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French Châteaux and Castles (Châteaux-Forts)

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Château d'Ainay-le-Vieil, Ainay-le-Vieil, Cher, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château d'Ainay-le-Vieil, Ainay-le-Vieil, Cher, France.

 

Built in the 14th century, this moated castle has been listed as a Monument historique since 1968 by the French Ministry of Culture.

Château d'Ainay-le-Vieil, Ainay-le-Vieil, Cher, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château d'Ainay-le-Vieil

Ainay-le-Vieil, Cher, France.

 

Built in the 14th century, the castle has been listed as a Monument historique since 1968 by the French Ministry of Culture.

Château d'Ainay-le-Vieil, Ainay-le-Vieil, Cher, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

 

Château d'Ainay-le-Vieil

Ainay-le-Vieil, Cher, France.

 

Built in the 14th century, the castle was listed as a Monument historique in 1968 by the French Ministry of Culture.

Château d'Amboise, Amboise, Indre-et-Loire département, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château d'Amboise

Amboise, Indre-et-Loire département, France

 

The royal Château at Amboise is a fortress in the Loire Valley. Confiscated by the monarchy in the 15th century, it became a favoured royal residence and was extensively rebuilt. King Charles VIII died at the château in 1498 after hitting his head on a door lintel.

 

The château fell into decline from the second half of the 16th century and the majority of the interior buildings were later demolished. Some survived and have been restored, along with the outer defensive circuit of towers and walls.

 

It has been recognised as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture since 1840.

Château d'Amboise, Amboise, Indre-et-Loire département, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château d'Amboise

Amboise, Indre-et-Loire département, France

 

The royal Château at Amboise is a fortress in the Loire Valley. Confiscated by the monarchy in the 15th century, it became a favoured royal residence and was extensively rebuilt. King Charles VIII died at the château in 1498 after hitting his head on a door lintel.

 

The château fell into decline from the second half of the 16th century and the majority of the interior buildings were later demolished. Some survived and have been restored, along with the outer defensive circuit of towers and walls.

 

It has been recognised as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture since 1840.

Château d'Amboise, Amboise, Indre-et-Loire département, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château d'Amboise

Amboise, Indre-et-Loire département, France

 

The royal Château at Amboise is a fortress in the Loire Valley. Confiscated by the monarchy in the 15th century, it became a favoured royal residence and was extensively rebuilt. King Charles VIII died at the château in 1498 after hitting his head on a door lintel.

 

The château fell into decline from the second half of the 16th century and the majority of the interior buildings were later demolished. Some survived and have been restored, along with the outer defensive circuit of towers and walls.

 

It has been recognised as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture since 1840.

Château d'Angers, Angers, Loire Valley, Maine-et-Loire, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château d'Angers

Angers, Loire Valley, Maine-et-Loire, France.

 

The Château d'Angers was founded in the 9th century by the Counts of Anjou. It was expanded to its current size in the 13th century. It is strategically located by the river Maine. Open to the public, the Château d'Angers is home of the Apocalypse Tapestry.

Château d'Angers, Angers, Loire Valley, Maine-et-Loire, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château d'Angers

Angers, Loire Valley, Maine-et-Loire, France.

 

The Château d'Angers was founded in the 9th century by the Counts of Anjou. It was expanded to its current size in the 13th century. It is strategically located by the river Maine. Open to the public, the Château d'Angers is home of the Apocalypse Tapestry.

 

Photo shows a spectacular drawbridge controlling entry.

Château d'Anjony, Tournemire, Cantal département, Auvergne, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château d'Anjony, Tournemire, Cantal département, Auvergne, France

 

The Château d'Anjony is known in Occitan as the Chastèl d'En Jòni, (the Castle of Lord Jòni). It is built of reddish basal

 

] It is located in a strategic position on the Tournemire promontory and dominates the rich landscape of the Doire valley with its four tall towers.

 

The castle and its estate are classified as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture.

Château d'Apremont, Apremont-sur-Allier, Cher, Centre, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château d'Apremont, Apremont-sur-Allier, Cher, Centre, France.

 

Château d'Apremont overlooks the River Allier. It lies on the limits of Berry. Not much remains of the great Anglo-Burgundian fortress with its 14 towers dating from the fifteenth century.

 

The Château was classified as as a monument historique in 1989.

Chateau d'Avully, Brenthonne, Haute-Savoie, Rhône-Alpes, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

château d'Avully, Brenthonne, Haute-Savoie, Rhône-Alpes, France.

 

château d'Avully dates from the fourteenth century.

 

It has been classified as a monument historique since 1974

   
Château de Azay-le-Rideau, Azay-le-Rideau, Chinon, Indre-et-Loire, Centre, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Azay-le-Rideau

Azay-le-Rideau, Chinon, Indre-et-Loire, Centre, France

Château de Azay-le-Rideau, Azay-le-Rideau, Chinon, Indre-et-Loire, Centre, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Azay-le-Rideau

Azay-le-Rideau

Chinon

Indre-et-Loire,

Centre

France

Château de Balleroy, Balleroy, Calvados, Basse-Normandie, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Balleroy

Balleroy, Calvados, Basse-Normandie, France

 

The château was built from 1626 to 1636 by Jean II de Choisy

 

It is classified as a monument historique since 1951.

Château de la Balue, La Balue, 35560 Bazouges-la-Pérouse, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de la Balue

La Balue, 35560 Bazouges-la-Pérouse, France

 

The 17th century château stands between Saint-Malo and Mont-Saint-Michel, in a landscape of rolling hills and forests, and not far from the Atlantic coastline. It is a French historical monument known for its beautiful gardens and for the many literary celebrities who have stayed there.

Château de Bannes, Beaumont-du-Périgord, Dordogne, Aquitaine, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Bannes

Beaumont-du-Périgord, Dordogne, Aquitaine, France.

 

Built between 1498 and 1519.

Château de Beaumesnil, Beaumesnil, Normandy, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Beaumesnil

Beaumesnil, Normandy, France.

 

Château de Beaumesnil is a 17th-century Louis XIII baroque style château built on the site of a medieval castle of the same name (and retaining its moat).

 

It is now an historical monument of France.

Fort de Bellegarde, Le Perthus, Pyrénées-Orientales, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Fort de Bellegarde

Le Perthus

Pyrénées-Orientales

France

Château de Beynac, Beynac-et-Cazenac, Dordogne, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Beynac

Beynac-et-Cazenac

Dordogne

France.

Château de Beynac, Beynac-et-Cazenac, Dordogne, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Beynac, Beynac-et-Cazenac, Dordogne, France.

