Top 10 most beautiful castles in France

Castles and palaces of France — the best "storytellers" rich history of the country. They saw the lives of kings and courtiers, knights. Many of the seasoned pompous buildings now are only ruins, but there are those who have not lost Shine and beckon tourists with its rich decoration. The most beautiful French castles and palaces are presented below.

France is extremely rich in castle architecture. Here you can find ancient ruins that once belonged to noble families, and the entire castle complexes, lovingly restored and turned into museums. Let's talk about the top ten most interesting and beautiful castles.

Located on the island of If Pilskog archipelago in the Mediterranean sea.

Any admirer of Dumas knows about the castle of If, moreover, thanks to the numerous adaptations of "the Count of Monte Cristo" millions of people know what a dreadful dungeon it was. However, the survey found that most people think that the Chateau d'if — a fictional place that really never existed.

But this castle is a prison, which, however, became a place of detention, not once, quite a popular landmark of France. The castle of If not too far from the shore as it might seem while reading a book or watching the film adaptations, it is only a mile from Marseille. On the local boats you only ten euros almost instantly whisk back or return.

Located in the vicinity of Melun.

Of all the famous palaces around Paris that you can visit in one day, the castle of Vaux-Le-Vicomte (Vaux le Vicomte), built in classic style in 46 kilometres South-East of Paris, architecturally looks the most harmonious, aesthetically pleasing and commensurate with the person.

The estate of Vaux-Le-Vicomte was built in 1658-1661 specially for the Viscount of Melun and of Nicolas Fouquet. At that time he was the toast of the French king Louis XIV. After receiving the estate, Nicolas Fouquet forgot about it and remembered only after 15 years when he served as the chief financier of France.

The castle of Vaux-Le-Vicomte are filled with beautiful frescoes depicting nymphs and divine creatures, the interior of the castle shines with gold and replete with works of art which the French army was ruthlessly taken from all over the world, and enterprising Fouquet carefully kept in his estate.

Located in Amboise, Indre and Loire.

A legendary place in the history of France and the Royal residence from the 15th to the 19th century, Amboise is on the Loire river and reflected in its waters. Its medieval fortifications of the frame structure of the Renaissance with cyclopean towers. A former Royal residence in the year 2000, UNESCO declared the common heritage of mankind.

The castle and gardens of Amboise are associated with youth many of the French kings: Charles VIII was born here, Francis I, and the children of Henry II and Catherine de Medici spent all my childhood. Many artists came here at the invitation of his sovereign. So, Leonardo da Vinci lived in Amboise and spent Royal feasts until his death in 1519. His remains are now stored in the chapel of Saint-Hubert in the castle grounds.

Located in the Department of Indre and Loire.

This castle, surrounded by an English Park belongs to the chosen number of castles of the Loire. The Chateau of Azay-Le-Rideau was built by the Treasurer of Francis I in 1510 and is considered a masterpiece of the French Renaissance. Separate the ruined part of the castle was carefully restored.

The Chateau of Azay-Le-Rideau rises above a picturesque bend of the river Indre. The name "Aza" is probably from Asiacus, the name of the owner of the land. In the 12th century the castle belonged to Rideau or Ridel d azey, who was known for his violent temper and was nicknamed "child of the devil." All his possessions were seized by Henry II Plantagenet, however, Philip returned their son to Rideau Hugo turetskomu knight, faithful vassal of the king, who took part in the battle of Bouvine.

In the early 15th century the castle presumably belonged to the Duke of Burgundy. Insult the Dauphin, the future Charles VII and his army, was the reason that in 1418, the castle was destroyed: 354 people were killed and the village burned and looted, after which the town was called Azay-Le-Brule ("burned"). One hundred years later, the castle was built castle, which can still be seen today.

Located in the Department of Loire and cher.

Cheverny is surrounded by a spacious Park and the magnificent gardens, more than six centuries belongs to one genus. Along with other castles of the Loire he is under the protection of UNESCO project "World heritage".

This Palace stands out among the rest not only for its architecture (Cheverny white castle arranged in strict symmetry and understated style), but also its decoration. The fact that apart throughout its history (it was built in the 14th century) owned and note owners remains until today one family — the family of Jure. Due to this the continuity and preservation of the château de Cheverny is perfectly preserved (it is considered one of the best palaces in the Loire valley) — down to the smallest detail and household items and interior, Dating from the 14th century.

