The appearance of the castle gray in every sense, but inside everything much more lively, colorful and diverse. There a museum of dolls. The park area vast and not particularly visible from the side of the road.
Château de Castelnau-Bretenoux
Built-in the XIII century. Belongs to the Dordogne department. It rises among the hills covered with bushes and trees. It conventionally divided into two parts – historians distinguish a small fortification. On its territory there a museum of medieval weapons. The exhibits divided into halls, types and eras. Most of the units originals, there also recreated ones, for example, throwing machines.
The Foix Castle
The first mention the end of the 10th century. Located in the city of the same name. Of the current buildings, two towers were built in the XII century, and the largest in the XV century. Initially it a fort, only gradually it acquired a different purpose and underwent architectural changes. He went through restoration work. There a museum on its territory, where antiquities, archaeological finds and archival materials related to the district exhibited.
Sully-sur-Loire Castle
Built-in the Middle Ages. It first mentioned in the annals of 1102. Located in a city of the same name. It rebuilt several times in its history: from the construction of new elements to adjusting the general appearance of the composition. The initial function defensive. It also famous for the fact that Voltaire hiding here in the 18th century. The gardens, park and water surface create a special atmosphere around the castle.
Castle of Bouthéon
First mentioned in documents of the XIII century. Located in the commune of Andrezieux-Buteon. Initially, it served as a fortress, often changed owners, and rebuilt. Very little remains of the original look. During the First World War, it hosted a hospital within its walls. During Second World War – a refugee shelter. Now there a museum here, there an aquarium on the river, as well as additional halls for all kinds of temporary exhibitions.
The Castle of Val
Val (Château de Val) a 13th-century castle with a seventh origin. Charles’ room belongs to his room. Subsequent owners changed enough, in 1953 the building finally turned into the Tourist Association.
It worth noting that the building surrounded by an artificial lake and every year during floods the water reaches the castle walls. The castle appeared in the films “Kaptan” (1960) and “Frankenstein-90” (1984).
Château de Valençay
Construction began in the middle of the 16th century. It stretched out over time, but the ensemble looks complete. Earlier, a medieval fortress stood on this place. Located in the department of Indre. Architectural style – Renaissance. Belongs to the state. On its territory there a museum of vintage cars and other vehicles. Peacocks and llamas roam the vast park relatively freely.
Château de Montreuil-Bellay
Founded in the 11th century. Located in the commune of the same name. It rises on a hill, surrounded by a fortress wall with low round towers along the perimeter. Throughout its history, it has experienced several sieges, the destruction of the city, the seizure of the revolutionaries and so on. a prison for women and a hospital. Now there a museum on the territory of the castle, as well as a tasting of local wines.
Maintenon castle
Built-in the XII century. The medieval castle underwent a qualitative restructuring and eventually turned into a classic French chateau. Located in a city of the same name. Decorative elements, asymmetric towers, a garden laid out nearby, a bridge over a moat, coloring of the walls and the Evre River give it a special look. Alleys stretch along an impromptu embankment. Partially open to the public.
Château de Murol
Located on one of the hills of Puy-de-Pom ( Poitou-Charentes ), this castle dates back to 1100. Having been a fortress, a magnificent palace, and, finally, a prison at different times, Murol restored to its medieval appearance. The castle included in the list of National Historic Monuments of France.
Vitre Chateau
Founded in the 11th century. Located in the city of the same name. For a couple of centuries, the castle constantly fortified. Quite dense buildings around. Having changed owners, it fell into disrepair. He managed to suffer from a fire, become a refuge for officials hiding from the plague, undergo reconstruction and retrain into a prison. Currently, part of the premises occupied by the museum, and part by the mayor’s office.
The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany
It has existed since the 13th century. Located in Nantes. It surrounded by a moat, before the water from the nearby river filled the moat in a natural way The city’s history museum located on the territory. It includes about a thousand exhibits, they located in three dozen halls. Modern technologies actively used to immerse guests in different eras. Part of the excursion a walk along the fortress wall.
Conciergerie Castle
VI century – the beginning of the construction of the castle. He changed his appearance many times. Located in Paris, part of the Palais de Justice. Gradually overgrown with additional elements, both functional and decorative. Some rulers strengthened the walls, others built chapels and utility rooms, and others added luxury. The castle was a prison and a place of execution. At the present time, various courts located there.
Villandry Castle
Construction began in the 16th century. Located near the city of Tours. The main attraction the three gardens in different styles. They characterized by crisp lines and symmetry. There a pond, vegetable garden and fountains. Architectural style – Renaissance. During its existence, decorative elements, arches, balconies were added. The interior decoration dates back to the 17th century. Located in private premises, partly open to the public.
Chateau Gaillard Castle
This mighty medieval fortress located in Les Andelys, Normandy. Even today, from the sight of the majestic ruins, one can imagine how powerful and severe the castle once looked. Nothing strange: after all, it built by the famous warrior king Richard the Lionheart.
Chateau Gaillard stands on a chalk hill, on a small hill above the Seine. It built at the end of the 12th century. True, it seems that Richard I overestimated the military power of his fortress, just like his own: six years after the construction, as soon as Richard left this world, the castle captured by the French. A century and a half later, it became the residence of the Scottish monarch David II, expelled from his own country, and in 1449 it again began to belong to the French crown. Finally, the French king Henry of Navarre in 1599 ordered the castle to be demolished, and since then it has not been rebuilt again.
