Top 10 Most Beautiful Romantic Castles in France to Visit

Chenonceau, with its famous two-story gallery overlooking the Cher River, is one of the jewels of Loire Valley architecture. Its Italian influences and French characteristics are clearly visible. Of the original building, only the Tour des Marques remains today, a vestige of the medieval castle that borders the Cher. Chenonceau was built, furnished, and transformed by women of very different temperaments. It was built by Katherine Briaçonnet in 1513, enriched by Diane de Poitiers, and enlarged under Catherine de Medici. It became a place of retreat under the White Queen Louise of Lorraine, then it was saved by Louise Dupin during the French Revolution, and finally, transformed by Madame Pelouze. Due to the large number of women who have been in charge of it, it is nicknamed "the Ladies' Castle." The private estate of Chenonceau has belonged to the Menier family since 1913 and is open to the public. The castle has been listed as a historical monument since its initial inscription on the list in 1840, and the park by decree dated November 7, 1962. The building and its surroundings have been part of the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, since July 9, 2017.

The Château d'Azay-le-Rideau is a listed monument belonging to the state and located in the commune of the same name, in Indre-et-Loire, France.

Here's a suggestion for the Château d'Ussé, the most enchanting of the Loire Valley châteaux, with its undeniable cinematic flair. Château d'Ussé: A waking dream in the land of fairy tales Nicknamed the "Sleeping Beauty Castle," Ussé seems straight out of a medieval illustration with its white towers, pepperpot roofs, and ornate dormer windows. It was here that Charles Perrault, captivated by the romantic silhouette of the estate bordering the Indre River, is said to have imagined his famous tale. Between its terraced gardens designed by Le Nôtre and its interiors filled with treasures, the château invites you to a timeless stroll. But don't be fooled by its fairytale charm: the estate possesses a strong character that has captivated adventure filmmakers. Fans of Jean-Paul Belmondo will remember that the castle and its surroundings served as the backdrop for the film "Scoumoune," where "Bébel's" charisma contrasted sharply with the timeless elegance of the ancient stones. Today, visitors stroll along the ramparts, encountering scenes from Perrault's fairy tale while admiring the exquisite details of a monument that has withstood the test of time without losing an ounce of its magic. A must-see for dreamers and action enthusiasts alike.

The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, located in the French commune of Maincy, 50 km southeast of Paris, near Melun, is a 17th-century château built for Nicolas Fouquet, Superintendent of Finances under Louis XIV. It now belongs to a junior branch of the Marquis de Vogà.

A royal getaway in the heart of France. Escape for a day to this exceptional château, a true jewel of French heritage. From the Musée Condé, home to priceless art collections, to the Great Stables, a tribute to the horse, and the formal French gardens, Chantilly offers a unique experience. Immerse yourself in the history of this princely residence and let yourself be captivated by its timeless charm.

The Medieval Ideal Reinvented Rising from dense forests like a mirage, the Château de Pierrefonds offers the purest and most imposing image of a medieval fortress. Yet, this stone colossus is the product of a unique architectural adventure: left in ruins by history, it was entirely rebuilt in the 19th century by the audacious Viollet-le-Duc under the impetus of Napoleon III. More than a simple restoration, it is a masterful interpretation of medieval architecture, blending defensive realism with decorative fantasy. With its eight massive towers, crenellated curtain walls, and incredible defensive system, the exterior impresses with its power. Inside, visitors discover a magical world: the Hall of Heroines, an immense gallery with painted and sculpted decorations, testifies to the imperial luxury and chivalric ideals of the era. This dreamlike setting, a blend of historical reality and theatrical scenery, has naturally captivated the world of film and television (notably for the Merlin series). A visit to Pierrefonds is a fascinating journey into the land of legends, knights, and French architectural genius.

Villandry is located a few kilometers from Tours. It is one of the Loire Valley châteaux. Built in the Renaissance style, it owes its renown to its gardens, laid out on three terraces. The elegance of its architecture, combined with its remarkable gardens, has earned the château a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The gardens themselves are an indescribable splendor, blending beauty, harmony, diversity, and aesthetic appeal.

Aquí presentamos una cautivadora descripción del Castillo de Keriolet, diseñada para una guía turística, que destaca su singular arquitectura y su conexión con el mundo del cine. El Castillo de Keriolet: La locura neogótica de Finisterre Con vistas a la ciudad amurallada de Concarneau, el Castillo de Keriolet es una joya excepcional de la arquitectura bretona. Este monumento es fruto de un apasionado romance y una ambición desbordante: el de la princesa imperial rusa Zénaïde Ioussoupov por su esposo, el conde de Chauveau. Reconstruido a finales del siglo XIX, el castillo es un manifiesto del estilo neogótico, repleto de detalles esculpidos, gárgolas y símbolos bretones (armiños, gaitas) entrelazados con escudos imperiales. Cada habitación es un viaje: desde la monumental sala de guardia hasta la cocina alicatada con loza de Desvres, la estética es tan elaborada como cautivadora. Pero más allá de su impactante belleza, Keriolet emana un aura dramática que no ha pasado desapercibida para los cineastas. Este fantástico escenario sirvió, entre otras cosas, como escenario de rodaje de la película "L'Animal", donde presenciamos una vez más la audacia de Jean-Paul Belmondo. El contraste entre la piedra de granito gris y las exuberantes formas lo convierte en un lugar de absoluto atractivo fotogénico. Visitar Keriolet es sumergirse en un mundo romántico y excéntrico, un verdadero testimonio de la extravagancia de la Belle Époque en Bretaña.

Nestled in the heart of a verdant valley, the Château de Maintenon is a masterpiece of balance, famous for having been the home of Françoise d’Aubigné, the future Marquise de Maintenon and secret wife of Louis XIV. This monument immediately captivates with its refined architecture, blending medieval towers and Renaissance façades, all surrounded by a water-filled moat. The highlight lies in its formal French gardens, designed by Le Nôtre, which offer a spectacular view of the ruins of Vauban's aqueduct. This colossal structure, built to supply water to Versailles, lends the site a romantic and unique atmosphere, unlike any other in France. Film buffs will also be delighted: this theatrical setting has served as the backdrop for numerous film shoots. Those with a touch of nostalgia will remember Jean-Paul Belmondo performing his famous stunts for the film *Le Professionnel* at the foot of these majestic arches. Between its richly furnished apartments, flowerbeds and royal heritage, Maintenon is an essential stop for anyone wishing to discover the French art of living, just an hour from Paris.

The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, located in the French commune of Maincy, 50 km southeast of Paris, near Melun, is a 17th-century château built for Nicolas Fouquet, Superintendent of Finances under Louis XIV. It now belongs to a junior branch of the Marquis de Vogà.