44 Most Beautiful French Chateaus (Photos)

One of my dream trips is to spend a couple months touring castles, palaces, chateaus and villas across Europe.

In order to come up with the very specific design ideas, we create most designs with the assistance of state-of-the-art AI interior design software. Also, assume links that take you off the site are affiliate links such as links to Amazon. this means we may earn a commission if you buy something.

I think they’re fascinating buildings steeped in history. I’ve toured some incredible homes in the USA but never in Europe. One day, I’ll do it.

For now, I’m relegated to enjoying these architectural marvels via photos. I had a lot of fun putting together this gallery of beautiful French Chateaus. It’s interesting how each country or region in Europe has distinct styles to their castles and palaces. The French style is definitely unique compared to Eastern European, Germanic, Mediterranean, English, Irish and Scottish castles.

Below is our photo gallery featuring what I consider to be 44 of the most beautiful French chateaus.

1. Chateau de Chenonceau

About the Chateau de Chenonceau

• Where:  Near the small village of Chenonceau on the River Cher (Loire Valley).
• When:  1513 to 1517 (the current form).
• Who built it:  Current form by Thomas Bohier and his wife, Catherine Briçonnet.
• Style: Gothic and early Renaissance
• What is it now?  It’s open for tours.
• Current owners:  Menier family

2. Chateau de Fayrac

Chateau de Fayrac is a castle that is located between Chateau de Castelnaud and Chateau Les Milandes on the river Dordogne’s south bank. It was build in the 15th century and remodeled in the following centuries. The castle is not open to the public. If you take the D54 along the river, you will see the astonishing view of its exterior.

About the Chateau de Fayrac

• Where:  Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, Dordogne departement of France
• When:  15th-19th century.
• Who built it: Lords of Castelnaud , the family of Caumont
• Style: Renaissance
• What is it now?  Private property, it is not open to the public.
• Current owner:  The castle was then owned by the composer Fernand Fouant de la Tombelle , one of the founders of the Schola Cantorum

3. French Chateau on river

Over the years, various affluent families, including Catherine de’ Medici, Diane de Poitiers, and the Marquess of Biencourt, owned the château. The state has owned it since the French government seized it during the French Revolution.

In the Indre-et-Loire region of the Centre-Val de Loire, next to the little village of Chenonceaux, is the French château known as Château de Chenonceau. One of the most well-known châteaux in the Loire Valley is this one.

The current château was erected over the ruins of a previous mill between 1514 and 1522, and it was later extended to bridge the river.

About French Chateau on River

• Where: Chenonceau, Indre-et-Loire, Centre-Val de Loire, Fran
• When: 1514–1522
• Who built it: Built by Thomas Bohier
• Style: Renaissance
• What is it now? A museum and tourist attraction
• Current owner: The French government

4. Chateau de Hautefort

Situated on a former roman camp’s site, this medieval fortress was remodeled into an imposing stately home in the 17th century, where the defences were replaced by classical architecture. Chateau de Hautefort’s interior has a remarkable collection of furniture from the 17th to 18th century. The count de Choulot created the English-style park and the French formal gardens in the 19th century.

Today, the night visits are somewhat bringing this fortress alive during summer months.

About the Chateau de Hautefort

• Where:  Located in the town of Hautefort in the Dordogne
• When: 16th-17th century.
• Who built it: Nicolas Rambourg and Jacques Maigret
• Style: Renaissance
• What is it now? Chateau of Hautefort is now making a commitment in an approach for the label of NF Environment. It is the first castle in France to be eco-labelled in 2016.
• Current owner:  Foundation of Hautefort Castle

5. Chateau de Tanlay

Chateau de Tanlay is a French castle that is popular for its beauty and setting. It is built in Burgundy in the 16th and 17th centuries, in the heart of the Admiral de Coligny family’s village. Its architecture is so remarkable that walks along the Canal perspective, with furnished and decorated rooms and Renaissance fresco and trompe-l’oeil.

About the Chateau de Tanlay

• Where: Located in Tanlay in the Yonne in Burgundy, Franche-Comte
• When: 16th-17th century
• Who built it: The family of the Admiral de Coligny
• Style: Renaissance
• What is it now?  Private monument, open to visitors
• Current owner:  Countess of Chauviniere

6. Chateau de Brissac

The architecture of this fortress is what makes it the highest castle in France. It has two hundred rooms, seven floors in total and its facade reflects the influences of baroque of the time. Chateau de Brissac is open to the public.

