Château de Saumur. Photo by Kamel15 – Wikimedia

Top 10 Oldest Castles in France


 

There are over 40,000 medieval castles and fortresses in France. These medieval structures are rich in history and are great attractions in this country.

Some of the oldest castles here date back to the 9th century, the oldest being Château de Thil from 850 AD.  There is also a 21st-century castle, Château Louix XIV, completed in 2011.

These landmarks are a must-see when visiting France. History buffs are particularly going to enjoy a trip back in time.

The architecture of the castles is also impressive. It’s a display of the extraordinary talent and skill of bygone craftsmen. A visit to these historical structures will surely be one of the highlights of your holiday in France.

1. Château de Carcassonne – Dates back to the early 12th century

Located in the heart of the medieval walled city of Carcassonne, is the Count’s Castle. It was first built in the 12th century and expanded in the following two centuries.

This castle can only be defined as a fortress within a fortress. It features a variety of towers and buildings to see. The beautifully well-maintained medieval town is a historical gem.

It looks like a castle pulled out of the Middle Ages fairy tale. From the towers and battlements of the castle, you get to see extraordinary views of the Aude river.

2. Mont Saint-Michel – 9th Century

Mont Saint Michel in Normandy, France. Photo by Gabriel Varaljay on Unsplash

This is one castle with extraordinary architecture, evidence of the mastery and expertise of several generations of masons.

It has been in existence for more than 1300 years. Located on an island, the castle stands at 1,968 ft off the coast of Normandy. Mont Saint-Michel was one of the castles that were difficult to infiltrate.

The castle was frequented by Christian pilgrims who were the original European tourists. This was not only a castle and pilgrimage area but also a centre where a large number of manuscripts were produced and stored.

Mont-Saint-Michel was nicknamed the “City of the Books”.

Today, Mont Saint Michel leads with the highest number of tourists, more than 3 million, who visit annually.

3. The castle of Fougères in Brittany – 12th Century

Another old castle in France is Fougères in Brittany, one of the most imposing castles. This castle is stretched on two hectares of land, surrounded by three well-preserved walls flanked by 13 towers.

The castle was built on a naturally protected site away from the surrounding swamp. It is located in a charming town that is home to the Château de Fougères, the largest medieval fortress in Europe.

Much of the history of this medieval castle goes back to when the ton sprung up in the Early Middle Ages. The chateau was first built before using wood.

It was destroyed by Henry II of England in 1166 and rebuilt in stone. Its location was ideal for defence: a rocky islet sheltered by hills and surrounded by marshes.  

Another attraction of this castle is its belfry, which is the oldest in Brittany.

4. Château de Versailles

The Parterre d’Eau, south basin The Rhône. Decoration of the basin by a recumbent statue representing a river or a river of France. Bronze cast by the Keller brothers and placed on the rim of a basin in the Parterre d’Eau in the gardens of Versailles, west facade of the Palace of Versailles. Photo by G CHP – Wikimedia

The Palace of Versailles is one of the most iconic castles in France. It is located 20 km southwest of Paris and was the residence of the last king of France, Louis XVI, before the fall of the monarchy in 1789.

This castle has a 1,070-hectare park, with beautiful French gardens. Built on an area of 67,000 sq m, the castle has 700 rooms, 1,250 fireplaces and 67 staircases.

Some of the highlights of the castle are the Hall of Mirrors and the King’s Apartment. The king’s apartments feature some of the finest French arts and crafts on display.

The Palace of Versailles has been listed as a World Heritage Site for 40 years. It is regarded as one of the greatest achievements in French 17th century art.

5. Château de Pierrefonds (Picardy)

Outdoor courtyard, gatehouse towers Julius Caesar and Charlemagne on the southwest side of the castle of Pierrefonds. Photo by Jean-Pol GRANDMONT – Wikimedia Commons

Built-in the 14th century, Picardy castle was destroyed in the 17th century. This castle was built to control trade exchanges between Flanders and Burgundy.

