Architecture captures treasured moments and can serve as a portal into the past. When visiting a new country rich in history, tours centered around buildings and monuments never disappoint, especially castles. However, trips can be time-sensitive, making it difficult to choose what you spend your time on.
If you plan to visit France, you’ll want to experience French architecture. From Renaissance palaces to medieval French castles, there’s something for everyone. So, mark your calendars and take notes.
Must-See French Castles
France is a country with a rich and complicated history. As such, it holds many historic monuments and can be exciting to explore. However, you’ll want to plan a tour of the country properly, as you also risk visiting underwhelming spots.
If you time it right, you can see some very well-preserved relics of a tumultuous time. You can encounter several unmoving reminders from the era of notable French monarchs to the present. However, if you’re short on time, here are six French monuments you should definitely visit.Some are close to Paris, while others might take you across France. Either way, you’ll be immersed in history with each trip and maybe develop a better appreciation for the architecture.
Château de Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is worthy of being the first stop on your tour. The property sits just outside of Paris and was once the seat of power, established by King Louis XIV and favored by some of his successors, including King Louis XV and XVI.Architecture takes major inspiration from the Renaissance era, with infrastructure decorated to represent European art and culture. This is the place for you if you want stunning visuals, tall pillars, high ceilings, and clear glass skylights.
However, be careful with your timing as the Palace tends to be packed during tourist seasons when people visit Paris. You can easily get tickets online and check the office website for more information.
Château de Chambord
The lush green castle grounds of Château de Chambord serve as a canvas for the castle’s impressive architecture. The monument is influenced by both the medieval French and Renaissance eras. It shows in the high, stained windows and complexly shaped floor plan. Around this period, castles strayed from medieval France’s traditional rampart-inclusive design.
This Château is less about defense and more about comfort and luxury, from the extensive grounds to the moats and gardens. Come in the summer, and you will surely have a great tour.
Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg
If you couldn’t tell from the name, this castle has a complex origin and was rebuilt fairly recently. The signature clay brick structure is in the Bas-Rhin department of Alsace, France. It was built on a mountain as a strategic location, and the uneven grounds are exciting to explore.
In the 1900s, it was rebuilt into the structure we know today by Wilhelm II, a German Kaizer, hence the Germanic extension of the name. It has since been restored and is a national treasure and excellent tourist destination. You also get an amazing view of the upper Rhine plain below.
Palais de Papes
You’d be surprised by how intertwined the French Middle Ages were with the Christian religion. The Palais de Papes is a reminder of that time and once housed the popes. The Gothic architecture serves as a representation of harsher times, and the Vatican still holds the property in high regard.
The tall towers are a sight to behold, and the spacious halls will leave you in awe and wonder. It’s worth seeing at least once whenever you visit France. If you time your visit right, you might even catch the Festival d’Avignon in the castle courtyard every year in July.
Château de Villandry
This property gives us a glimpse of what country homes were like in the 14th century. At some point, it was owned by Napoleon’s brother, who had switched hands several times. The last owners established its current state, including the signature water gardens, before the property was declared a historical monument.
It is open to the public and frequently visited for good reason. The stunning property and Renaissance-inspired architecture are aesthetically pleasing and look great in photographs. Try to savor the moment if you visit and relish it with a friend or family. Try the tall hedge mazes, and you won’t be disappointed.
Château de Fontainebleau
Fontainebleau is a genuinely massive property with an oval courtyard and several wings that show architectural inspiration from the ages they were built. The property was favored by many French monarchs over the ages and sits in the heart of Paris. The castle grounds were established in the 12th century and maintained and improved until the 1700s.Because of the massive period, each wing holds a fragment of history, and you can clearly see how French architecture has evolved over the years. If you visit, do not miss the Gallery of Francis I. There are some very impressive pieces in that collection, and this destination is perfect for art buffs and appreciators.
Conclusion
With current events, French tourism is at an all-time high. Many of these locations are popular for a reason, and all you need to do is take some time to visit. Be prepared to be inspired and filled with awe, and remember to be present regardless of where you go. Castles are fantastic structures plucked right out of fairytales, and if you blink, you just might miss the magic.
The article Top six must-see French castles for tourists first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.