It is actually home to a the Fashion Flower Festival, Christmas market and an Easter egg hunt every year. Not only that, it is as well a regular host for events that are related to balloons like the French Championship departures.

About the Chateau de Brissac

• Where: Situated in the department of Maine-et-Loire, 15 kilometers from Angers
• When: 11th-17th century
• Who built it: Nerra Fulk , Count of Anjou , in the 11th century.
• Style: Medieval and Renaissance
• What is it now? Museum , private dwelling
• Current owner: François de Cossé-Brissac

7. Castle of Balmirand

The Castle of Belmirand, also known as the Chateau de Valmirande was built based on the plans of Louis Garros, a famous architect of Bordeaux for Baron Bertrand de Lassus. The castle has been classified as a historic monument since 1992. It is a sumptuous and extravagant neo-Renaissance architecture with its park with an area of 41 hectares, large flowerbeds, and its chapel.

Today, it is a famous attraction for holidaymakers staying in the region.

About the Castle of Balmirand

• Where: Located in Montrejeau on the road to Lannemezan at the limit of the Haute-Garonne and Hautes-Pyrenees
• When: 14th-20th century
• Who built it: Louis Garros, a famous architect of Bordeaux for Baron Bertrand de Lassus
• Style: Neo-Renaissance
• What is it now? A famous attraction for holidaymakers staying in the region
• Current owner: Baroness Simone de Lassus

8. Chateau de Sceaux

Built in 15th century, the Château de Sceaux currently operates as the Musée de l’Île-de-France, a museum of local history where visitors can tour the house, outbuildings and gardens. The castle was restored in 18th century and was preserved to serve as a museum, containing one of the largest collections of the painters of the School of Paris.

About the Château de Sceaux

• Where: Located in Sceaux, Hauts-de-Seine, about six miles from the center of Paris, France.
• When: 15th century
• Who built it: Claude and Charles Perrault and Antoine Lepautre and the premier peintre du roi Charles Le Brun.
• Style: Greek and Roman architecture
• What is it now? Currently a museum
• Current owner: Paris, France Government

9. Chateau de L’Islette

Located in the heart of Touraine, Chateau de L’Islette sits upon the seductive setting of the Indre. Also known as the Islette castle, it became a witness to the two great sculptors, Camille Claudel and Auguste Rodin’s passionate love for each other. Although the castle still vibrates to the memory of the couple’s presence, now it serves as an official tourism site in Touraine.

About the Chateau de L’Islette

• Where: D57 road to Langeais, 37190 Azay-le-Rideau, Central France.
• When: 15th Century, year 1530
• Who built it: René de Maillé
• Style: French Renaissance
• What is it now? An official tourism site in Touraine
• Current owner: France Government

10. Chambord Castle

Chambord Castle, otherwise known as Château de Chambord is one of the most popular châteaux in the world because of its very especial French Renaissance architecture with a mix of traditional French and classical Renaissance structures. Originally serves as a hunting lodge for Francis I, the castle held a historical feast hosted by Francis himself for his archrival, Emperor Charles V.

About the Chambord Castle

• Where: Chambord, France
• When: 15th Century, year 1547
• Who built it: Architecture design by Domenico da Cortona and Engineered by Pierre Nepveu
• Style: French Renaissance, Classical Renaissance
• What is it now? It is now a major tourist place in the whole France
• Current owner: Chambord, France Government

11. Chateau de Beaumesnil

Featuring a Baroque style architectural, the Château de Beaumesnil was built between 1633 and 1640 for King Louis XIII. The château was sold to the Jewish financier and bibliophile Hans Fürstenberg, a refugee from Nazi Germany in 1938. Fürstenberg left the château to a foundation via his last will and now, the château serves as an official historical monument of France.

About the Chateau de Beaumesnil

• Where: Beaumesnil, Northern France
• When: 16th Century
• Who built it: Jean Gallard
• Style: Baroque
• What is it now? It is now a popular tourist site in Northern France
• Current owner: Fondation Fürstenberg-Beaumesnil

12. Chateau d’Artigny

Originally built during the Hundred Years’ War, the castle served as an advanced bastion and was incorporated into the line of defences constructed along the Indre River. When the castle was demolished in 1769 by its owner, Joseph Testard de Bouranis, the king’s treasurer, and replaced it with his private residence, the castle survived the French Revolution. During the 19th century, the castle was modified and now serves as luxe hotel.