 

The castle is one of the best-preserved and best known in the Dordogne, perched on top of a limestone cliff, dominating the town and the north bank of the Dordogne River

 

The castle was built in the 12th century by the barons of Beynac (one of the four baronies of Périgord) to control the valley of the Dordogne River.

 

The sheer cliff face was sufficient to discourage any assault from that side, so the defences were concentrated on the plateau on the other side. They included double crenellated walls, double moats,and a double barbican.

Château de Beynac, Beynac-et-Cazenac, Dordogne, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Beynac, Beynac-et-Cazenac, Dordogne, France.

 

The castle is one of the best-preserved and best known in the Dordogne, perched on top of a limestone cliff, dominating the town and the north bank of the Dordogne River

 

The castle was built in the 12th century by the barons of Beynac (one of the four baronies of Périgord) to control the valley of the Dordogne River.

 

The sheer cliff face was sufficient to discourage any assault from that side, so the defences were concentrated on the plateau on the other side. They included double crenellated walls, double moats,and a double barbican.

Château de Biron, Biron, Dordogne, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Biron, Biron, Dordogne, France

 

The Château de Biron is a large castle in the valley of the Lède. It was the castle from which the Gontaut-Biron took their name. It was their seat from the twelfth century. Biron was seized by Simon IV de Montfort in 1212 from forces sypathetic to the Cathars.

 

The Plantagenets held it at times during the 14th and 15th centuries. Biron was erected as a duché-pairie in 1598, for Charles de Gontaut, created duc de Biron.

 

The present château bears additions over the centuries: notably a twelfth-century keep and sixteenth-century living quarters and vaulted kitchens.

 

Since 1928, it has been listed as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture. The local commune purchased the Château de Biron in 1978, with a view to restoring it as a tourist attraction.

The Château de Biron, Biron, Dordogne, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

The Château de Biron

Biron, Dordogne, France

 

The Château de Biron is a large castle in the valley of the Lède. This photograph shows just one small tower.

 

It was the castle from which the Gontaut-Biron took their name. It was their seat from the twelfth century. Biron was seized by Simon IV de Montfort in 1212 from forces sypathetic to the Cathars.

 

The Plantagenets held it at times during the 14th and 15th centuries. Biron was erected as a duché-pairie in 1598, for Charles de Gontaut, created duc de Biron.

 

The present château bears additions over the centuries: notably a twelfth-century keep and sixteenth-century living quarters and vaulted kitchens.

 

Since 1928, it has been listed as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture. The local commune purchased the Château de Biron in 1978, with a view to restoring it as a tourist attraction.

Kitchen, The Château de Biron, Biron, Dordogne, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Kitchen, The Château de Biron, Biron, Dordogne, France

 

The Château de Biron is a large castle in the valley of the Lède. It was the castle from which the Gontaut-Biron took their name. It was their seat from the twelfth century. Biron was seized by Simon IV de Montfort in 1212 from forces sypathetic to the Cathars.

 

The Plantagenets held it at times during the 14th and 15th centuries. Biron was erected as a duché-pairie in 1598, for Charles de Gontaut, created duc de Biron.

 

The present château bears additions over the centuries: notably a twelfth-century keep and sixteenth-century living quarters and vaulted kitchens.

 

Since 1928, it has been listed as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture. The local commune purchased the Château de Biron in 1978, with a view to restoring it as a tourist attraction.

The Château de Biron, Biron, Dordogne, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

The Château de Biron, Biron, Dordogne, France

 

The Château de Biron is a large castle in the valley of the Lède. This photograph shows just one small tower.

 

It was the castle from which the Gontaut-Biron took their name. It was their seat from the twelfth century. Biron was seized by Simon IV de Montfort in 1212 from forces sypathetic to the Cathars.

 

The Plantagenets held it at times during the 14th and 15th centuries. Biron was erected as a duché-pairie in 1598, for Charles de Gontaut, created duc de Biron.

 

The present château bears additions over the centuries: notably a twelfth-century keep and sixteenth-century living quarters and vaulted kitchens.

 

Since 1928, it has been listed as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture. The local commune purchased the Château de Biron in 1978, with a view to restoring it as a tourist attraction.

hâteau de Blandy-les-Tours, Blandy-les-Tours, Seine-et-Marne, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Blandy-les-Tours

Blandy-les-Tours, Seine-et-Marne, France

 

The Château de Blandy-les-Tours was mentioned in a text in 1216. It belonged to Adam II de Chailly, Viscount of Melun. It consisted of a simple manor and chapel, the only construction made of stone. The site was previously a Merovingian necropolis.

 

In the 14th century, the castle was strongly modified with new fortifications and structures of defence. A moat was dug and a new gate-tower with a drawbridge was included in the enclosing wall.

Château de Blandy-les-Tours, Blandy-les-Tours, Seine-et-Marne, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Blandy-les-Tours

Blandy-les-Tours, Seine-et-Marne, France

 

(photo shows just one tour)

 

The Château de Blandy-les-Tours was mentioned in a text in 1216. It belonged to Adam II de Chailly, Viscount of Melun. It consisted of a simple manor and chapel, the only construction made of stone. The site was previously a Merovingian necropolis.

 

In the 14th century, the castle was modified with new fortifications and structures of defence. A moat was dug and a new gate-tower with a drawbridge was included in the enclosing wall.

Château de Boulogne sur Mer, Boulogne-sur-Mer, Pas-de-Calais, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Boulogne sur Mer

Boulogne-sur-Mer, Pas-de-Calais, France

 

The castle was built in the 13th century by Philippe Hurepel (1180-1234), count of Boulogne and son of Philip II of France. It houses the Boulogne museum.

The Château de Bourron, Bourron-Marlotte, Seine-et-Marne, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

The Château de Bourron

Bourron-Marlotte, Seine-et-Marne, France.

Château de Bridoire, Dordogne, Aquitane, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Bridoire

Dordogne, Aquitane, France.

 

A castle was built here before the 12th century. North, south and west sides are protected by steep rock. To the east, a gap between the castle and the plateau was crossed by a drawbridge. In the 16th century, the drawbridge was replaced by a stone arched bridge.

The Château de Brissac, Brissac-Quincé, Maine-et-Loire, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

The Château de Brissac

Brissac-Quincé

Maine-et-Loire

France

Château de la Brosse, Farges-Allichamps, Cher, Centre, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de la Brosse

Farges-Allichamps, Cher, Centre, France

 

The history of the château dates back to the thirteenth century Its parc is subject to protection as a historic monument.

