The 12 most beautiful fortified castles in France

Thanks to an architecture that has always evolved, France is full of wonders. Discover today our selection of the 12 most beautiful fortified castles in France!

Since the 6th century and the construction of what seems to be the oldest castle in France, the castle of Castel Merlet, in the Tarn, France has never ceased to dominate the architectural world. Today with several thousand fortresses on its territory, each more impressive than the other, it would take several years to visit them all. It is for this reason that Generation Voyage is now offering you its top 12 most beautiful fortified castles in France.

Immerse yourself in a medieval universe, and set off to encounter buildings dating back some 1,000 years, imagining the life of yesteryear. Then realize the architectural prowess, in a world where construction was much longer and more laborious. So from the castle of Saumur to that of Chinon, passing by the impressive Haut-Kœnigsbourg, discover our selection and travel to a bygone era!

1. Haut-Koenigsbourg castle

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It is first of all in Alsace that we take you to make you discover the one which is the most impressive of our selection of the best fortified castles in France. Indeed, discover the spectacular Haut-Kœnigsbourg castle, built during the 12th century. Overhauled from top to bottom at the dawn of the 15th century to make it one of the most powerful fortresses in the territory, it was finally completely restored before the First World War, under the reign of William II.

Today, you can visit it all year round to marvel at its grandeur. From the bottom of the massif, the castle placed in the heights will seem all the more immense to you. As you approach, you will fall under the charm of its pink walls, and the many particularly elaborate finishes. Note that access to the tour circuit is prohibited for pets, except for guide and assistance dogs.

2. Vincennes Castle

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Here is the largest royal castle in France still standing, and it is right at the gates of Paris! Indeed, it is in Vincennes, in the Val-de-Marne, that you will find this recently renovated architectural wonder which will tell you a part of French history. Although its construction began in the 12th century under the reign of Louis VII, it was in the 14th century that it became a veritable fortress. Long considered “the third royal residence”, it was finally deserted by Louis XIV, who only had eyes for Versailles.

Transformed into a barracks and an arsenal by Napoleon I, the fortress protected Paris during the 19th century invasions. Having suffered a lot of damage during the Second World War, the fortified castle of Vincennes was then extensively renovated, and you can visit it today without worry. To do this, go to the end of line 1 of the Paris metro, which will drop you off at the foot of the fortress.

3. Pierrefonds Castle

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Built during the 14th century, on the orders of Duke Louis of Orléans, the fortified castle of Pierrefonds takes place in the department of Oise, in the Haut-de-France region, near the forest of Compiègne. It was originally intended for monitoring trade between Flanders and Burgundy. At that time, the two estates belonged to the family of the Dukes of Burgundy, rivals of the Orleans. Gradually abandoned, it was rebuilt in the 19th century for Napoleon III.

Today, the castle can obviously be visited, like all French constructions enjoying the title of historical monuments. But above all it is the location of many film and series shoots, such as the classic “Sydney Fox, l’Aventurière” in 1999, or more recently the series “Versailles”, centered on the royalty of the Sun King.

4. Chateau d’If

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This is probably the most emblematic castle of our selection! Made famous by the famous “Count of Monte-Cristo”, a classic of French literature by Alexandre Dumas fils, it is today one of the most visited historical sites in Marseille. Built in the early 1500s, the Château d’If first served as a “control tower”, to protect the coast from possible invasion, to cover the exits and the anchorage of the brand new fleet of royal galleys.

In 1580 and for more than 300 years, it became a place of imprisonment, where all opponents of power and the monarchy met. They are then exiled to this castle in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, from where they cannot escape. A historical monument since 1926, the Château d’If is full of energy and anecdotes. This is why it attracts more than 100,000 visitors every year! If you want to take a trip there, go to the port of Marseille to take the boat that will drop you off there. Don’t worry, he’ll come back for you…

5. Fougeres Castle

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If many constructions of this selection turn out to date from the Renaissance period, the fortified castle of Fougères is the largest medieval fortress in Europe in this state of conservation. The castle is a true synthesis of the building principles of the second half of the Middle Ages.

