Historic Houses France
« I have built such beautiful castles that the ruins would be enough for me » - Jules Renard
Dozens of stunning châteaux and fortresses - some ruined, some restored, some a combination of both - are all a remarkable remnant of the highs and lows of a country with a 1,000 year history of fighting off invaders or civil war, before emerging into the proud and successful nation of today which attracts almost 100 million tourists every year.
Historic French houses are vital in preserving historical and cultural memory, and actively embrace indulging in the past. From the Monte Cristo Castle - once home of Alexandre Dumas - to Leonardo da Vinci’s pad at Clos Lucé, their legacy is celebrated through museums set amongst beautiful surroundings.
Some stand lording over diminutive towns, such as the mediaeval fortress of Château d’Amboise, others are tucked away and hidden inside tiny picturesque towns like the Palace d’Isle in Annecy.
Their gardens are equally as beautiful, a well-groomed manifestation of the grandeur and success that many manor houses once knew which has now been revived in the age of travel.
Whether it be a defunct stone fortress high up on a rocky outcrop or a newly-renovated manor house filled with fine art, the historic houses of France are a near-endless trail through 1,000 years of history, culture, war and peace.
Activities
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Amboise Castle, Montée de l'Emir Abd el Kader, Amboise, France
High above a small town of the same name on the banks of the Loire, Château d’Amboise was a royal residence between the 15th and 19th centuries.
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Andelot Castle, Andelot-Morval, France
In the heart of the Jura, the Chateau d'Andelot was built in the 12th century, and today retains the appearance of a medieval fortress.
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Baux Castle, Les Baux-de-Provence, Bouches-du-Rhône, France
High above the village of Les Baux de Provence is an 11th-century fortress set on rocky outcrop.
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Blois Castle, Place du Château, Blois, France
A major building, Château de Blois stands out for its architecture that combines styles and retraces the history of the castle as well as the kings and queens who followed one another.
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Bon Repos Abbey, Saint-Gelven, Bretagne, France
This 12th-century Cistercian Abbey right in the heart of Brittany is closely associated with contemporary art, giving local talent a place to perform, as well as being an outlet for local produce.
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Champ de Bataille Castle, Sainte-Opportune-du-Bosc, Normandie, France
Built in the 17th century, the Château du Champ de Bataille first belonged to a private man of the court, who wanted to remember its splendour by all means.
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Courson Estate, Courson-Monteloup, France
From its impressive park to its beautiful castle, the Courson Domaine will immerse you in a setting of greenery and nature.
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Fontainebleau Castle, Fontainebleau, France
After having continuously welcomed sovereigns for 8 centuries, the Château de Fontainebleau has undergone many improvements and embellishments around its original keep. However, one of the key elements of the castle remains the horseshoe staircase dating back to the reign of Louis XIII.
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Gargas Caves , Aventignan, Hautes-Pyrénées, France
Some of the oldest prehistoric pieces of art in Europe, dating between 22,000 to 28,000 years old were discovered at the foothills of the Pyrenees.
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Isle Palace, Annecy, France
A charming wedge of a castle built in the middle of Annecy’s river Thiou.
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Lascaux II Cave, Montignac, Dordogne, France
In wartime 1940 France a lost dog called Robot led four teenagers to the cave of Lascaux, where they stumbled across some of the finest Stone Age art in Europe.
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Marqueyssac Gardens, Vézac, Dordogne, France
Opened in 1997 after mammoth restoration, the Marqueyssac Gardens, with its winding paths around the curves and blobs of boxwood bushes is one of the most visited gardens in Périgord.
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Rivau Castle, Lémeré, Indre-et-Loire, France
The illustrious Beauvau family served the Kings of France during the 13th century, and the Château du Rivau is inextricably linked to their story.
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Saint Sixte Castle, Freistroff, Moselle, France
A stunning fairytale castle which dates back to the 12th century, with a mini-golf course and gigantic maze.
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Sully Castle, Chemin de la Salle Verte, Sully-sur-Loire, France
This curious double island in the middle of a lake has a long history dating as far back as 1218, only 3 years after the Magna Carta was signed in England.