Castle of Bussy Rabutin, Bussy-le-Grand, Côte-d'Or department, Bourgogne, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Castle of Bussy Rabutin, Bussy-le-Grand, Côte-d'Or department, Bourgogne, France

 

The Château de Bussy-Rabutin, also known as Château de Bussy-le-Grand, developed from a 12th-century castle,

 

The castle was founded by Renaudin de Bussy. It was rebuilt in the 14th century, and the Renaissance galleries were added in the 1520s. It was altered during the reigns of Henri II (1547–1559) and Louis XIII (1610–1643).

Cité de Carcassonne, Languedoc, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Cité de Carcassonne, Languedoc, France.

 

The Castrum of Raymond Roger Trencavel, Viscount of Carcassonne, Béziers, Albi and the Razès. He died in his own prison here in 1209, aged 24, after being taken prisoner while under a safe-conduct from the Cistercian Abbot Arnaud Amaury the papal legate and military leader of the Albigensian Crusade who was besieging Carcassonne (and who then appointed Simon de Montfort as military leader of the crusade).

 

Castrum = Cité + château Comtal

 

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Château Comtal, Carcassonne, Languedoc, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château Comtal, Carcassonne, Languedoc, France.

 

The Castle of Raymond Roger Trencavel, Viscount of Carcassonne, Béziers, Albi and the Razès. He died in his own prison here in 1209, aged 24, after being taken prisoner while under a safe-conduct from the Cistercian Abbot Arnaud Amaury the papal legate and military leader of the Albigensian Crusade who was besieging Carcassonne (and who then appointed Simon de Montfort as military leader of the crusade).

Carcassonne, Languedoc, France.

 

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Château Comtal, Carcassonne, Languedoc, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château Comtal, Carcassonne, Languedoc, France.

 

The Castle of Raymond Roger Trencavel, Viscount of Carcassonne, Béziers, Albi and the Razès. He died in his own prison here in 1209, aged 24, after being taken prisoner while under a safe-conduct from the Cistercian Abbot Arnaud Amaury the papal legate and military leader of the Albigensian Crusade who was besieging Carcassonne (and who then appointed Simon de Montfort as military leader of the crusade).

The Château de Castelnau-Bretenoux, Prudhomat, Lot, Quercy, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Castelnau-Bretenoux

Prudhomat, Lot, Quercy, France

 

Construction began about 1100, under Hugues, baron of Castelnau, who built a wall around his manor. He was the ancestor of the powerful dynasty of Castelnau, who owned a rich and prosperous region and were vassals of the Counts of Toulouse.

Château de Castelnau-Bretenoux, Prudhomat, Lot, Quercy, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Castelnau-Bretenoux

Prudhomat, Lot, Quercy, France

 

Construction began about 1100, under Hugues, Baron of Castelnau, who built a wall around his manor. He was the ancestor of the powerful dynasty of Castelnau, who owned a rich and prosperous region and were vassals of the Counts of Toulouse.

Château de Castelnau-Bretenoux, commune of Prudhomat, Lot département, Quercy, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Castelnau-Bretenoux

Prudhomat, Lot, Quercy, France

 

Construction began about 1100, under Hugues, baron of Castelnau, who built a wall around his manor. He was the ancestor of the powerful dynasty of Castelnau, who owned a rich and prosperous region and were vassals of the Counts of Toulouse.

Château de Caussade, Trélissac, Périgueux, Dordogne, Aquitaine, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Caussade

Trélissac, Périgueux, Dordogne, Aquitaine, France.

 

The Château de Caussade is a small polygonal fortress surrounded by a dry moat, located in the vallée de l’Isle, in the forêt de Lanmary.

 

It held great strategic importance in the twelfth century. From the Twelfth to the Fourteenth century it was the property of VIigier family, a daughter of the family became the wife of the famous troubadour, Bertran de Born.

Château de Caussade, 24 Trélissac, Dordogne, Périgord, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Caussade

Trélissac, Périgueux, Dordogne, Aquitaine, France.

 

The Château de Caussade is a small polygonal fortress surrounded by a dry moat, located in the vallée de l’Isle, in the forêt de Lanmary.

 

It held great strategic importance in the twelfth century. From the Twelfth to the Fourteenth century it was the property of VIigier family, a daughter of the family became the wife of the famous troubadour, Bertran de Born.

Château de Caussade, 24 Trélissac, Dordogne, Périgord, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Caussade

Trélissac, Périgueux, Dordogne, Aquitaine, France.

 

The Château de Caussade is a small polygonal fortress surrounded by a dry moat, located in the vallée de l’Isle, in the forêt de Lanmary.

 

It held great strategic importance in the twelfth century. From the Twelfth to the Fourteenth century it was the property of VIigier family, a daughter of the family became the wife of the famous troubadour, Bertran de Born.

   
The Royal Château de Chambord, Chambord, Loir-et-Cher, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

The Royal Château de Chambord

Chambord, Loir-et-Cher, France

 

The building, which was never completed, was constructed by King Francis I of France. The royal Château de Chambord is one of the most recognizable châteaux in the world because of its distinctive French Renaissance architecture which blends traditional French medieval forms with classical Renaissance structures.

 

Chambord was built to serve as a hunting lodge for Francis I, who maintained royal residences at the châteaux of Blois and Amboise.

Spiral staircase, The royal Château de Chambord, Chambord, Loir-et-Cher, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Spiral staircase

The Royal Château de Chambord

Chambord, Loir-et-Cher, France

 

The building, which was never completed, was constructed by King Francis I of France. The royal Château de Chambord is one of the most recognizable châteaux in the world because of its distinctive French Renaissance architecture which blends traditional French medieval forms with classical Renaissance structures.

 

Chambord was built to serve as a hunting lodge for Francis I, who maintained royal residences at the châteaux of Blois and Amboise.

Château de Chambord,Chambord, Loir-et-Cher, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

The Royal Château de Chambord

Chambord, Loir-et-Cher, France

 

The building, which was never completed, was constructed by King Francis I of France. The royal Château de Chambord is one of the most recognizable châteaux in the world because of its distinctive French Renaissance architecture which blends traditional French medieval forms with classical Renaissance structures.

 

Chambord was built to serve as a hunting lodge for Francis I, who maintained royal residences at the châteaux of Blois and Amboise.

 

 

Château de Champlâtreux, Epinay-Champlâtreux, Val-d’Oise, Île-de-Franc, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Champlâtreux, Epinay-Champlâtreux, Val-d’Oise, Île-de-Franc, France.

 

Le château de Champlâtreux was built between 1751 et 1757 by the architect Jean-Michel Chevotet.