About the Chateau d’Artigny

• Where: Montbazon, Central France
• When: 17th Century
• Who built it: Jean-Michel Chevotet
• Style: Renaissance
• What is it now? Currently serving as a luxe hotel
• Current owner: Grandes Étapes Françaises hotel group

13. Chateau de Scourches

Located in the town of Saint-Symphorien, the castle of Sourches is a neoclassical style built in 17th century for Louis II of the Bouchet de Sourches, Marquis de Sourches, Count of Montsoreau, Provost Marshal of France , provost of the Hotel du Roi. Starting in April, 1947, the caslte’s roofs and facades, as well as its main courtyard, moat and chapel are the subject of a classification as historical monuments.

About the Chateau de Scourches

• Where: Located in the town of Saint-Symphorien in the vicinity of Le Mans in the department of Sarthe and the region of Pays de la Loire
• When: 17th Century
• Who built it: Gabriel de Lestrade and Jean-Francois Pradel
• Style: Neoclassical
• What is it now? Currently open to the public and is serving as a conservatoire
• Current owner: Foucaud family

14. Chateau de Puymartin

Originally built in 13th century, Château de Puymartin had been through difficult situations. First, it was taken by the English in 1357, then the consuls of Sarlat bought the domaine back from the English but eventually abandoned the castle.

Finally, in 1450, Radulphe de Saint-Clar re-purchased it and modified the castle, but in 18th century it was abandoned again until the marquis of Carbonnier de Marzac restored the castle in a neo-gothic style in the 19th century.

About the Chateau de Puymartin

• Where: Sarlat-la-Canéda, France
• When: 13th Century
• Who built it: Unknown
• Style: Neo-gothic
• What is it now? Currently serves as Tourist site in Sarlat-la-Canéda
• Current owner: Government of France

15. Chateau Sully-sur-Loire

A true castle, built to control one of the few sites where the Loire can be forded, Château de Sully-sur-Loire was the seat of the Duke de Sully, Henri IV’s minister Maximilien de Béthune from 1560 to 1641, and the later dukes of Sully. It was first constructed in 11th century and was continuously modifed starting in year 1218.

The castle served as shelter to Mazarin and Anne of Austria during the France’s civil war in 1652 and welcomed Turenne before his defeat of the Grand Condé at the battle of Bléneau, as well as Voltaire when he had been exiled from Paris.

About the Chateau Sully-sur-Loire

• Where: Sully-sur-Loire, Loiret, France
• When: 11th Century
• Who built it: Unknown
• Style: Roman architecture
• What is it now? Open for public
• Current owner: Département du Loiret

16. Castle of Azay le Rideau

Set on an island in the middle of the Indre river, The Château d’Azay-le-Rideau has become one of the most popular picturesque château in whole France. It was built between 1518 and 1527, and was blessed with a French renaissance architecture, which is considered one of the foremost examples of the architectural style in its time.

About the Castle of Azay le Rideau

• Where: Located in the town of Azay-le-Rideau in the French département of Indre-et-Loire
• When: 15th Century
• Who built it: Gilles Berthelot and Philippa Lesbahy
• Style: French Renaissance
• What is it now? Currently serves as a national monument
• Current owner: French Government

17. Castle of Saumur

Served as a fortified stronghold against Norman predations, Château de Saumur was originally built as a castle and later on developed into a château. The castle was built by Theobald I, Count of Blois in 10th century, which was set in the French town of Saumur. The castle was rebuilt by Henry II of England in the later 12th century following its destruction in year 1067.

About the Castle of Saumur

• Where: Located in the French town of Saumur
• When: 10th Century
• Who built it: Theobald I, Count of Blois
• Style: Architectural promenade
• What is it now? Currently serves as monument historique
• Current owner: French Government

18. Chateaubriant Chateau

Located in the commune of Châteaubriant in the Loire-Atlantique département of France, The Château de Châteaubriant is a medieval castle that was modified during the Renaissance. It was originally built on a sole purpose, which is to defend the duchy against Anjou and the Kingdom of France.