It was rebuilt by architect Viollet-le-Duc who was commissioned by Napoleon III.

Several critics said the construction was a mistake. Surprisingly, the finished work was a lavish architectural ensemble. It doubled as Pierrefonds medieval as well as a modern 19th-century castle.  

The highlight of this castle is the magnificent vaulted cellars of the castle.

6. Chenonceau Castle

The Château de Chenonceau is located spanning the river Cher, near the small village of Chenonceaux, Indre-et-Loire, Centre-Val de Loire. This is one of the best-known châteaux of the Loire Valley.

Its first mention in writing was in the 11th century. Before the current castle was built between 1514 and 1522, there was an old mill in this very location. The mill extended to the river.

There is also a bridge over the river that was built from 1556 to 1559. It was designed by Philibert de l’Orme, a French Renaissance architect and the gallery was designed by Jean Bullant.

The castle is a mix of late Gothic and early Renaissance architecture.

7. Château de Peyrepertuse

Aerial view of Chateau de Peyrepertuse, a database of architectural heritage maintained by the French Ministry of Culture. Photo by Jardillierjulien – Wikimedia Commons

This next castle stands in ruins and is located high in the French Pyrénées in the commune of Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse, in the Aude département.

It is known as Cathar castles and has been associated with the Counts of Narbonne and Barcelona. The castle was the former seigneury of the Peyrepertusès which means “pierced stone.

Located on a limestone ridge at about an altitude of 800 m it is on top of a hill which separates Duilhac from the town of Rouffiac-des-Corbières.

It towers over scrubland and vineyards the location is strategic as it enabled its occupants to see far into the valley. This allowed the king to control the mountain passes. Castle staff were also able to receive signals from the valley.

8. Château de Fontainebleau

Originally built during the 12th century, the Château de Fontainebleau was renovated and enhanced by several kings, an emperor and a president in its long history.

Located in the city of Fontainebleau, the castle is surrounded by a large forest of the same name. there are 1,500 rooms in this castle making it one of the largest castles in France.

The castle was among the favourite residences of Napoléon. When you visit, you will get to see his throne and crown in the former king’s chamber. There is also an informative audio guide that lets you in on the historical importance of this castle.

This medieval castle became a national museum in 1927. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981 for its unique architecture and historical importance.

9. Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte

The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte 55 kilometres (34 mi) southeast of Paris in the Seine-et-Marne département of France. Photo by Rene Cortin – Wikimedia Commons

The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is a Baroque French château located in Maincy, near Melun, 55 kilometres (34 mi) southeast of Paris, in the Seine-et-Marne department of Île-de-France.

It was built between 1658 and 1661 for Nicolas Fouquet, Marquis de Belle Île, Viscount of Melun and Vaux. He was the superintendent of finances of Louis XIV.

This château was an influential work of architecture in mid-17th-century Europe. At Vaux-le-Vicomte, a group of experts took part on building it: the architect Louis Le Vau, the landscape architect André Le Nôtre and the painter-decorator Charles Le Brun.

These experts worked together on a large-scale project for the first time. Their workmanship marked the beginning of the Louis XIV style of combining architecture, interior design and landscape design.

The garden’s pronounced visual axis is an example of this style.

10. Château de Saumur – 10th century

Château de Saumur. Photo by Kamel15 – Wikimedia

The symmetrical architecture of the turreted Château de Saumur resembles a stunning Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom.

Originally built during the 10th century, this castle has served different purposes other than being a royal home, it also was once used as an army barrack and a state prison.

Today, it serves as the Museum of the Horse. When you visit, you will get a panoramic 360 view of the city centre downhill. From the dungeon of the castle, you will get breathtaking views of Saumur Old Town and the Loire River.

The Château de Saumur has been listed as a historical monument by the French Ministry of Culture since 1862.

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