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Château de Malmaison
The Château de Malmaison is a country house outside Paris that was once the residence of Joséphine de Beauharais, the first wife of Napoleon I and the first Empress of the French. At one time the château was also the headquarters of the French government.
Joséphine de Beauharais purchased the Château de Malmaison in 1799 for the large sum of 30,000 francs while Napoleon I was away fighting the Egyptian Campaign. As the château had fallen into a state of disrepair, Joséphine spent an enormous sum of money renovating the manor.
While Joséphine owned the house she created a veritable menagerie with exotic animals such as kangaroos, llamas, zebras, ostriches and even a seal. She also built a heated orangery and greenhouse. After her divorce with Napoleon in 1809 Joséphine kept the home, where she remained until her death in 1814.
The château is decorated with a sense of elegance and opulence. Many of the rooms feature enormous chandeliers as well as black and white checkerboard tile floors. The library is particularly notable with a painted vaulted ceiling.
Practical Info
The Château de Malmaison is located in Rueil-Malmaison, a wealthy suburb seven miles east of Paris. To access the chateau via public transportation, take the Paris commuter train, the RER, to RER A stop “La Defense.” Then take bus 258 and disembark at the Le Château stop. It is also possible to drive by taking the RN 13 from Paris and navigating to the address, Avenue du Château de Malmaison in Rueil-Malmaison. The full price of admission is €6.50, but garden admission alone is €1.50. The château waives the admission fee to all visitors under the age of 18 and all EU-residents from 18-25. The château also offers free admission to all visitors the first Sunday of every month.
Address: Avenue du Château de Malmaison, Rueil-Malmaison 92500, France
Hours: April-Sept Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-5:45 p.m., Sat-Sun until 6:15 p.m.;
Oct-March Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-5:15 p.m., Sat-Sun until 5:45 p.m.;
Closed Tuesdays & Dec 25-Jan 1.
Admission: €6.50
From $ 139
Chateau de Rambouillet
Equidistance from Versailles and Chartres, and set amidst 20,000 hectares of lush woodlands, the grand Chateau de Rambouillet is among the Ile-de-France’s most magnificent residences. Dating back to the 14th-century, the château boasts an esteemed cast of former royal residents, from King Francis I to Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette, and was later used as the summer residence of the French Presidents of the Republic, receiving guests such as General Charles de Gaulle and hosting the first G6 summit.
Today, the Chateau de Rambouillet remains a key presidential residence, and is open to the public, who can enjoy guided tours of the Rococo-style state apartments and castle grounds, including a series of elegant formal gardens and canal ways. Additional highlights include the dazzling Shell Cottage, adorned with gleaming marble, Mother of Pearl and rare seashells, and the Queen Dairy, designed for Marie-Antoinette.
Practical Info
The Chateau de Rambouillet is located in the Ile-de-France region, approximately 60km southwest of Paris, and is open daily except Tuesdays from 10am-12pm and 2pm-5pm (6pm from April-Sept). Adult admission at the time of writing is €5.50.
Address: Rambouillet, France
Admission: Adults: €5.50
From $ 61
Château Mouton Rothschild
Often regarded as one of the world’s greatest and most expensive Bordeaux wines, Château Mouton Rothschild requires very little presentation. The Rothschild family was famous throughout Europe for its financial dealings and interest in philanthropy and wines. The estate was acquired in the early 1800s and soon started to make wine, but it remained largely underrated as Bordeaux wasn’t considered a wine region back then. It wasn’t until the 1920s that Château Mouton Rothschild gained notoriety, thanks to the committed and relentless work of Baron Philippe de Rothschild, whose decisions would not only forever change the Rothschild estate but also the wine industry itself.
The Rothschild estate comprises many attractions, including the vineyards, the 100-meter long Great Barrel Hall, the classical Château, a 120,000-bottle underground cellar, and a Museum of Wine in Art (with an exclusive collection of wine paraphernalia and works of art dating back from the 17th century).
Practical Info
The Château Mouton Rothschild wine estate is located on rue Paul Doumer in Pauillac, Aquitaine, France. It is not accessible by public transit, but it can be reached by car from Bordeaux in just over an hour via route D1215 and D206. There is ample parking on site. It is not advised to show up unannounced as tours as by appointment or guided day trips only.