 

It is classified as a Monument Historique

Château de Champlâtreux, Epinay-Champlâtreux, Val-d’Oise, Île-de-Franc, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Champlâtreux

Epinay-Champlâtreux, Val-d’Oise, Île-de-France, France.

 

The Château de Champlâtreux was built between 1751 and 1757 by the architect Jean-Michel Chevotet.

 

It is classified as a Monument Historique

Château de Champs, Champs-sur-Marne, Seine-et-Marne, Île-de-France, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Champs

Champs-sur-Marne, Seine-et-Marne, Île-de-France, France

 

The Château de Champs was built in its present form in 1699 for the treasurer Charles Renouard de la Touaneby by Pierre Bullet, architecte du roi.

 

Around 1750, a beautiful rococo salon chinois (Chinese salon) was added to the château with wall paintings by noted artist Christophe Huet.

 

Louis César entertained many of famous writers here, including Diderot, Voltaire, d'Alembert and François-Augustin de Paradis de Moncrif.

The Château de Chantilly, Chantilly, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

The Château de Chantilly, Chantilly, France.

 

The site comprises two attached buildings : the Petit Château built around 1560 for Anne de Montmorency, and the Grand Château, which was destroyed during the French Revolution and rebuilt in the 1870s.

 

Owned by the Institut de France, the château houses the Musée Condé, a public art galleriy.

Château de Chatillon, Châtillon-en-Bazois, Nièvre, Burgundy, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Chatillon, Châtillon-en-Bazois, Nièvre, Burgundy, France.

Château de Chenonceau, Chenonceaux, Indre-et-Loire, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Chenonceau

Chenonceau, Indre-et-Loire, France

 

The estate of Chenonceau is first mentioned in writing in the 11th century. The current château was built in 1514–1522 on the foundations of an old mill and was later extended to span the river.

 

The bridge over the river was built (1556-1559) to designs by the French Renaissance architect Philibert de l'Orme, and the gallery on the bridge (1570–1576) to designs by Jean Bullant

 

The château has been classified as a Monument historique since 1840 by the French Ministry of Culture. It is one of the most famous Loire Valley châteaux.

Château de Chenonceau, Chenonceaux, Indre-et-Loire, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Chenonceau

Chenonceau, Indre-et-Loire, France

 

The estate of Chenonceau is first mentioned in writing in the 11th century. The current château was built in 1514–1522 on the foundations of an old mill and was later extended to span the river.

 

The bridge over the river was built (1556-1559) to designs by the French Renaissance architect Philibert de l'Orme, and the gallery on the bridge (1570–1576) to designs by Jean Bullant

 

The château has been classified as a Monument historique since 1840 by the French Ministry of Culture. It is one of the most famous Loire Valley châteaux.

Château de Chenonceau, Chenonceau, Indre-et-Loire, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Chenonceau

Chenonceau, Indre-et-Loire, France

 

The estate of Chenonceau is first mentioned in writing in the 11th century. The current château was built in 1514–1522 on the foundations of an old mill and was later extended to span the river.

 

The bridge over the river was built (1556-1559) to designs by the French Renaissance architect Philibert de l'Orme, and the gallery on the bridge (1570–1576) to designs by Jean Bullant

 

The château has been classified as a Monument historique since 1840 by the French Ministry of Culture. It is one of the most famous Loire Valley châteaux.

Château de Chenonceau, Chenonceau, Indre-et-Loire, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Chenonceau

Chenonceau, Indre-et-Loire, France

 

The estate of Chenonceau is first mentioned in writing in the 11th century. The current château was built in 1514–1522 on the foundations of an old mill and was later extended to span the river.

 

The bridge over the river was built (1556-1559) to designs by the French Renaissance architect Philibert de l'Orme, and the gallery on the bridge (1570–1576) to designs by Jean Bullant

 

The château has been classified as a Monument historique since 1840 by the French Ministry of Culture. It is one of the most famous Loire Valley châteaux.

Château de Chenonceau, Chenonceau, Indre-et-Loire, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Chenonceau

Chenonceau, Indre-et-Loire, France

 

The estate of Chenonceau is first mentioned in writing in the 11th century. The current château was built in 1514–1522 on the foundations of an old mill and was later extended to span the river.

 

The bridge over the river was built (1556-1559) to designs by the French Renaissance architect Philibert de l'Orme, and the gallery on the bridge (1570–1576) to designs by Jean Bullant

 

The château has been classified as a Monument historique since 1840 by the French Ministry of Culture. It is one of the most famous Loire Valley châteaux.

Château de Chenonceau, Chenonceau, Indre-et-Loire, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Chenonceau

Chenonceau, Indre-et-Loire, France

 

The estate of Chenonceau is first mentioned in writing in the 11th century. The current château was built in 1514–1522 on the foundations of an old mill and was later extended to span the river.

 

The bridge over the river was built (1556-1559) to designs by the French Renaissance architect Philibert de l'Orme, and the gallery on the bridge (1570–1576) to designs by Jean Bullant

 

The château has been classified as a Monument historique since 1840 by the French Ministry of Culture. It is one of the most famous Loire Valley châteaux.

Château de Chenonceau, Chenonceau, Indre-et-Loire, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Chenonceau

Chenonceau, Indre-et-Loire, France

 

The estate of Chenonceau is first mentioned in writing in the 11th century. The current château was built in 1514–1522 on the foundations of an old mill and was later extended to span the river.

 

The bridge over the river was built (1556-1559) to designs by the French Renaissance architect Philibert de l'Orme, and the gallery on the bridge (1570–1576) to designs by Jean Bullant

 

The château has been classified as a Monument historique since 1840 by the French Ministry of Culture. It is one of the most famous Loire Valley châteaux.

Château de Chenonceau

Chenonceau, Indre-et-Loire, France

 

The estate of Chenonceau is first mentioned in writing in the 11th century. The current château was built in 1514–1522 on the foundations of an old mill and was later extended to span the river.

 

The bridge over the river was built (1556-1559) to designs by the French Renaissance architect Philibert de l'Orme, and the gallery on the bridge (1570–1576) to designs by Jean Bullant

 

The château has been classified as a Monument historique since 1840 by the French Ministry of Culture. It is one of the most famous Loire Valley châteaux.

Château de Cheverny, Cheverny, Loir-et-Cher, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Cheverny

Cheverny, Loir-et-Cher, France.

 

Hergé used Cheverny, one of the châteaux of the Loire valley, as a model for his "Château de Moulinsart" (Marlinspike Hall in English) in his Tintin books.

