France has a magnificent historical heritage, including numerous and sumptuous castles. There are therefore an estimated 45,000 castles in France. If you want to visit it you have therefore a wide choice. Here are the top 6 most famous.
- Versailles
We cannot begin the classification of the most beautiful castles in France without talking about the most famous: the Palace of Versailles of course! Indeed, the official residence of the Kings of France and its gardens are in second position of the most visited cultural sites in France, just in front of the Eiffel Tower. With its 6.32 hectares, its 2300 rooms and its gallery of mirrors, the castle, built on the orders of Louis XIV, never ceases to make visitors dream.
- Chambord
Certainly the most emblematic of all the castles of the Loire, the Château de Chambord never ceases to make visitors dream. The construction of this castle was ordered by François Ier. In particular, it has 440 rooms, 365 fireplaces and 13 main staircases.
- Castelnaud
Castelnaud Castle was built in the 12th century on a cliff which dominates the Dordogne, which gives it this imposing appearance. It currently houses a medieval war museum as well as war machines.
- Chenonceau
What marks in the first place when you admire the castle of Chenonceau, is the impression of floating on the Cher. Built in the 16th century, it notably welcomed Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Médicis, who marked the history of this castle.
- Fontainebleau
What would this classification be worth without the Château de Fontainebleau! It was in fact the home of the Kings of France from the coronation of Louis VII in 1137 until the fall of the Second Empire in 1870. Today it houses a museum dedicated to the Emperor Napoleon I and his family.
- Chantilly
Located in the heart of a 7,800 hectare forest estate, the Château de Chantilly was built under the orders of Constable Anne de Montmorency, in 1528, on the site of the old fortress. If it was damaged during the Revolution, it was restored on the initiative of Henri of Orleans, Duke of Aumale. It was the latter who formed the collection of works of art installed in the castle museum.
Here some vocabulary for you to really be in the castle vibe :
- heritage : le patrimoine
- a castle : un château
- a kingdom : un royaume
- the conquest : la conquête
- a king : un roi
- the crown : la couronne
- a queen : une reine
- a princess : une princesse
- a prince : un prince
- inheritors : les héritiers
- a throne : un trône
- the royal family : la famille royale
- a garden : un jardin
- front yard : la cour avant
- back yard : la cour arrière
- monarchy : la monarchie
- art galeries : une galerie d’art
