These famous castles in France are as beautiful as they are historic.
Francejust has that something special.
You know, thatje ne sais quoithat everyone talks about.
Credit: MathieuRivrin/Getty Images
Yes, that was indeed the correct number of zeros.
There are an estimated 40,000 castles for you to explore.
Of course, seeing them all could take an entire lifetime, but don’t worry.
GUILLAUME SOUVANT/Getty Images
We’re here to help you narrow down the list to just a few.
Here are 12 spectacular French castles to visit on your next vacation to thisbeautiful country.
Head inside to see its brilliant furnishings and tapestries and outside to enjoy its gardens on a sunny day.
Lepretre Pierre/Getty Images
Its high altitude location proved to be an important vantage point for France’s leaders throughout the Middle Ages.
However, the castle was abandoned after the Thirty Years' War in the 1600s.
It received its due in the early 20th century when it was rebuilt to highlight all its architectural charms.
Leopoldine Bauer/Travel + Leisure
Come walk across its drawbridge and drink in its slightly iridescent exterior, thanks to its pink sandstone construction.
Vaux-le-Vicomte
TheChateau de Vaux-le-Vicomteis ideal for those who are fans of Baroque style.
The castle, which finished construction in 1661, also exhibits extreme extravagance.
Michel GARNIER/Getty Images
They stretch over 100 acres, including woodland areas and formal gardens that are still fit for royalty.
Chateau de Cheverny
Find the ultimate in French castle charm at theChateau de Cheverny.
The dazzling estate is so delightful that it even served as the model for theAdventures of Tintinchildren’s books.
Andia/Getty Images
It, of course, has a small Tintin exhibition on display for guests to check out, too.
What stands today is a fully restored castle that was transformed in the late 19th century.
Chateau de Fontainebleau
Looking for pure excess?
JARRY/TRIPELON/Getty Images
Head toChateau de Fontainebleau, a castle located one hour outside of Paris.
Come see its galleries, ballrooms, and the striking Chapel of Trinity.
Some 328 feet of it are on display for you to see now.
Catherine BIBOLLET/Getty Images
Insights/Getty Images
Dominique REPERANT/Getty Images
JARRY-TRIPELON/Getty Images
DEA/N. CIRANI/Getty Images