Château de Combourg, Ille-et-Vilaine, Brittany, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Combourg

Ille-et-Vilaine, Brittany, France

 

Privately owned, the Château de Combourg stands on a small hill next to Lac Tranquille in the town of Comburg. The original castle here was built around 1025 by Archbishop Guinguené, who gave it to his illegitimate brother Riwallon.

 

Alterations were made between the 15th and 19th centuries.

 

The castle now consists of four large, powerful rectangular buildings of dressed granite, with crenellations, machicolations, and roofs, enclosing a rectangular courtyard. In each corner is a round tower, also with crenellations and machicolations, and with conical roofs.

Château de Combourg, Combourg, Ille-et-Vilaine, Brittany, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Combourg

Combourg, Ille-et-Vilaine, Brittany, France.

 

The castle stands on a small hill next to Lac Tranquille (Lake Tranquil) in the town.

 

Privately owned, the Château de Combourg is listed as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture.

La Conciergerie, 2 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

La Conciergerie, 2 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris, France

 

La Conciergerie is a former royal palace and prison located by the seine on the west of the Île de la Cité. It is part of the larger complex known as the Palais de Justice, which is still used for judicial purposes.

Citadelle de Corté, Corte en Haute-Corse, Corsica, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Citadelle de Corté

Corte en Haute-Corse, Corsica, France

 

The Citadelle de Corte also known as the Nid d'aigle (Eagle's Nest) is an eighteenth century citadelle, build around a fifteenth century core, and now housing a museum of Corsica.

 

It has been classée as a monument historique in 1977.

Citadelle de Corté, Corte en Haute-Corse, Corsica, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Citadelle de Corté

Corte en Haute-Corse, Corsica, France

 

The Citadelle de Corte also known as the Nid d'aigle (Eagle's Nest) is an eighteenth century citadelle, build around a fifteenth century core, and now housing a museum of Corsica.

 

It has been classée as a monument historique in 1977.

Citadelle de Corté, Corte en Haute-Corse, Corsica, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Citadelle de Corté

Corte en Haute-Corse, Corsica, France

 

The Citadelle de Corte also known as the Nid d'aigle (Eagle's Nest) is an eighteenth century citadelle, build around a fifteenth century core, and now housing a museum of Corsica.

 

It has been classée as a monument historique in 1977.

The Château de Courances, Courances, Essonne, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

 

The Château de Courances, Courances, Essonne, France

 

The Château de Courances is a French château built in around 1630, at the western edge of the Forest of Fontainebleau.

Château de Dampierre-en-Yvelines, Vallée de Chevreuse, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Dampierre-en-Yvelines, Vallée de Chevreuse, France.

 

Built by Jules Hardouin-Mansart in 1675–1683 for the duc de Chevreuse, the Château de Dampierre is a French Baroque château. There are sumptuous interiors.

 

Protected behind double gates, the main block (corps de logis) and its outbuildings, linked by balustrades, are ranged symmetrically around a dry paved and gravelled cour d'honneur.

 

The park with formally shaped water features was laid out by André Le Nôtre. It includes a formal canal and an eighteenth-century garden folly.

Château de Dampierre-en-Yvelines, Vallée de Chevreuse, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Dampierre-en-Yvelines, Vallée de Chevreuse, France.

 

Built by Jules Hardouin-Mansart in 1675–1683 for the duc de Chevreuse, the Château de Dampierre is a French Baroque château. There are sumptuous interiors.

 

Protected behind double gates, the main block (corps de logis) and its outbuildings, linked by balustrades, are ranged symmetrically around a dry paved and gravelled cour d'honneur.

 

The park with formally shaped water features was laid out by André Le Nôtre. It includes a formal canal and an eighteenth-century garden folly.

Château de Dampierre-en-Yvelines, Vallée de Chevreuse, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Dampierre-en-Yvelines, Vallée de Chevreuse, France.

 

Built by Jules Hardouin-Mansart in 1675–1683 for the duc de Chevreuse, the Château de Dampierre is a French Baroque château. There are sumptuous interiors.

 

Protected behind double gates, the main block (corps de logis) and its outbuildings, linked by balustrades, are ranged symmetrically around a dry paved and gravelled cour d'honneur.

 

The park with formally shaped water features was laid out by André Le Nôtre. It includes a formal canal and an eighteenth-century garden folly.

Château de Durtal, Durtal, Maine-et-Loire, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Durtal, Durtal, Maine-et-Loire, France.

 

The château was classé as a monument historique en 1900.

A tower, Château de Durtal, Durtal, Maine-et-Loire, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Durtal,

Durtal, Maine-et-Loire, France.

 

Thie photograph shows one tower.

 

The château was classé as a monument historique en 1900.

Château de Durtal, Durtal, Maine-et-Loire, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Durtal, Durtal, Maine-et-Loire, France

 

The château was classé as a monument historique en 1900.

The Château de Farcheville, in the commune of Bouville, Essonne, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Farcheville

commune of Bouville

Essonne

France

Château du Fayel, Fayel , Oise, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château du Fayel

Fayel

Oise

France

Le château de la Ferté, La Ferté-Saint-Aubin, Loiret, Centre, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Le château de la Ferté

La Ferté-Saint-Aubin, Loiret, Centre, France.

 

One of the famous châteaux de la Loire.

Château de La Ferté-Imbault, Salbris, Romorantin-Lanthenay, Loir-et-Cher, Centre, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de La Ferté-Imbault

Salbris, Romorantin-Lanthenay, Loir-et-Cher, Centre, France

 

 

Château du Fleckenstein, Lembach, Bas-Rhin département, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château du Fleckenstein

Lembach, Bas-Rhin département, France.

 

Fleckenstein, un troglodytique en Alsace

 

Château du Fleckenstein is a castle (château fort) built in the shape of 52 m long boat, with a long history. The castle was built on a sandstone summit in the Middle Ages.

 

An ingenious system for collecting rainwater fed a cistern and a hoist allowed water and other loads to be moved to the upper floors.

 

The rock and the castle have been modified and modernised many times. Of the Romanesque castle, remains include steps cut into the length of the rock, troglodyte rooms and a cistern. The lower part of the well tower dates from the 13th or 14th century, the rest from the 15th and 16th.

 

The Château du Fleckenstein has been listed as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture since 1898.

Château de Fontainebleau, 77300 Fontainebleau, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Fontainebleau, 77300 Fontainebleau, France

 

The Château or Palace of Fontainebleau is one of the largest French royal châteaux is located 55 kilometres from the centre of Paris

 

The palace is the work of many French monarchs, building on an early 16th-century structure of Francis I.