Address: Rue Paul Doumer, Pauillac, Aquitaine 33250, France
Hours: Tours by appointment or guided day trips only.
From $ 109
Château de Meursault
Domaine du Château de Meursault is one of the most prestigious wine estates in the Burgundy area of France. Located in the Côte d’Or vineyard in Côte de Beaune, the winery spreads over 60 hectares and was founded all the way back in the 11th century, yes, 1000 years ago, to be precise. Initially known as the fiefdom of Foulot MIII, it now produces an acclaimed selection of wines that are frequently served at the top Michelin restaurants across France and elsewhere in the world. At Meursault, tradition in enhanced by modern winemaking techniques, which enables the rich and historic Burgundy terroir to fully be expressed in the 27 different wines produced on site.
Unlike the Bordeaux region, wine châteaux are quite uncommon in Burgundy, a fact that only makes Meursault that much more special. The sprawling estate features a castle, a conservatory, ancient and massive (up to 800,000 bottles or 2,000 barrels) cellars dating back from the 12th century, a park, and many more stunning features.
Practical Info
Château de Meursault is located 10 kilometers southwest of Beaune in central eastern France. It can easily be reached by car via D974 in just 15 minutes or by train after transferring at Lyon and stopping at Meursault station; the château is two kilometers west of the station. Guided visits are free of charge, last about one hour, and can be pre-booked online. Tastings cost between 21€ and 39€. The château is open every day from 10am to 6:30pm between May and September, and from 10am to 12pm – 2pm to 6pm between October and April; however, it is closed for all of January and for the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Address: 5 Rue du Moulin Foulot, Bourgogne 21190, France
Hours: Open every day from 10am to 6:30pm between May and September, and from 10am to 12pm – 2pm to 6pm between October and April. Closed for all of January and for the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Admission: Guided visits are free of charge. Commented tastings cost between 21€ and 39€.
From $ 223
Chateau de Maisons
Perched on a hilltop overlooking the Seine and surrounded by the Saint-Germain forest, the grandiose Château de Maisons is a remarkable example of French baroque and classical architecture and is renowned as one of the most important of its era. Built in the 17th-century for René de Longueil and often used as a hunting lodge by Louis XIV, the residence was designed by royal architect François Mansart and inspired the much-celebrated chateaux of Vaux-le-Vicomte and Versailles.
Today, the chateau is preserved as a National Historic Monument and visitors can explore its opulent interiors, including the grand open staircase, the King's apartments and the Comte d'Artois' dining room. Additional highlights include the landscaped gardens and castle grounds, and a museum devoted to the history of horse racing, which began in the region.
Practical Info
The Chateau de Maisons in Ile-de-France, around 20km northwest of Paris, and is open daily except Tuesdays, mid-Sept-mid-May 10am-12.30pm and 2-5pm, mid-May-mid-Sept 10am-12.30pm and 2-5pm. Adult admission at the time of writing is €7.50.
Address: 2 Avenue Carnot, Maisons-Laffitte, France
Admission: Adults: €7.50
From $ 61
Château Font du Broc
Built on the Var heights between Esterel and the Gulf of St Tropez, the Château Font du Broc is set amid lush vegetation overlooking the sea. The grounds of this impressive wine farm are sprawled out over 250 acres that encompass vineyards and olive trees – and even an Olympic-sized arena for horses.
Producing both wine and olive oil, the owner of Château Font du Broc, Sylvain Massa, insists on organic and traditional farming methods and restricts the volume of wine produced in order to ensure its quality.
Although the beautiful surroundings and the building’s architecture are high points for some visitors to Château Font du Broc, for others it’s simply all about sampling the delicious wines. The tasting room welcomes visitors and sampling the local vintage is positively encouraged, either on its own or with locally produced cheeses, meats and other delicacies.
Practical Info
Château Font du Broc is located near the medieval town of Les Arcs sur Argens in the Var – 80 kilometers from Nice – and is easily accessible by both car and train. It’s open from 10am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 5pm on Sundays. Guided tours are available for €10.