About the Chateaubriant Chateau

• Where: Located in the commune of Châteaubriant in the Loire-Atlantique département of France.
• When: 11th Century
• Who built it: Brient
• Style: French Renaissance
• What is it now? Partly open to the public
• Current owner: French Government

19. Chateau Margaux

Located in the commune of Margaux on the left bank of the Garonne estuary in the Médoc region, in the département of Gironde, Château Margaux is a well-known wine estate of Bordeaux wine. It is one of four wines to achieve Premier cru status in the Bordeaux Classification of 1855.

First known as La Mothe de Margaux, the estate has been occupied since at least the 12th century, but became officially a wine estate with the arrival of the Lestonnac family in the 16th century.

About the Chateau Margaux

• Where: Located in the commune of Châteaubriant in the Loire-Atlantique département of France.
• When: 12th Century
• Who built it: Unknown
• Style: First Empire style
• What is it now? Wine Estate
• Current owner: Corinne Mentzelopoulos

20. French Castle

Chambord Castle, located in Chambord, France, is a world-renowned French castle celebrated for its grandeur and exemplary Renaissance architecture. Constructed by King Francis I between 1519 and 1547, it was initially designed as a hunting lodge but also functioned as a royal residence. The castle is renowned for its symmetrical design, numerous towers, and intricate roof.

Today, Chambord Castle serves as a museum and a popular tourist destination. Open to the public, it provides guided tours and hosts various cultural events, including concerts and exhibitions.

About French Castle

• Where:  Chambord, Loir-et-Cher, Centre-Val de Loire, France
• When: 1519–1547
• Who built it: King Francis I of France
• Style:  Renaissance 
• What is it now? A museum and tourist attraction
• Current owner:  The French government

21. Chateau de Cheverny

The Château de Cheverny is well-known part of the châteaux of the Loire valley and was built in 17th century owned by Philippe Hurault. With the aid of sculptor-architect of Blois, Jacques Bougier, the construction was finished in 1630. The château passed ownership through many hands and underwent many renovation and upgrade. Today, Château de Cheverny is open to the public as a top tourist attraction in the area.

About the Chateau de Cheverny

• Where: Cheverny, France
• When: 17th Century
• Who built it: Philippe Hurault
• Style:  Classical and Renaissance style
• What is it now? Top tourist attraction
• Current owner: Charles-Antoine de Vibraye

22. Chateau Rambouillet

The Château de Rambouillet was originally a fortified manor dating back to 1368 located in the town of Rambouillet, Yvelines department, in the Île-de-France region in northern France. It became the summer residence of the Presidents of the French Republic from 1896 until 2009, and it is now munder the management of the Centre des monuments nationaux.

About the Château de Rambouillet

• Where: Rambouillet, France
• When: 14th Century
• Who built it: d’Angennes family
• Style: Rococo and Neo-Pompeiian style
• What is it now? Open to public
• Current owner: French Government

23. Chateau de Chantilly

Château de Chantilly comprises two attached buildings, the first mansion (no longer exists, replaced by the Grand Château) built by Pierre Chambiges and the Petit Château by Jean Bullant, all for Anne de Montmorency. The original mansion was destroyed during the French Revolution and was rebuilt in a modest way by Louis Henri II, Prince of Condé.

Now, Château de Chantilly is owned by the Institut de France and is one of the finest art galleries in France.

About the Chateau de Chantilly

• Where:  Chantilly, France
• When: 14th Century
• Who built it: Pierre Chambiges and Jean Bullant
• Style: Renaissance style
• What is it now? Open to public
• Current owner:  Institut de France

24. The palace of Jardin du Luxembourg

Located in Paris, France, The Luxembourg Palace was originally built in 17th century to the designs of the French architect Salomon de Brosse for the regent Marie de’ Medici, mother of Louis XIII of France. Today, the palace is occupied by the French senate.

About the palace of Jardin du Luxembourg

• Where:  Paris, France
• When: 17th Century
• Who built it: Salomon de Brosse
• Style: Baroque style
• What is it now? Currently serves as seat of the French Senate
• Current owner: French Government

25. Chateau de Fontainebleau

Château de Fontainebleau is one of the largest French royal châteaux and was built in 12th century. In 15th century, the property received major modifications and even turned into Renaissance style designed by architect Gilles le Breton following the orders of Francis I.