Château de Fontainebleau, 77300 Fontainebleau, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Fontainebleau, 77300 Fontainebleau, France

 

The Château or Palace of Fontainebleau is one of the largest French royal châteaux is located 55 kilometres from the centre of Paris

 

The palace is the work of many French monarchs, building on an early 16th-century structure of Francis I.

Château de Fontainebleau, 77300 Fontainebleau, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Fontainebleau, 77300 Fontainebleau, France

 

The Château or Palace of Fontainebleau is one of the largest French royal châteaux is located 55 kilometres from the centre of Paris

 

The palace is the work of many French monarchs, building on an early 16th-century structure of Francis I.

Trinity Chapel, Palace of Fontainebleau, 55 kilometres from the centre of Paris, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Trinity Chapel

Palace of Fontainebleau

(55 kilometres from the centre of Paris)

France

 

Fontainebleau is one of the largest French royal châteaux.

Library at the Château de Fontainebleau, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Library at the Château de Fontainebleau, France

 

The Château (or Palace) of Fontainebleau is located 55 kilometres from the centre of Paris,

 

Fontainebleau is one of the largest French royal châteaux. The building is arranged around a series of courtyards. set around the remainder of the Forest of Fontainebleau, a former royal hunting park..

Kitchens, Fontevraud Abbaye,Fontevraud-l'Abbaye near Chinon, in Anjou, France

Kitchens

Fontevraud Abbaye,

Fontevraud-l'Abbaye near Chinon

Anjou

France

Kitchen roofs of the abbaye de Fontevraud (Fontevraud Abbey or Fontevrault Abbey), Fontevraud-l'Abbaye, near Chinon, in Anjou, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Kitchen roofs of the abbaye de Fontevraud

(Fontevraud Abbey or Fontevrault Abbey),

Fontevraud-l'Abbaye

near Chinon

Anjou

France.

The Château de Fougères, Fougères, Ille-et-Vilaine, Brittany, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

The Château de Fougères

Fougères, Ille-et-Vilaine, Brittany, France.

 

Château de Fougères is Fougères' most famous monument and attraction. It is a medieval stronghold built on a granite ledge. It played an imporant part in the Duchy of Brittany's ultimately unsuccessful defence against French annexation in 1532.

La porte Notre Dame, Le château de Fougères, Ille-et-Vilaine, Brittany, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

La porte Notre Dame

Le château de Fougères

Ille-et-Vilaine, Brittany, France

 

The Château de Fougères is a castle was built on a naturally protected site, a rock emerging from a swamp surrounded by a loop of the Nançon river acting as a natural moat.

 

It had three rings of defense. In all it has 13 towers.

 

The first wooden fort was built by the House of Amboise in the eleventh century. It was destroyed in 1166 after it was besieged and taken by King Henry II of England. It was immediately rebuilt by Raoul II Baron de Fougères.

 

Today the castle belongs to the municipality of Fougères and is one of Europe's largest medieval fortresses.

The Château de Fougères-sur-Bièvre, Fougères-sur-Bièvre, Loir-et-Cher, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

The Château de Fougères-sur-Bièvre,

Fougères-sur-Bièvre, Loir-et-Cher, France.

 

Originally an 11th-century structure, the castle was rebuilt at the end of the 15th century, only the large square keep being preserved. The first changes retained military features(ditches, cannon-holes, wall walk) but more Renaissance refinements were added later, such as a gallery, mullioned windows and steep-sloped roofs. The castle was purchased and restored by the state in the 1930s. It has been listed since 1912 as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture.

The Château de Fougères-sur-Bièvre, Fougères-sur-Bièvre, Loir-et-Cher, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

The Château de Fougères-sur-Bièvre,

Fougères-sur-Bièvre, Loir-et-Cher, France.

 

Originally an 11th-century structure, the castle was rebuilt at the end of the 15th century, only the large square keep being preserved. The first changes retained military features(ditches, cannon-holes, wall walk) but more Renaissance refinements were added later, such as a gallery, mullioned windows and steep-sloped roofs. The castle was purchased and restored by the state in the 1930s. It has been listed since 1912 as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture.

The Château de Fougères-sur-Bièvre, Fougères-sur-Bièvre, Loir-et-Cher, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

The Château de Fougères-sur-Bièvre

Fougères-sur-Bièvre, Loir-et-Cher, France.

 

Originally an 11th-century structure, the castle was rebuilt at the end of the 15th century, only the large square keep being preserved. The first changes retained military features(ditches, cannon-holes, wall walk) but more Renaissance refinements were added later, such as a gallery, mullioned windows and steep-sloped roofs. The castle was purchased and restored by the state in the 1930s. It has been listed since 1912 as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture.

Château de Gaillo, Gaillon, Haute-Normandie, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Gaillo, Gaillon, Haute-Normandie, France.

 

The Château de Gaillon is a renaissance castle, begun in 1502 on ancient foundations.

Château-Gaillard, above the commune of Les Andelys overlooking the River Seine, in the Eure département of historical Normandy, now Upper Normandy, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château-Gaillard

commune of Les Andelys overlooking the River Seine, in the Eure département of historical Normandy, now Upper Normandy, France.

 

Château Gaillard is a ruined medieval castle. Construction began in 1196 under the auspices of Richard the Lionheart, King of England and Duke of Normandy. The castle was built in just two years, at the same time the town of Petit Andely

 

Château Gaillard has a complex and advanced design - it was possibly designed by Richard himself. It uses principles of concentric fortification It was also one of the earliest European castles to use machicolations - an idea that Richard might well have brought back from the Holy Land. The castle consists of three enclosures separated by dry moats, with a keep in the inner enclosure.

 

Château Gaillard was captured in 1204 by the French king Philip II, after a lengthy siege. In the mid-14th century, the castle became the residence of the exiled David II of Scotland.

 

The castle changed hands several times in the Hundred Years' War, but in 1449 the French captured Château Gaillard from the English for the last time, and from then on it remained in French ownership. Henry IV of France ordered the demolition of Château Gaillard in 1599; The castle ruins are listed as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture.

Château-Gaillard, above the commune of Les Andelys overlooking the River Seine, in the Eure département of historical Normandy, now Upper Normandy, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château-Gaillard, above the commune of Les Andelys overlooking the River Seine, in the Eure département of historical Normandy, now Upper Normandy, France.

 

Château Gaillard is a ruined medieval castle

 

Construction began in 1196 under the auspices of Richard the Lionheart, King of England and Duke of Normandy. The castle was built in just two years, at the same time the town of Petit Andely

 

. Château Gaillard has a complex and advanced design - possibly designed by Richard himself. It uses principles of concentric fortification It was also one of the earliest European castles to use machicolations - an idea that Richard might well have brought back from the Holy Land. The castle consists of three enclosures separated by dry moats, with a keep in the inner enclosure.