Address: Chemin de la Fontaine du Broc, Les Arcs 83460, France
Admission: €10
From $ 182
Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne (Castle of the Dukes of Brittany)
With its dramatic bridged moat, looming stone-brick watchtowers and gleaming white tufa, the Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne (Castle of the Dukes of Brittany) is a glorious amalgamation of a grand ducal palace and medieval military fortress, set at the crest of Nantes’ Old Town. This is Nantes’ most impressive historic site, originally built in the 15th-century by François II, the last Duke of Brittany, and it’s an impeccably restored Gothic-Renaissance residence, surrounded by 500-meter-long curtain walls and atmospherically illuminated at night.
Today, visitors can follow the sentry walkway around the castle’s 7 towers, affording impressive views over the city and the manicured lawns and moat below, then find a picnic spot below the walls or dine at the central courtyard restaurant. The extensively restored castle interiors now also house the Nantes History Museum, where a series of exhibitions explore the castle’s former importance, Nantes’ merchant history and colonial years, and the future of the modern city.
Practical Info
The Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne is located just west of the Old Town in central Nantes. The castle grounds and ramparts are open daily from 10am-7pm, and 9am-8pm in July-Aug, and entrance is free. The museum is open daily except Mon from 10am-6pm and adult admission is €8 at the time of writing.
Address: 4 Place Marc Elder, Nantes 44000, France
Admission: €8
From $ 9
Château de Cr emat
As far as historic French castles go, the Château de Crémat is a mere infant, built in the beginning of the 20th century. But it was designed to appear like it was there long before the city of Nice that spreads below it, with a mixture of architectural styles and a creamy exterior that reflects the stunning Riviera light.
Those wondering if it’s worth a visit should look no further than their taste buds. The Château de Crémat was built specifically for its surrounding land, which is taken up entirely by picturesque vineyards that yield some quality wines. Guided tours of the castle are free, and wine tastings are available for a tasting fee.
Practical Info
If you're looking for a vineyard experience from Nice that doesn't require a lengthy travel time, then Château de Crémat is the place for you – it's just up in the hills of the town. However, it is mandatory to reserve; the Château de Crémat is a quite popular venue for events, with its gardens, outdoor spaces and interior rooms serving a wide variety of receptions and parties, including weddings.
Address: 442 chemin de Crémat, Nice 06200, France
From $ 126
Chateau d'If
Immortalized by Alexandre Dumas' intrepid protagonist Edmond Dantes in 'The Count of Monte Cristo' (Le Comte de Monte Cristo), the 16th-century fortress of Château d'If has allured history and literature buffs since it opened to the public in 1890. Perched on a rocky islet west of Marseille's Port Vieux (Old Port), the fortress-turned-jail incarcerated anyone opposing official authority between 1580 and 1871, endowing it with the status of one of France's most significant historical landmarks.
The Basics
For a holistic introduction to Marseille's rich history, combine your visit to Château d'If with a sightseeing tour or shore excursion of Marseille city, a jewel in the coastal crown of the French Riviera. Tick off Cathedrale de la Major, Notre-Dame de la Garde church, and Fort Saint-Jean before a guided tour of Château d'If. For travelers that prefer to explore independently, a Marseille city pass (valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours) covers your entry and boat ride to Château d'If, in addition to admission to 13 of Marseille's museums and a free walking tour.
If you've got limited time in Provence, a full-day cruise from Marseille to Cassis comes highly recommended — the panoramic views of the Côte d'Azur, the Gulf of Cassis, and the rocky promontories of the Marseille calanques reveal themselves in sun-drenched splendor. Afterwards, enjoy a guided tour of Château d'If that reveals the fortress' history.
How to Get to Château d'If
From Vieux Port in Marseille, the Frioul If Express departs every hour, with the last departure from Marseille running at 4:05pm. The journey only takes 20 minutes and offers beautiful views of the Mediterranean's Frioul archipelago, which, in addition to If island, includes the islands of Pomegues and Ratonneau.
When to Get There
Château d'If is open between 10am and 6pm throughout the year but closed on Mondays. Due to its coastal location, it is more pleasant to visit on a warm and sunny afternoon. The summer months of June through September are prime for their warm climate and balmy coastal breeze.
The Basics
For a holistic introduction to Marseille's rich history, combine your visit to Château d'If with a sightseeing tour or shore excursion of Marseille city, a jewel in the coastal crown of the French Riviera. Tick off Cathedrale de la Major, Notre-Dame de la Garde church, and Fort Saint-Jean before a guided tour of Château d'If. For travelers that prefer to explore independently, a Marseille city pass (valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours) covers your entry and boat ride to Château d'If, in addition to admission to 13 of Marseille's museums and a free walking tour.