Tour in Cheverny is an encounter with the true French art de vivre. From Armory hall to the nursery, a chic interior and rich furnishings invariably impress the guests of the castle. Furnished Cheverny is considered the most luxurious of all the castles of the Loire.

Located in the Department of Indre and Loire.

Château de Chenonceau (Chenonceau Castle) is one of the three most popular castles of the Loire Valley and the most beautiful castles of France, nicknamed the "ladies castle" because it belonged to the two most influential women in France at that time, Diana de Poitiers, the king's mistress and Catherine de Medici. This castle of the 16th century — one of the most popular and visited castles in France, the second most visited after Versailles.

One of the most beloved, famous and visited castles in France, Chenonceau is not owned by the state: it and today is privately owned, but the owners, family de mark, totally fine, guests can enjoy not only the luxurious interior of château de Chenonceau, but also to see the beautiful garden and its beautiful surroundings.

Chenonceau is inextricably linked with the name of Diane de Poitiers — governess of the Royal son of the king's mistresses and, later, his son Henry II. When the young king came to the throne, he gave the Palace of Chenonceau to his mistress. Since then, Chenonceau and were called "ladies" of the castle (château des Dames). Diane cared a lot about the improvement of the castle, she realized the redevelopment of the Park, following her instructions, the architect Philibert Delorme designed a project of a stone bridge across the river cher.

Located in the heart of Paris.

In the heart of the French capital near the famous Notre Dame Cathedral located on the castle Conciergerie. For a long time it was home to the monarch, but during the revolution it was converted into a prison. Today, the Palace holds a long history and is considered one of the key attractions of Paris.

The Conciergerie is part of the complex of the Palace of justice (FR. Palais de Justice), which are still in public service, court, Prosecutor's office. This complex occupies almost half of the île de La Cité. Today the Palace is a heterogeneous architectural ensemble of elements built from the XIII to the XX centuries.

Located in the Loir-et-cher.

Chambord is the most recognizable of the castles of France, the emblem of the Loire valley, an architectural masterpiece of the Renaissance. Built on the orders of françois I, who wanted to be closer to his beloved lady, the Countess Turi, who lived nearby.

Francis I, warlike and wasteful the king of France, was not alien to the art, patronized artists, and even took himself out of Italy already old and famous Leonardo da Vinci.

Legendary inventor spent at the court of Francis the last years of his life and died before the start of the construction of Chambord. But to assume that he was influenced by the beautiful appearance of the castle at the stage of the project. At least in the design of the main staircase are clearly visible the characteristic features of a creative genius.

Located in the suburbs of Paris.

Versailles — Palace and Park ensemble in France, the former residence of French kings in the city of Versailles, now a suburb of Paris; the tourist center of global significance.

The jewel of the French architecture and the magnificent Palace of the vain monarch, the Versailles was created to highlight the greatness of "the sun king", Louis XIV. But all the luxuries there was not provided any toilets.

Versailles being constructed under the leadership of Louis XIV in 1661 and became a peculiar monument of the era of "sun king", the architectural expression of the idea of absolutism. Leading architects Louis and Left Jules Hardouin-Mansart, the Creator of the Park andré Le nôtre. The ensemble of Versailles, the largest in Europe, has a unique integrity of design and the harmony of architectural forms and transformed the landscape. The end of the 17th century Versailles served as a model for official country residences of European monarchs and aristocracy, but direct imitations it.

Located in Normandy, Department Manche.

The famous island-fortress located in the North of France, on the border with Brittany. This is one of the most visited attractions in France, and the island itself with historical buildings included in the UNESCO list of world heritage of UNESCO.

The island is the only inhabited of the three granite formations of the Bay of Saint-Michel (Mont Saint-Michel, Tomblen and Mont Dol). City on the island there is a 709 year. Currently has a few dozen inhabitants.

The island is 285 kilometres West of Paris. Tourists from around the world attracted by the picturesque location of the Abbey and the surrounding village on the shore towering rock monuments of history and architecture, as well as unique European tides.