 

Château Gaillard was captured in 1204 by the French king, Philip II, after a lengthy siege. In the mid-14th century, the castle became the residence of the exiled David II of Scotland.

 

The castle changed hands several times in the Hundred Years' War, but in 1449 the French captured Château Gaillard from the English for the last time, and from then on it remained in French ownership.

 

Henry IV of France ordered the demolition of Château Gaillard in 1599; The castle ruins are listed as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture.

Château-Gaillard, above the commune of Les Andelys overlooking the River Seine, in the Eure département of historical Normandy, now Upper Normandy, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château-Gaillard, above the commune of Les Andelys overlooking the River Seine, in the Eure département of historical Normandy, now Upper Normandy, France.

 

Château Gaillard is a ruined medieval castle

 

Construction began in 1196 under the auspices of Richard the Lionheart, King of England and Duke of Normandy. The castle was built in just two years, at the same time the town of Petit Andely

 

. Château Gaillard has a complex and advanced design - possibly designed by Richard himself. It uses principles of concentric fortification It was also one of the earliest European castles to use machicolations - an idea that Richard might well have brought back from the Holy Land. The castle consists of three enclosures separated by dry moats, with a keep in the inner enclosure.

Ceiling, Opéra Garnier, Paris - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Ceiling

Opéra Garnier

Paris, France

 

The Palais Garnier is a 1,979-seat opera house, built from 1861 to 1875 for the Paris Opera. The theatre was known as the Opéra de Paris or simply the Opéra, but

has come to be became known as the Palais Garnier in recognition of its opulence and its architect, Charles Garnier.

 

It was the primary home of the Paris Opera and its associated Paris Opera Ballet until 1989, when the Opéra Bastille opened at the Place de la Bastille, leaving the Palais Garnier for ballet.

 

The Palais Garnier also houses the Bibliothèque-Musée de l'Opéra de Paris (Paris Opera Library-Museum).

Château de Germolles, Mellecey, Burgundy, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Germolles

Mellecey, Burgundy, France.

 

The Château de Germolles is the best preserved of the residences of the Dukes of Burgundy. Built during the second part of the 14th century, it is important for the history of the region and a rare example of a well-preserved surviving 14th Century French castle.

 

It has been listed as a Historic monument since 1989.

Château Fort de Gisors, Haute-Normandie, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château Fort de Gisors, Haute-Normandie, France

 

King William II of England ordered Robert of Bellême to build the first castle at Gisors. Henry I of England was responsible for the octagonal stone keep surmounting the motte. Henry's work at Gisors was part of a programme of royal castle building in Normandy during his reign to secure the region against the aspirations of the French crown.

 

The castle is also known for its links with the Templars. Put into their charge by the French king between 1158 and 1160, it became the final prison of the Grand Master of the Order, Jacques de Molay, in 1314.

Château Fort de Gisors, Haute-Normandie, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château Fort de Gisors, Haute-Normandie, France

 

King William II of England ordered Robert of Bellême to build the first castle at Gisors. Henry I of England was responsible for the octagonal stone keep surmounting the motte. Henry's work at Gisors was part of a programme of royal castle building in Normandy during his reign to secure the region against the aspirations of the French crown.

 

The castle is also known for its links with the Templars. Put into their charge by the French king between 1158 and 1160, it became the final prison of the Grand Master of the Order, Jacques de Molay, in 1314.

Château de la Goujeonnerie, Vendee, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de la Goujeonnerie

Vendee, France

Château de Goulaine, Loire Valley, near Nantes, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Goulaine, Loire Valley, near Nantes, France.

 

The Château de Goulaine is a former château-fort or castle, now a country house.

 

The Goulaine family ownership of the estate continued uninterrupted until 1788 when it was sold to a Dutch banker. This saved the château from destruction during the French Revolution. In 1858, a member of the Goulaine family reacquired the estate and maintains it today.

 

Apart from this this break, the château has been home to the family of the Marquis de Goulaine for over a thousand y ears.

Château de Goulaine, Loire Valley, near Nantes, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Goulaine, Loire Valley, near Nantes, France.

 

Coats of arms do not come more prestigious than this: England dimidiated with France ancient

Garden Room, Grand Trianon, Versailles, Île-de-France, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Garden Room

Grand Trianon

Versailles, Île-de-France, France.

 

The Grand Trianon is a Château / palace built in the northwestern part of the Domain of Versailles at the request of Louis XIV, as a retreat for the King and his maîtresse en titre of the time, the marquise de Montespan, and as a place where the King and invited guests could take collations away from the strict étiquette of the Court.

 

The Grand Trianon is set within its own park, which includes the Petit Trianon (a smaller château built between 1762 and 1768 during the reign of Louis XV).

Château Fort de Guédelon, Treigny, Yonne, Burgundy, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château Fort de Guédelon, Treigny, Yonne, Burgundy, France

 

Château Fort de Guédelon (Guédelon Castle) is a medieval construction project. The object of which is to build a castle using only the techniques and materials used in the Middle Ages.

 

Building materials, including wood and stone, are obtained locally. Jacques Moulin, the chief architect for the project, designed the castle according to the architectural model developed during the 12th and 13th centuries by Philip II of France.

 

Construction started in 1997 under Michel Guyot, owner of Saint-Fargeau castle. The site was chosen in the light of the availability of a stone quarry, in a large forest, with a pond close by.

 

The project has created 55 jobs and is now a tourist destination, with more than 300 000 visits each year

 

When completed in the 2020s, it should be an authentic recreation of a 13th-century medieval castle.

.

Château Fort de Guédelon, Treigny, Yonne, Burgundy, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

 

Château Fort de Guédelon

Treigny, Yonne, Burgundy, France

2013

 

Château Fort de Guédelon (Guédelon Castle) is a medieval construction project. The object of which is to build a castle using only the techniques and materials used in the Middle Ages.

 

Building materials, including wood and stone, are obtained locally. Jacques Moulin, the chief architect for the project, designed the castle according to the architectural model developed during the 12th and 13th centuries by Philip II of France.

 

Construction started in 1997 under Michel Guyot, owner of Saint-Fargeau castle. The site was chosen in the light of the availability of a stone quarry, in a large forest, with a pond close by.

 

The project has created 55 jobs and is now a tourist destination, with more than 300 000 visits each year

 

When completed in the 2020s, it should be an authentic recreation of a 13th-century medieval castle.