If you've got limited time in Provence, a full-day cruise from Marseille to Cassis comes highly recommended — the panoramic views of the Côte d'Azur, the Gulf of Cassis, and the rocky promontories of the Marseille calanques reveal themselves in sun-drenched splendor. Afterwards, enjoy a guided tour of Château d'If that reveals the fortress' history.
- A visit to the fortress is ideal for history and literature enthusiasts.
- Audio guides are available in 11 languages.
- Take a packed lunch or book a tour with an included meal, as only ice cream and drinks are available to purchase on the island of If.
- If venturing to If independently, put aside three hours to cover the round-trip journey from Marseille and the fortress and island tour.
How to Get to Château d'If
From Vieux Port in Marseille, the Frioul If Express departs every hour, with the last departure from Marseille running at 4:05pm. The journey only takes 20 minutes and offers beautiful views of the Mediterranean's Frioul archipelago, which, in addition to If island, includes the islands of Pomegues and Ratonneau.
When to Get There
Château d'If is open between 10am and 6pm throughout the year but closed on Mondays. Due to its coastal location, it is more pleasant to visit on a warm and sunny afternoon. The summer months of June through September are prime for their warm climate and balmy coastal breeze.
Address: Chateau d'If, Marseille, France
Hours: May 15–Sept 20: daily 9:30am–6:15pm; Sept 21–May 14: daily 9am–5:30pm. Closed Mondays from Sept–March.
Admission: €5
From $ 7
Château Margaux
Found in the sandy flatlands of the Médoc region in southwest France, Château Margaux is today known for producing some of the finest – and most expensive – Premier Grand Cru Classé Bordeaux wines in the world. Unusually for Bordeaux, the Margaux estate produces whites as well as rich, spicy world-renowned reds, and sells around 30,000 cases per year. All Margaux wines are produced organically and the average age of the vines is 36 years old, forming from a mixture of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc grapes.
Although wines have been produced on the estate since the 1580s, it was confiscated from its aristocratic owners in the French Revolution of 1789–99 and its fortunes were only revived with the advent of the Marquis de la Colonilla in 1810. He built the elegant Palladian mansion, to a design by Louis Combes, which still stands at the heart of the estate; since 1977 it has been the home of the Mentzelopoulos family, who are credited with restoring the reputation of Margaux wines and consistently improving their quality. In 2010 an upgrade of the cellars was undertaken by British mega-architect Lord Norman Foster; a new cooperage, visitor center and tasting rooms were added at the same time.
Practical Info
33460 Margaux. Visit by appointment only Mon–Fri. Closed in
August and during the grape harvest. Château Margaux is 50 minutes north of Bordeaux by car along the D209.
Address: Margaux, Bordeaux, Aquitaine 33460, France
Hours: Visit by appointment only Mon–Fri
From $ 75
Chateau de Langeais
Château de Langeais is one of the Loire Valley's most interactive castles. Far from being just a remnant of the past, the interior features faithful recreations of not only the furniture and art that were once found in the rooms, but also period-correct lighting, mannequins in period dress and guided tours that bring the past to life before visitors' eyes.
In addition, the grounds include an accessible treehouse, a promenade with an observation deck, activities for kids and a nightly show that leads guests through the rooms and unlocks the “secrets” of the past. And those arriving early or leaving late can see the only remaining manual drawbridge in France open and close the grounds! Traveling families should add Château de Langeais to any Loire itinerary.
Practical Info
The Château de Langeais is reachable by foot from the Langeais train station; the trip is 2.5 hours from Paris and less than 30 minutes from Tours. The castle and grounds are open every day of the year; Christmas Day hours are 2 to 5 p.m., while the rest of the year opening and closing times vary by tourism season, with July and August hours maxing out at 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. A full adult ticket is 9 euro, with reduced fares for kids and combined tickets for the castle and a show. Note that if your name is Anne, the show is free!