Upon the death of Francis I, King Henry II decided to continue and expand the chateau, letting Philibert Delorme and Jean Bullant do the work for him. Today, Château de Fontainebleau is part of UNESCO World Heritage Site.

About the Chateau de Fontainebleau

• Where: Fontainebleau, Seine-et-Marne, France
• When: 12th Century
• Who built it: Unknown / Rebuilt by Gilles le Breton
• Style: Renaissance style
• What is it now? Currently serves as a national museum and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Current owner: French Government

26. Chateau des Milandes

The Château des Milandes is the main house of the lords of Caumont built by Francois de Caumont near the end of 15th century. The Caumont family preferred living in this Renaissance style manor house rather than the large, uncomfortable medieval castle of Château de Castelnaud-la-Chapelle.

The property fell into ruin after the French Revolution but was famously restored by the legendary music hall star Josephine Baker, and is now a popular tourist site and serving as a monument historique listed by the French Ministry of Culture.

About the Chateau des Milandes

• Where: Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, France
• When: 15th Century
• Who built it: Francois de Caumont
• Style: Renaissance style
• What is it now? Monument historique / Tourist site
• Current owner: French Government

27. Chateau Pichon de Longueville

Chateau Pichon de Longueville, commonly known as Pichon Baron is a popular winery located in Pauillac, France. It was once owned by Pierre de Rauzan as part of a larger estate along with Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande. Today, the property is currently managed by Englishman Christian Seely.

About the Chateau Pichon de Longueville

• Where: Pauillac, France
• When: 19th Century
• Who built it: Baron Raoul
• Style: Renaissance style
• What is it now? Popular Winery
• Current owner: Christian Seely

28. French Chateau

A famous and historic building in France is the French Chateau. The precise date can vary depending on the particular chateau being discussed, but it was built during a specific historical period, usually in the past. Frequently, a famous person, such as a monarch, aristocracy, or architect, is the chateau’s builder. The chateau’s design reflects several popular architectural styles when it was built, including Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque.

The chateau can currently be used for a variety of things. It might be accessible to the general public as a museum or tourist destination, giving tours on request and holding cultural gatherings. Alternatively, it might be privately owned and used as a home or a location for special events. the present

About French Chateau

• Where: Azay-le-Rideau, Indre-et-Loire, Centre-Val de Loire, France
• When: 1518–1523 
• Who: Gilles Berthelot 
• Style: French Renaissance
• What is it now? A museum and tourist attraction
• Current owner: Owned by royalty

29. Chateau d’Usse

Château d’Ussé was originally built as a stronghold at the edge of the Chinon forest overlooking the Indre Valley. It was first fortified in the 11th century, but when the castle of Ussé was purchased by Jean V de Bueil in the 15th century, the rebuilding of the property started, turning the château into a jewel of Renaissance architecture and later on transformed into a splendid residential home in the 17th and 18th centuries.

About the Chateau d’Usse

• Where: Rigny-Ussé, France
• When: 10th Century, rebuilt in 15th century
• Who built it: Unknown / Rebuilt by Jean V de Bueil
• Style: Renaissance style
• What is it now? Monument historique / Tourist site
• Current owner: Blacas Family

30. Chaumont Castle

The Château de Chaumont is a castle located in Chaumont-sur-Loire, France founded by Odo I, Count of Blois in 10th century. Louis XI had the château burned and razed to the ground after Pierre d’Amboise failed his rebellion against the king, but the succeeding Amboise family rebuilt the property into a combined Medieval and Renaissance architecture style.

The castle has been classified as a Monument historique since 1840 and today, it is a popular museum owned by the French Government.

About the Château de Chaumont

• Where: Chaumont-sur-Loire, France
• When: 10th Century, rebuilt in 15-16th century
• Who built it: Odo I / Rebuilt by Amboise family
• Style: Medieval architecture / Renaissance style
• What is it now? Monument historique / Museum
• Current owner: French Government

31. Chateau de Amboise

Château d’Amboise was the seat of the Court of Kings from Louis XI to Francis I and Charles VIII, who extensively rebuilt the property started in 1492 in the French late Gothic Flamboyant style, Gothic architecture and later on turned into Renaissance style. The château has been recognised as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture since 1840.

