In France, as in other countries of the Old World, many ancient castles have been preserved. Some remained only ruins, while others are well preserved until today. There are so many of them that it is difficult for an ordinary tourist to decide which is best to visit. In this article, we will present you a selection of French castles that have retained their appearance and are worthy of close attention. Of course, this list is too narrow and can be expanded, but let's look at the 10 most popular, beautiful and best castles to visit.
1
Vitre Castle
Vitre Castle is located in the northwestern part of France, in the Brittany region, within the city of the same name. Its founder is Baron Robert Vitre I. The construction of the fortress began in 1061. Its main purpose was fortification and defense against attacks. There was much in its history: it was destroyed and rebuilt several times, survived a severe fire.
During its construction, they did not pay much attention to convenience and interior decoration. He served as a defensive structure. In the XVI century and a long time after the castle was a prison, which was then abolished. During World War I, there were parts of the French army. It is considered the first castle-fortress, which was officially recognized as the cultural heritage of France.
2
Tarascon Castle
This castle is located in one of the most picturesque areas of France Provence and is the main tourist destination in the city of Tarascon. After the castle was destroyed in 1399, it was rebuilt in the 15th century by King Henry. Before the French, in this place there was a Roman military parking.
For many years until 1926 there was a prison. In 1882, this castle was mentioned in the satirical novel by Alfons Daudet “The Unusual Adventures of Tartarene from Tarascon”, which brought the castle a certain fame even outside of France.
3
Suscinio Castle
Suscinio Castle is located closer to the western borders of France, the Morbihan region. It was built by the dukes of Brittany, and then they used it as a residence. At the end of the XIV century, the castle was completed and significantly expanded. It is a magnificent building surrounded by a moat with a chapel, dovecote, many towers and outbuildings of peasants. A popular place for tourists.
4
Castle Saumur
Located in the western part of France. It was originally laid back in the X century, but then King Henry II in the XII century somewhat reconstructed it. The castle was supposed to be an indestructible fortress, but in history there have been cases of its destruction.
By the way, on our site most-beauty.ru there is an interesting article about the most beautiful castles in the world! We highly recommend reading it.
5
Angers Castle
Counts of Anjou were the first to erect this beautiful castle in the 9th century, but back in the 3rd century these lands belonged to the Romans, and a settlement was located on the site of the castle. It acquired a modern look in the XIII century after completion and reconstruction. Massive thick walls and seventeen tall towers were added.
The castle in 1939 became a refuge for the Polish government hiding from the German regime, and in 1940 it was occupied by Nazi troops.
During the war years the castle was severely damaged, but then restored and is now used as a museum of medieval tapestries.
6
Falez Castle
The castle is located in the southwestern part of Falez. This is one of the first castles built in Normandy. It was erected by the English king Henry I in the XI century. Almost all of its medieval history was ruled by the family of William the Conqueror and his descendants, passed by inheritance. In the Middle Ages, the castle was an important political and military center in which decisions were made. With the advent of the Renaissance, the castle was somewhat forgotten, and it went into desolation. He was noticed only at the beginning of the 16th century. Now it is a cultural and protected monument.
7
Jocelyn Castle
The castle is located in the Brittany area. It was built in the XI century, and in the XV century it was captured by the English Duke Francis II. During the siege, the castle was badly damaged. Only in 1822 it was completely restored to its current state.
8
Castelno Castle
The castle is located at the confluence of the Dordogne and Seu rivers, the Dordogne region in southern France. It is a well-fortified fortress, which was built in the 18th century to protect it from another fortress nearby Beynak. It is just a few minutes away and no less beautiful. Now there is a museum dedicated to medieval battles and wars. The construction is one of the most visited among tourists in the department of Dordogne. Over 200,000 thousand tourists visit it annually.
9
Foix Castle
This oldest castle is located in the Pyrenees near the city of Foix, which is close to Spain. The castle is more than a thousand years old. It was first mentioned in 988.
Since 1035, this fortress became an important administrative center and influenced the balance of power in medieval wars, which practically did not stop.
Over a long history, they tried to capture him more than once, but it happened only once, in 1486. Before the French Revolution, a garrison was located here, and then the residence of Governor Treville, who is known for his work “The Three Musketeers”. It was from this character that he was charged. Now it houses a museum.
10
Castle Carcassonne
The castle is located in the heart of Carcassonne. It was built on a hill near the Aude River. It traces its history back to the Gallo-Roman period. Initially, it was a simple Gallic settlement. Then in the III century the Romans built a fortification here. The fortress became French in 1247.
Summary
So we finished our short story about the most beautiful medieval castles in France. What other French castles do you know? Which would you add to this rating? Please write your answers in the comments to this article.