Address: Place Pierre de Brosse, Langeais 37130, France
Hours: February-March 9:30 a.m.-5:30; April-June & September-November until 6:30 p.m. July-August 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; November 12-January 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: Adults €9, Youth €7.50, Children 10-17 €5
From $ 196
Château de Saumur
Peering down over the Loire riverside from its hilltop perch and framed by the cobblestone lanes and half-timbered houses of Saumur’s atmospheric Old Town, the majestic Château de Saumur is among the most picturesque of the Loire Valley and its imposing silhouette is omnipresent. Built in the 14th-century for Louis I, the Duke of Anjou, the castle has served intermittently as a government residence, an army barracks, a prison and a munitions depot, but is now home to the Saumur Municipal Museum.
The château’s biggest selling point is its dramatic location and walking around the castle grounds, dotted with picnic benches and lookout points, offers unbeatable views over the city below. Inside, the museum’s exhibitions include an impressive array of ceramics and tapestries dating mostly from the Middle Ages, a varied collection of decorative art and a fascinating exhibition on Saumur’s equestrian heritage.
Practical Info
The Château de Saumur is located in the historic center of Saumur and is open daily from 10am-6:30pm in high season, Tues- Sun 10am-1pm and 2-5:30pm in low season. Adult admission at the time of writing is €6, or €7 in July-August.
Address: Saumur, France
Admission: Adults: €6, or €7 in July-August
From $ 7
Château de Fontainebleau
A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of France’s largest châteaux, the magnificent Château de Fontainebleau boasts a rich resume of royal inhabitants, including Henry IV, Louis XV, and Napoleon. Built in the 12th century, the palace displays a remarkable variety of architectural styles, all set within 130 hectares (321 acres) of parks and gardens.
The Basics
Visitors can discover the Château de Fontainebleau on a guided tour or take a self-guided tour of the Grands Appartements accompanied by an audio guide. Most Fontainebleau tours run from Paris. Although it’s possible to take in the highlights on a half-day tour, a full-day tour will give you free time to explore the vast parklands. In summer, popular activities include Segway tours, horse-drawn carriage rides around the palace grounds, or boat cruises around the lake. You can also soar overhead in a hot-air balloon.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Plan at least two hours to visit the castle and gardens.
- Visitor facilities include cloakrooms, lockers, and restrooms.
- The palace is wheelchair accessible, and lifts are available for entrance to the Grand Apartments.
How to Get There
The Château de Fontainebleau is located at the heart of the Fontainebleau Forest, 40 miles (65 kilometers) southeast of central Paris—about an hour-long drive. From Paris, trains run from Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau-Avon station, from where the Ligne 1 local bus takes you right to the château entrance in about 10 minutes. Coaches also run from Paris to Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte, another nearby castle.
When to Get There
Fontainebleau is open daily (except Tuesdays) year round. The most popular time to visit is in summer, when you can enjoy a picnic in the park and make the most of the seasonal activities and events. The castle itself can get busy, especially in July and August, so aim for an early-morning tour to avoid the crowds, then set off to explore the park just as the tour buses roll in.
A Tour of the Royal Palace
With an incredible 1,500 rooms, there’s plenty to explore at Fontainebleau; tours typically include the the Renaissance rooms, the Papal apartment, the Francis I gallery, and Marie Antoinette’s boudoirs. Visitors can also brush on up French history at the palace museum, peek into the private apartments of Napoleon I and Josephine, his first wife, and stroll around the idyllic gardens.
Address: Fontainebleau, France
Hours: Wednesday-Monday 9:30am -6pm (closes at 5pm Oct-March)
Admission: Adults: €12
From $ 288
Chateau de Cheverny
The Château de Cheverny is an excellent choice for those looking to spend a full day at one of the castles of the Loire Valley. With extensive grounds, a cafe on site and cars and boats for rent, there's plenty to do and see after touring the exquisite castle itself. The unique aspect of this castle is that its owners have always lived here, which makes it less of a museum and more of a peek into just how one does live in a castle!
Also of interest is the Tintin exhibition. The château was used in creating Tintin's Marlinspike Hall, and there is a fantastic collection of Tintin items that bring this world-famous comic to life in its not-so-fictional home!