About the Chateau de Amboise

• Where: Chaumont-sur-Loire, France
• When: 11th century
• Who built it: Count of Anjou
• Style: Flamboyant style / Gothic architecture / Renaissance style
• What is it now? Monument historique / Open to public
• Current owner: Count of Paris, descendant of Louis-Philippe

32. Chateau du Nozet

Château Nozet is a winery castle in Pouilly-sur-Loire popular for its Pouilly Fumé. It is the largest winery in Pouilly-sur-Loire that was acquired by Comte Edmond Lafond from Louis XV’s illegitimate daughter. The Renaissance castle is now the home of de Ladoucette family.

About the Chateau du Nozet

• Where: Pouilly-sur-Loire, France
• When: 17th century
• Who built it: Comte Edmond Lafond
• Style: Renaissance style
• What is it now? Winery castle
• Current owner: de Ladoucette family

33. Chateau Branaire-Ducru

Back in 1680, Château Branaire-Ducru was a part of the massive Beychevelle estate in Saint Julien. The owner of the Beychevelle left the huge Bordeaux vineyard that was seriously in debt when he passed away, resulting to the split up of the estate and sold to pay the debts, one of the results was the Château Branaire-Ducru created by Jean-Baptiste Braneyre in late the 17th century.

Today, François Xavier Maroteaux took over the full time responsibilities of managing the winery.

About the Chateau Branaire-Ducru

• Where: Saint-Julien-Beychevelle, France
• When: 17th century
• Who built it: Jean-Baptiste Braneyre
• Style: Classical architecture
• What is it now? Winery castle
• Current owner: François Xavier Maroteaux

34. Rochefoucauld castle

About the Rochefoucauld Castle

• Where: Rochefoucauld Castle is found in La Rochefoucauld, a commune in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France.
• When: The original block of Rochefoucauld Castle was begun in the 11th century as a keep and was built up over the centuries. Because it took so long to build, the castle boasts several styles of architecture and is considered one of the best French chateaus.
• Who built it: The Château was begun by the son of Foucauld or Fucaldus, and added to by Jean de La Rochefoucauld in 1453 and François and Anne de La Rochefoucauld in 1519 with help from Leonardo da Vinci. The West Wing, the last major construction job on the Château, was built in 1760.
• What is it now? The Château is sometimes open to visitors. Visitors are given guided tours.
• Current owner: The current owners of Rochefoucauld Castle are the Dukes of La Rochefoucauld.

35. Puimartin Castle

About the Puimartin Castle

• Where: Puimartin Castle is in a commune called Marquay in France’s Perigord Noir region, which is part of the department of Dordogne.
• When: The Château was begun in the 13th century and has had a slate of owners, including the British who captured it in 1357. All the while, it was enlarged and renovated until it was abandoned in the 18th century. Finally, the Marquis Marc Roffignac of Carbonnier de Marzac bought the Château and renovated it. His only daughter married Count de Montbron and Puimartin Castle passed into the Montbron family.
• Who built it: The abbots of Sarlat started to build the castle in 1269 and gifted it to the Servians family in 1271.
• What is it now? The Ministry of Culture has designated Puimartin castle a historical monument, and it is opened for tours from spring till fall.
• Current owner: The current owner of Puimartin castle is the Montbron family.

36. Langeais castle

About the Langeais Castle

• Where: Langeais Castle is found in Indre-et-Loire. It is outside the city of Tours in the northwest of France.
• When: Langeais Castle was begun in 992.
• Who built it: The founder of the Château was the Count of Anjou, Fulk Nerra, but it was almost immediately overrun by the Count of Bois. Louis XI renovated the castle after the Hundred Years’ War, and it was further restored by the Institut de France in the latter part of the 19th century.
• What is it now? The castle is a historical monument and is open to visitors.
• Current owner: The Institut de France owns Langeais Castle.

37. Chateau de Villandry

About the Chateau de Villandry

• Where: Like Château de Langeais, Château de Villandry is located in Indre-et-Loire. It shares its name with the town.
• When: Château de Villandry was begun in 1532 where an old fortress had been.
• Who built it: The Château was built by Jean Le Breton, who was François I’s Finance Minister.
• What is it now? Château de Villandry is a World Heritage Site. Its beautiful gardens make it one of the best French chateaus. It is open to visitors.
• Current owner: The current owner of Château de Villandry is the Carvallo family. They have owned it since 1906.

