~ Top 10 Chateau in France ~

[MysteRy]

Top 10 Chateau in France

France is one of the most beautiful countries around the world, where you can arguably come across the widest array of beautiful and unique castles. All of them are remarkable signs for the impressive historical legacy of France and they always can be transformed into the most interesting and captivating landmarks to visit during your vacation. This list contains the Top 10 chateaux in France, which are a truly delight for the eyes and imagination. The gorgeous architectural styles of these castles are blended together with an even more picturesque natural splendor, whose combination provides the finest shapes of a wonderful experience in the history and culture of France. Thus, make sure to visit all or at least a few of them during your next trip and, plus, make sure to bring your camera, because you will be tempted to take a photo after a photo. See why.


1. Chateau Perrault



Château d'Ussé is located along one of the River Loire's canals, south from the town of Tours. This chateau is also known as Chateau Perrault, thanks to the name of one of its holders - Charles Perrault. This castle is an inspiring sight to witness, because of its late-medieval architectural style that includes numerous rounded towers and light colours. This chateau is quite small and, thus, just a short trip along the surrounding trails is enough to enjoy the fabulous views of the facades, the gardens, the water basins...

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2. Chateau Chaumont
 


Between the cities of Blois and Tours in central France is scenically located Chateau Chaumont. This beautiful castle from the 10th century majestically rises on the south bank of River Loire, while the blue waters of the river create a wonderful atmosphere for a relaxing trip. This chateau will capture your attention through its numerous rounded towers, which border the main construction. The light colours of the walls are romantically topped by dark cone-shaped domes, while the surrounding area is dotted by plenty of tall green trees and meadows. There are also a number of trails, which are best to enjoy the vistas of this castle, which was built by Odo I, then it was demolished, and then it was rebuilt by Charles I d'Amboise in the end of the Middle Ages.

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3. Chateau  Pierrefonds
 


Nearby the village of Compiegne and south of River L'Aisne is situated Chateau Pierrefonds. It is as a beautiful sight to witness as its historical background is fabulous. The castle was first built in 12th century. Then, in 17th century, Cardinal Richelieu and his troops decided to demolish the castle. Fortunately, this was an impossible task and the castle stayed untouched. Nowadays, Chateau Pierrefonds offers a unique exterior architectural style from the 14th century and it is definitely an inspiring accent to the surrounding lush forests and picturesque buildings within the community of Pierrefonds. A number of massive rounded towers with defensive walls encircle an inner courtyard as a reminiscent of the ancient military defensive constructions. Plus, the small windows atop the rounded towers are really inspiring sights to witness.

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4. Chambord Chateau
 


Chambord Chateau is one of the most significant and remarkable examples of the French Renaissance architecture. It is situated a few kilometers east from the village of Blois, on the south bank of River Loire. A water canal is adjacent to the walls of the castle and its calm dark waters create a magical reflection of the tall towers and picturesque facades of the castle. The Classical Renaissance design of the facades features numerous large windows, while the central roof section seems more likely a forest of Renaissance towers and other constructions. You may need some hours or even a whole day to enjoy all the splendid vistas of the exterior, because Chambord Chateau is actually the largest castle on River Loire.

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5. Chateau Chenonceau



In a close proximity to Blois and Tours is located another irresistible castle to visit - Chateau Chenonceau. More exactly, it is located on a bridge that crosses over River Cher. Its extraordinary location played a major role as a transportation hub during the WWII, while nowadays, you can come across some of the most romantic and breathtaking vistas in France. The arches over the vibrant waters of the river, the tinted windows that contrast the light facades, as well as the cupolas of the castle are just gorgeous. Especially at night, when the night lights are reflected by the surface of the river. Inside the castle you can explore numerous exhibits of rooms, bedrooms, furniture and other interesting sights, but you can also take full advantage of another one fabulous feature of the castle. This is its huge garden with scenic forests and picturesque forest trails, which are best for a romantic relaxation and captivation.

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6. Plessis Bourre Chateau
 


Plessis Bourre Chateau is one of the most scenic, filmed and famous chateaux in western France. It is located a few kilometers north from the town of Angers and it is completely surrounded by a squared pond. Built at the end of the medieval age, this chateau is still a wonderful sight to witness. It consists of a squared courtyard, which is embraced by three stories of massive facades with numerous windows. All the four sides of the rectangular castle are dominated by four tall rounded towers with cone-shaped domes, which create a truly inspiring ambience. And everything is charmingly mirrored by the flat surface of the pond. The green forests are an exquisite accent to the clear blue sky, which is dotted by countless formless white clouds.

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7. Chantilly Chateau
 


Chantilly Chateau is situated nearby the community of Chantilly, just north of Paris. This huge castle actually consists of two distinctive buildings - The Grand Chateau and the Petit Chateau. They were built at the end of the medieval in 15th century and then the Grand Chateau was demolished. However, in the end of the 19th century it was rebuilt and, presently, it is the main sight to witness during a trip to the area. The huge gardens and forests next to the chateau are beautiful and they are crossed by a number of waterways and canals, which are inspiring. Inside the castle you can come across plenty of interesting sights to witness, such as a huge and ancient library or an art-gallery with an impressive collection of French paintings.

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8. Fort-La-Latte Chateau



Fort-La-Latte Chateau stands over the tip of a small peninsula along the rugged coast of Brittany, western France. This beautiful fortress from the 14th century is presented by two buildings with a courtyard. Within this panoramic courtyard you can also witness a chapel, a water cistern and the "donjon", which is the tallest point of the castle. There are also catapults and canons, which reminiscent the strategic military position of the castle during the Middle Age. During a coastal boat trip you can take full advantage of the unique vistas of the walls of the castle, especially at dusk. Moreover, the panoramic walk trails on the land are best to enjoy the sound of the crashing waves, which are perfectly blended to the ancient charm of Fort-La-Latte Chateau.

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9. Chateau De Fougeres   



Also in Brittany, northwestern France, you can come across another spectacular fort - Chateau De Fougeres. This is one of the best preserved medieval castles in France and it is definitely an incredible sight to witness. It is built atop a granite hill and it has proven to be a really strong fortress. The fortress was resistant of numerous sieges and attacks during the centuries, but then was partly rebuild. During a scenic walk trip along the castle you will be amazed by the tall defensive walls and towers that have only a few main windows. After visiting the castle, make sure to enjoy the fabulous atmosphere of the streets within the city of Fougeres, which are dotted by a variety of shops, restaurants, cafes and other eateries.

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10. Chateau De Caen
 


Chateau De Caen is situated in the central section of the town of Caen, which is one of the main towns in Normandy, northern France. The castle consists of massive defensive walls with towers, which encircle a large area over a hill in the city center. Inside the walls, you can visit a number of buildings and interesting landmarks. The Museum of Fine Arts of Caen, the Museum of Normandy and the picturesque gardens of the castle are only the greatest examples. This is also one of the oldest castles in France, because it was built in 11th century.


These ten masterpieces of ancient architecture and French history are ten really irresistible temptations to include in your trip to France. Or, if you travel with your beloved, the Top 10 chateaux in France can be transformed into the most romantic places to include in your travel list. Enjoy the unique possibility to immerse completely in the age of Renaissance or Baroque, for example, while the experience will be eternal. It's true, just because this experience will be unforgettable.