France is a country full of attractions beyond its capital, Paris , a city with beautiful cafes, charming neighborhoods and many monuments. For example, in the neighboring country you can find impressive castles that look like something out of fairy tales. Best of all, many of them are kept in a great state of preservation. In addition, some are located in environments of unparalleled beauty.
Witnesses of crusades, romances and legends, many of the castles of France deserve to be visited. Today at Vuela Viajes we want to talk to you about some of the most beautiful. Of course, we apologize in advance for all those we have left in the pipeline. What’s more, we encourage you to make us your own suggestions through the comments. Would you like to join us?
Chenonceau Castle
First of all, we want to talk about the Château de Chenonceau, known as the “castle of the ladies”. It is a 16th century residential-style castle located in the commune of Chenonceaux, in the Indre et Loire department. It is considered the most visited historical monument in private hands in the country.
Citadel of Carcassonne
The Citadel of Carcassonne could not be missing from this list, a fortified urban complex that constitutes the oldest part of Carcassonne. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO , it is protected by a 3-kilometer-long wall. Inside it not only hides the castle of the Counts of Carcassonne, but also an almost intact medieval city and a basilica.
Chambord castle
Another beautiful building in France is the Château de Chambord, which is located in the Center-Loire Valley region. It is surprising for its French Renaissance architecture, which mixes classic Italian structures with traditional medieval forms. Although it is the largest of the so-called Loire castles, it was built to serve as a hunting lodge.
Chaumont Castle
We also want to talk about the Château de Chaumont, another Renaissance-style building that is also located in the Cento-Loire Valley region. It is one of the few castles that offers views of the Loire River.
Cheverny Castle
In the same region we also find the Château de Cheverny, a Renaissance castle with a museum, a park with an orangery and gardens of different styles. It is located in the commune of Cheverny and is considered to be the most sumptuously furnished Château de la Loire. In fact, its rooms are kept in perfect condition.
Castle of Azay-le-Rideau
We also want to talk about the Château de Azay-le-Rideau, one of the most important examples of French Renaissance architecture. It is located in the commune of Azay-le-Rideau, on a small island in the Indre river. In fact, its foundations rise directly from the river . Without a doubt, the best time to see the castle is at sunset.
Amboise castle
How could it be otherwise, we must also talk about the Château de Amboise, which dominates the Loire River as it passes through Amboise from a promontory. Included in the whole of the Loire Valley, it houses the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci , who lived in the same town. In addition, we want to comment that it was the residence of important kings. What’s more, it was one of the favorite places of Carlos VIII.
Castle of Ussé
Finally, we want to talk about the Castle of Ussé, a former royal residence located in the commune of Rigny-Ussé, in the department of Indre et Loire. It is considered one of the most romantic castles in France. In addition, it is important to note that, according to account, Charles Perrault was inspired by him to write "Sleeping Beauty."