38. Chateau Cos D’Estournel

Chateau Cos d’Estournel boasts a rich and illustrious heritage as a prominent wine estate in the esteemed St. Estephe appellation in Bordeaux. The estate’s captivating architecture is equally intriguing.

Château Cos d’Estournel is now a winery owned by the French company, Taillan. The winery produces a range of wines, including the flagship Grand Vin, Les Pagodes de Cos. The wines of Château Cos d’Estournel are known for their ripe fruit flavors, complex aromas, and long aging potential.

About Chateau Cos D’Estournel

• Where: Saint-Estèphe, Gironde, France
• When: 1791
• Who:  Louis-Gaspard d’Estournel
• Style: Neo-classical 
• What is it now?: A winery
• Current owner: The French company, Taillan

39. Castle of Vigny in Val d Oise

About the Castle of Vigny in Val d Oise

• Where: This Château is found in Vigny, which is in the Val d’Oise department in the Île-de-France region.
• When: Château de Vigny was begun in 1504 but was not completed until 1880.
• Who built it: The castle was begun by Cardinal Georges d’Amboise after he became the Lord of Vigny. It was not finished at the time of his death but was inherited by his nephew George II, who continued to build it. It was finished by Count Spyridon Vitali Philip, the Prince of Sant’Eusebio, who added a chapel and tower.
• What is it now? As of 2018, there are plans to turn the Château de Vigny into a luxury hotel.
• Current owner: As of 2018, the owner Château de Vigny is SCI Château de Vigny under the management of Fabrice Levesque.

40. Castle of Maisons Laffitte

About the Castle of Maisons Laffitte

• Where: Château de Maisons-Laffitte is found in Maisons-Laffitte, which is a suburb of Paris.
• When: The castle of Maisons-Laffitte was built between 1630 and 1651.
• Who built it: René de Longueil built the castle according to designs by renown architect François Mansart.
• What is it now? Château de Maisons-Laffitte was named a historical monument in 1914.
• Current owner: The current owner of Château de Maisons-Laffitte is the country of France.

41. Castle Martainville

About the Castle Martainville

• Where: The castle is in the commune of Martainville-Épreville in France’s Normandy region.
• When: Castle Martainville was begun in 1485, and its construction continued into the 16th century.
• Who built it: Jacques Le Pelletier, the Lord of Martainville built the castle and passed it on his nephew, who enlarged it.
• What is it now? It is now a museum that offers guided tours to visitors.
• Current owner: France now owns Castle Martainville.

42. Castle in Radepont

About the Castle in Radepont

• Where: This castle is found in the canton of Fleury-sur-Andelle, in the commune of Radepont in Normandy.
• When: Radepont castle was built in 1194 and finished in 1203. It was razed in 1218 though ruins remain. The castle was rebuilt starting in the late 19th century.
• Who built it: Richard the Lionhearted built the castle as a fortress to protect the Seine and Andelle valleys. The architects Duchesne and Lacire were responsible for the modern version.
• What is it now? It is now a place of cultural heritage.
• Current owner: The castle now belongs to a Russian citizen.

43. Castle de Nacqueville

About the Castle de Nacqueville

• Where: This castle is found in the Urville-Nacqueville commune in the Manche department in Normandy.
• When: The building of the Château de Nacqueville started in 1510.
• Who built it: The château was built by Jean de Grimouville.
• What is it now? The Château is a historic monument and is opened to the public every week. The park is opened to visitors from May through September.
• Current owner: The Hersent family has owned Castle de Nacqueville since 1880.

44. Castle at La Bretesche

About the Castle at La Bretesche

• Where: Château de la Bretesche is found in Missillac, a town in the department of Loire-Atlantique.
• When: The Château was built in 1498.
• Who built it: William of Marbré first built the castle, and after many sieges and mishaps, it was rebuilt by the Marquis de Montaigu.
• What is it now? Part of Château de la Bretesche is a historical monument and a luxury hotel, and part has been subdivided into private apartments.
• Current owner: Part of the castle is owned by a real estate company, and the hotel is owned by the Bessé Signature Group.