Cormatin Castle
The castle of Cormatin in Burgundy built in the 17th century by the military administrator of the commune of Chalon, who, in order to emphasize his status, gave the Renaissance structure the features of a military structure: turrets at the corners, loopholes, a base of the unfinished stone. Cormaten interesting in that it has perfectly preserved original interiors: furniture, paintings by famous Dutch and Spanish painters, in particular, Velazquez. The ceiling of the Kunstkamera painted under the sky, and the room of St. Kikiliya decorated with gilding and lapis lazuli. The castle surrounded by a beautiful garden.
Cheverny Castle
If fate brings you to the famous Loire Valley, where the most beautiful castles of France to this day, be sure to plan an excursion to the Cheverny Castle. This palace stands out from the rest not only for its architecture (Cheverny is a snow-white castle, built in strict symmetry and restrained style), but also for its decoration. The fact that the mansion throughout its history (it built in the 14th century) owned and, we note, remains the owners to this day, by one dynasty – the Yuro family. Thanks to this continuity and respect, the Château de Cheverny has been perfectly preserved (it considered one of the best palaces in the Loire Valley) – down to the smallest details and household items and interiors dating back to the 14th century.
Beaumesnil Castle
Built-in the first half of the 17th century. Located in the commune of the same name. The architectural style the late Renaissance. Surrounded by a moat. It not a single building, but a composition of buildings and outbuildings, although it looks harmonious. The castle changed many owners: at least 15 families owned it in different periods of history. There a bookbinding museum on the territory.
Château de Beauregard, Loire Valley
There many rooms in the Beauregard castle, but of particular interest for tourists the hall, which houses a unique portrait gallery of European rulers. Just imagine 327 paintings depicting prominent monarchs and kings of Europe, from the 13th century to the 17th century inclusive. You probably won’t find such a gallery in any other place, so don’t miss this great chance and visit the Beauregard castle.
Benac Castle
Built-in the XII century, destroyed and rebuilt a century later. At its foot the Benac-e-Kaznak commune. A massive defensive structure with thick walls, without frills and any decorations. He went down in history as a “participant” in the Hundred Years War. On the opposite side there another castle – Castelnau. The British settled there at that time, and the warring armies fired at each other for years.
Plessis-Bourré Castle
Built-in the middle of the 15th century. Located near the city of Angers. There elements of architecture, both the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. It perfectly preserved, although it abandoned in the 19th and it supposed to be demolished. bought by a private person, restoration carried out. It hosted a hospital within its walls and the seat of the Polish government during the occupation of Poland by the Nazis. Since 1954 it has been open to the public.
Château du Lude
The first mention – the X century: then defensive structures were built here. The wooden fortress replaced by a stone one, and the castle grew. Now its architectural style can be attributed to the Renaissance. Located in the department of Sarthe. Located in private property. The owners especially proud of the park, which combines classic French and English styles. Tours regular, the best time for them June and July.
Langeais Castle
It built and rebuilt in the period from the X century to the XV. Located in the Indre-et-Loire department on an elevated position off the coast. It suffered significant damage during the Hundred Years War. One of the surviving towers recognized as the oldest in the region. There a garden in front of the main entrance. There a museum, among the exhibits of which there antique furniture, treasures of the nobility, recreated wardrobe items.
Castle Museum of Gien
Built-in the 16th century. Located in a city of the same name. There used to be a hunting lodge here. Classic French chateau. One of the first Renaissance castles in the Loire Valley. There were no reconstructions, but in the 19th century, a full-fledged new wing appeared, which did not change the composition. The Hunting Museum open. The collection includes archival materials, weapons, gear, clothing, thematic paintings, trophies.
Brissac Castle
Founded in the 11th century. Located in the Loire Valley. He famous for the successful negotiations between Louis XIII and Maria Medici, his mother, which did not allow blood to be shed in another civil strife. The modern appearance reminiscent of the architecture of the Italian Renaissance. The Cosset-Brissac family has owned the castle for over five hundred years. Notable here: a private chapel, interiors, towers in different styles.
Le Mont-Saint-Michel Castle
Defensive bastions mentioned in chronicles as early as the 11th century. It located on the island of the same name, which almost completely occupied by fortifications. The castle itself rises in the center. The slopes behind covered with wild greenery, the slopes in front of the main entrance densely built up: houses, shops, cafes, utility buildings, and all this behind strong walls. A road has been built to the island.
Palace of Fontainebleau
Fontainebleau a city 60 km southeast of Paris, known primarily for its magnificent Renaissance palace, the residence of many rulers of France. Built-in the style of Italian Mannerism, the palace most of all resembles a number of intricate crystal wine glasses of different heights and shapes: squat, pot-bellied annexes – heavy glasses for whiskey, elegant wide outbuildings – solid vessels for red wine, and graceful slender turrets between them – frivolous glasses for champagne. And the very name of the city very flirtatious: “fontaine bleau” means “beautiful fountain”.
Fougères Castle
Built-in the Middle Ages, it destroyed and rebuilt. Initially, most of the structure built of wood. It acquired its current appearance around the 15th century. The main function defensive. For this reason, there nothing superfluous in the exterior and interiors. It stands on a rocky island surrounded by a natural moat. It has thirteen well-preserved towers.