Practical Info
The Château de Cheverny is open daily, with hours ranging from 9:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the winter and spring and from 9:15 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. in the high season. An individual adult ticket for the castle and gardens is €9, and there are discounts for large families, groups, students and children over 7. Additional fees apply for use of the boats and carts that are available on the grounds. Trains to Blois, Tours, Orléans or Vendôme from Paris are as far as public transport goes; cars are best in the Loire Valley.
Address: Cheverny, France
Hours: Hours vary
Admission: Adult: €9, Children (7-14) €6, Children 7 and under are free
From $ 231
Château de Chambord
Château de Chambord is perhaps the most iconic of the Loire Valley castles, with its multi-gabled roof, palatial grounds and opulent interior. The 15th-century castle, which took only 28 years to build and has had no additions in the ensuing centuries, receives well over half a million visitors a year. And unlike many of the castles in the region, it's possible to spend an entire day at Chambord; there are carriage rides, boat and bike rentals, walking trails through the forest and a full calendar of programs and exhibitions throughout the year.
Of course, that's not to take away from the château itself. From its double-helix staircases to the fantastic views from the rooftop and the interiors that represent several centuries worth of decorating, Château de Chambord is what one has in mind when thinking of the castles of the Loire Valley.
Practical Info
Château de Chambord is closed on Christmas, New Year's Day and the first Thursday in February. Otherwise it's open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from April through September, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. the rest of the year. It is 11 euro to enter the castle, and there is a 4-euro parking fee if arriving by car. There are bathrooms and water fountains outside the castle, and leashed animals are allowed on the grounds but not inside the castle.
Address: Chambord, France
Hours: April-September: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; October-March: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: Admission: €11; Parking: €4
From $ 179
Chateau de Villandry
This picturesque castle was once an impressive fortress known as Colobier back in the 17th century. And while the towering white façade definitely says “royalty” ties to the protective past are still apparent on a visit to Chateau de Villandry.
Famous for its expansive Renaissance gardens, which include ornamental plants, water lilies and even a vegetable garden, the chateau attracts visitors from across the globe. Many argue that the geometric box hedges, reminiscent of a scene from Alice in Wonderland, and well-kept landscapes are some of the most beautiful in all of France. Perhaps that’s why this castle, which is recognized as a World Heritage Site, is one of the most visited in the country.
Practical Info
Villandry is located nine miles from Tours and both free car and bike parking is available. Admission is 10 euros for adults and 6.5 euros for garden-only access. Although the chateau’s hours are seasonal, it is typically open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Address: Villandry, France
Admission: Adults: 10 euros; Garden: 6.5 euros
From $ 13
Chateau de Chenonceau
When approaching the moat entrance to Château de Chenonceau, it may seem at first like it is not that big. But the surprise is in what's behind it – a massive gallery that spans the Cher River. In fact, a bird's-eye view would confirm that the entire castle sits squarely in the river! This 16th-century castle was built on the foundation of an existing water mill and has a history of its chatelaines making their own mark on its interior, exterior and grounds – the largest contribution coming from Catherine de' Medici, who was also responsible for showing the first fireworks in France.
After being used as a hospital during World War I and part of Nazi-occupied France in World War II (and thus bombed), today the castle is beautifully restored and receives hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. These visitors enjoy not only a full tour of the interior, including the gallery over the river, but also the extensive gardens and a donkey park. At night during the summer months there is also a Night Walk through the beautifully lit grounds–a must for a romantic night out.
Practical Info
Château de Chenonceau is open all year round–useful if traveling over the holidays. It opens at 9:30 am from November through March and 9 a.m. the rest of the year; closing times vary between 5 and 8 p.m. through the year, so check before planning a late visit. The base price is €11, with discounts for children and students and additional fees for audio tours. Children under 7 enter free. There are three restaurants on the grounds, ranging from high-end to cafeteria style.
Address: Chenonceaux 37150, France
Hours: Varies by season
Admission: Adults €11
From $ 16
Château du Petit Thouars
Tucked away among the rolling vineyards of the Loire Valley in western France, the imposing French Renaissance château of Petit Thouars has been producing its award-winning wines since the 17th century. The winery is now run by the 11th generation of the same aristocratic family that has inhabited the château since 1634, these days growing Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc grapes on vines that were replanted in 1975.