In order to ensure the defense of the north-eastern part of the border zone of the Duchy of Brittany, it was born around the year 1000. So surrounded by an English Normandy, and the kings of France wishing to extend their domination over the entire kingdom, it is at the center of many battles. This is how the fortress, at first primitive, was reinforced over the centuries to become one of the most impregnable fortified castles in Europe.

By visiting it today, you will witness millennial memories, which bear witness to the great epics that have marked the history of France.

6. Fleckenstein Castle

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It was in the 12th century, in the commune of Lembach in the Bas-Rhin that a semi-troglodyte castle was born, that of Fleckenstein. It thus bears the name of the family at the origin of its construction, the Fleckensteins, who will remain at the head of this French fortified castle for more than 600 years, a record. Reputed to be impregnable, this fortress lived up to its reputation and fell without a fight into the hands of the troops of Louis XIV.

The building is then, since this one-way battle in 1689, in ruins. However, it is well worth the detour, and is also the second most visited castle in Alsace after Haut-Kœnigsbourg.

7. The city of Carcassonne

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More than just a fortified castle, Carcassonne offers a real fortified city. A real Hollywood film set, visited each year by more than two million visitors, the city is a medieval architectural ensemble located in the heart of Occitania. Main scene of the Gallo-Roman era then stronghold of the Visigoths, the city of Carcassonne has expanded over the centuries to become a true architectural marvel.

At the beginning of the 17th century, however, it was neglected and abandoned by French royalty, and was then threatened with destruction. It was in the 19th century that it witnessed a large-scale renovation, to make it one of the most important French tourist sites today.

8. Saumur Castle

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If the beginning of the construction of the castle of Saumur, one of the most beautiful fortified castles of France, began during the 10th century, it was indeed at the end of the 16th century that it was completed. Initially designed as a residence for the Counts of Anjou and then the Plantagenets, it was then transformed into a royal fortress under the yoke of King Saint Louis.

Today and for more than 150 years, it is classified as a Historic Monument as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located just 5 minutes from the city center, it is easily accessible on foot and will therefore be perfect for an afternoon stroll with the family.

9. The fortress of Chinon

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More than one of the most beautiful fortified castles in France, it is a real fortress that we are now presenting to you! Indeed, the fortress of Chinon is made up of three castles: Fort du Coudray, Château du Milieu, and finally Fort Saint-Georges. It is in Indre-et-Loire that you will have to go to appreciate this historical visit.

Having witnessed the Gallo-Roman era, the Lower Empire as well as the passage of the Templars, it conceals a multitude of anecdotes that will delight young and old alike for a day of discovery. For this visit, we advise you to call on a guide, who will be able to immerse you in a magical universe.

10. Beynac Castle

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Watching over the Dordogne for more than nine centuries from the top of a vertiginous cliff, the Château de Beynac is one of the most authentic fortified castles in France. Moreover, it is also one of the best preserved in the region. Thus, it promises its visitors a unique moment of discovery of history.

The visit of this place offers a historical journey and immerses you in the kingdom of Richard Coeur-de-Lion as well as in the mysterious Hundred Years War. In addition, climbing to the top of its dungeons, you will enjoy a view of the entire valley.

11. Bonaguil Castle

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Standing in the town of Saint-Front-sur-Lémance, in the heart of Lot-et-Garonne, the Château de Bonaguil is a former fortified castle in France, greatly altered over the centuries. Having emerged in the 13th century, it has a medieval architecture typical of the castles of this region.

The advantage of this structure is also found in all the activities set up for the youngest. Indeed, treasure hunts, manual activities of the time, night theater and other activities take place throughout the year.

12. Sedan Castle

Photo credit: Shutterstock – Richard Semik

It is with what is often considered the largest fortified castle in Europe that we end this selection: the castle of Sedan. Its construction began in 1424 on the banks of the Meuse, on a rocky promontory, in order to allow its tenants to contemplate the region and its possible attackers.

Classified as a historic monument since 1965, the castle has been carefully restored to offer visitors a particularly detailed visit to the heart of history.

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