Tours of Petit Thouars include guided walks through the vineyard and cellar, where the wines have been aged in oak casks in natural limestone caves for four centuries. The tasting room is in the former stable block for sampling the reds, whites and sparkling crémant, after which guests can book in advance to enjoy a pre-prepared picnic of local specialties among the vines, with a complementary bottle of wine chosen from the tasting session.
Alternatively, hour-long guided river trips take visitors out along the Vienne River on traditional wooden boats and also include wine dégustation and the sampling of regional delicacies. A small museum charts the history of the more colorful members of the ancient Petit Thouars clan and accommodation is available in a charming 19th-century farmhouse on the estate. A visit to the winery can be combined with tours of other famous châteaux of the Loire Valley, including the magical confections of Chenonceau, Chambord and Cheverny.
Practical Info
Route de la Chaussee, Saint-Germain-sur-Vienne. Open Mon–Sat 9.30am–12.30pm, 2.30pm–6pm. Wine tours €5–€75. Tastings and museum free. Best accessed by road along the D751 from Samur in 20 minutes.
Address: Route de la Chaussee, Saint-Germain-sur-Vienne, Centre-Val de Loire 37500, France
Hours: Mon–Sat 9.30am–12.30pm, 2.30pm–6pm
Admission: wine tours €5–€75, tastings and museum free
From $ 50
Chateau du Clos Luce
Chateau de Clos Luce may not be the country’s grandest castle, but it’s still gained favor among art and history loving travelers thanks to its notoriety as the official final residence of famed artist Leonardo da Vinci. While the castle was once home to King Francis I, today it stands as a museum to the great painter’s works. Travelers can wander the halls and check out more than 40 models and machines designed by da Vinci, as well as wander the underground tunnel that connects Chateau du Clos Luce to the royal Chateau d’Ambroise.
Practical Info
Chateau du Clos Luce is located at 2 Rue du Clos Luce in Ambroise, about two hours from Paris and 400 meters from the Royal Chateau. It is accessible by train, car or bus. Although the castle is open daily, times vary depending on the month and season.
Address: 2 Rue du Clos Luce, Ambroise, France
Hours: Open daily, closed December 25 and January 1
Admission: Varies by season
From $ 179
Château de Chantilly
France’s splendid Château de Chantilly castle is located 30 miles (48 kilometers) north of Paris. Rebuilt after the French Revolution, the palace that stands today dates to the 19th century and is renowned for its opulence. It is also home to the Musée Condé: considered one of the country's most important art collections.
The Basics
Construction began on the original Château de Chantilly in 1528, but the castle was largely destroyed in 1799 during the French Revolution. The grand castle that stands today—commissioned by the Duke of Aumale, son of the last king of France—was redesigned by architect Honoré Baumet, and construction took place from 1875 to 1885. The château is renowned for its extravagant Renaissance style and for the Musée Condé, which includes works by Botticelli, Raphael, Delacroix, and Ingres. In 2013, the Musée du Cheval (Horse Museum) was installed in the palace’s Grand Stables, and equestrian shows are held on the grounds throughout the year.
The Château de Chantilly is included in the Paris Pass, and numerous tour options from Paris are available. Private tours provide a hassle-free way to explore.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A number of admission options are available, including tickets to the entire complex; tickets to the grounds; or tickets to the Great Stables, Musée du Cheval, and an equestrian show.
- The château’s ground floor is accessible to visitors with mobility issues.
- There are several restaurants and a hotel on-site.
How to Get There
The Château de Chantilly is located within day trip distance from Paris. Take the RER D or select SNCF trains to the Chantilly-Gouvieux station. The castle can also be reached by car: Take the A3 or A1 motorway from Paris and look for the Chantilly exit. Paid parking is provided on-site.
When to Get There
The Château de Chantilly has two open seasons. During low season—late October to late March—it is open every day but Tuesday, 10:30am to 5pm. During high season—late March to early October—it is open daily from 10am to 6pm. The château is closed on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and for several weeks in mid-January.
The Palace Grounds
Set on a sweeping stretch of land and ringed by artificial lakes, the Château de Chantilly is celebrated for the beauty of its surroundings. The formal garden was designed in part by André Le Nôtre, who helped create the gardens at Versailles. Another highlight is the Hameau de Chantilly, a folly comprising several rustic cottages that inspired Marie Antoinette’s Hameau de la Reine at Versailles.
Address: France
Admission: Varies
From $ 20