Château du Gué-Péan Monthou-sur-Cher, Loir-et-Cher, Centre, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château du Gué-Péan

Monthou-sur-Cher, Loir-et-Cher, Centre, France

 

Monument historique

Château d'Harcourt, Harcourt, Eure, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château d'Harcourt

Harcourt, Eure, France

 

The Château d'Harcourt is the cradle of the Harcourt family. The first stone castle here was built by Robert II d'Harcourt, a crusader companion of Richard Lionheart.

 

Harcourts appear later among the most important barons of Normandy. Jean II d'Harcourt was a Maréchal de France.

 

The castle is one of the best preserved castles in the country and contains the oldest arboretum in France.

Château d'Harcourt, Harcourt, Eure, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château d'Harcourt

Harcourt, Eure, France

 

The Château d'Harcourt is the cradle of the Harcourt family. The first stone castle here was built by Robert II d'Harcourt, a crusader companion of Richard Lionheart.

 

Harcourts appear later among the most important barons of Normandy. Jean II d'Harcourt was a Maréchal de France.

 

The castle is one of the best preserved castles in the country and contains the oldest arboretum in France.

Château d'Harcourt, Harcourt, Eure, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château d'Harcourt

Harcourt, Eure, France

 

The Château d'Harcourt is the cradle of the Harcourt family. The first stone castle here was built by Robert II d'Harcourt, a crusader companion of Richard Lionheart.

 

Harcourts appear later among the most important barons of Normandy. Jean II d'Harcourt was a Maréchal de France.

 

The castle is one of the best preserved castles in the country and contains the oldest arboretum in France.

Château fort de la Hunaudaye - Plédéliac, Côtes-d'Armor, Brittany, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château fort de la Hunaudaye - Plédéliac, Côtes-d'Armor, Brittany, France

 

Castle Hunaudaye is a thirteenth century castle. It is classified as a Monument historique since February 1922.

La cour d’honneur, l’hôtel des Invalides, 7th arrondissement, Paris, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

La cour d’honneur, l’hôtel des Invalides, 7th arrondissement, Paris, France

 

Les Invalide , officially L'Hôtel national des Invalides (The National Town-House of the Invalids), is a complex of buildings containing museums and monuments, relating to the military history of France, as well as a hospital and a retirement home for war veterans (the building's original purpose).

 

The complex houses the Musée de l'Armée, the military museum of the Army of France, the Musée des Plans-Reliefs, and the Musée d'Histoire Contemporaine, as well as the burial site for some of France's war heroes.

La cour d’honneur, l’hôtel des Invalides, 7th arrondissement, Paris, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

La cour d’honneur, l’hôtel des Invalides, 7th arrondissement, Paris, France

 

Les Invalide , officially L'Hôtel national des Invalides (The National Town-House of the Invalids), is a complex of buildings containing museums and monuments, relating to the military history of France, as well as a hospital and a retirement home for war veterans (the building's original purpose).

 

The complex houses the Musée de l'Armée, the military museum of the Army of France, the Musée des Plans-Reliefs, and the Musée d'Histoire Contemporaine, as well as the burial site for some of France's war heroes.

Palais de l'Isle, Annecy, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Palais de l'Isle, Annecy, France

 

The Palais de l'Isle is a castle in the Thiou canal, built in 1132. It was the primary residence of the Lord of Annecy as early as the 12th century, and later became the Count of Geneva's administrative headquarters.

 

Later it became a courthouse, a mint, and finally a jail from the Middle Ages until 1865, and then again during World War II.

 

The Palais de l'Ile was classified as a Historical Monument in 1900, and today houses a local history museum.

Château de l'Islette, Azay-le-Rideau, Indre-et-Loire, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de l'Islette

Azay-le-Rideau, Indre-et-Loire, France

 

Château de l'Islette is a castle dating from the sixteenth century. It was built near the Indre (a tributary tof the Loire), not to be confused with the nearby Château d'Azay-le-Rideau. The interior has been classified as a monument historique since 1946.

 

Château de Josselin, Josselin, Morbihan, Brittany, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Josselin

Josselin

Morbihan

Brittany

France

Château de Kerguehennec, Bignan, Morbihan, Bretagne, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Kerguéhennec

Bignan, Morbihan, Bretagne, France

 

Le château de Kerguéhennec, dating from the eighteenth century, is known as the Breton Versailles

 

It is now a contemorary art centre.it was classé as a monument historique in 1988. The parc was incrit at the same time.

Haut Koenigbourg castle [French Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg; German Hohkönigsburg), Orschwiller, Alsace, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Haut Koenigbourg castle

[French Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg]

[German Hohkönigsburg]

Orschwiller

Alsace

France

Château de Langeais, Indre-et-Loire, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Langeais

(a medieval castle rebuilt as a château)

Indre-et-Loire

France

The Château de Langeais, Indre-et-Loire, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

The Château de Langeais, Indre-et-Loire, France.

 

The Château de Langeais is a medieval castle, rebuilt as a country house, sited on a promontory created by the small valley of the Roumer River at the opening to the Loire Valley.

 

Founded in 992 by Fulk Nerra, Count of Anjou, the castle was soon attacked by Odo I, Count of Blois. After the unsuccessful attack, the ruined stone keep was built and is now one of the earliest datable examples of a stone keep.

 

After it was destroyed during the Hundred Years' War, King Louis XI (1461–1483) rebuilt the château as what today is one of the best known examples of late medieval architecture. It is noted for its monumental and highly decorated chimneypieces.

 

Restored in the late 19th century, the Château de Langeais came under the control of the Institut de France, who own the site today. It is listed as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture and is open to the public.

 

The Château de Langeais, Indre-et-Loire, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

The Château de Langeais, Indre-et-Loire, France,

 

The Château de Langeais is a medieval castle, rebuilt as a country house, sited on a promontory created by the small valley of the Roumer River at the opening to the Loire Valley.

 

Founded in 992 by Fulk Nerra, Count of Anjou, the castle was soon attacked by Odo I, Count of Blois. After the unsuccessful attack, the ruined stone keep was built and is now one of the earliest datable examples of a stone keep.

 

After it was destroyed during the Hundred Years' War, King Louis XI (1461–1483) rebuilt the château as what today is one of the best known examples of late medieval architecture. It is noted for its monumental and highly decorated chimneypieces.

 

Restored in the late 19th century, the Château de Langeais came under the control of the Institut de France, who own the site today. It is listed as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture and is open to the public.

Floor, The Château de Langeais, Indre-et-Loire, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Floor, The Château de Langeais, Indre-et-Loire, France.

 

The Château de Langeais is a medieval castle, rebuilt as a country house, sited on a promontory created by the small valley of the Roumer River at the opening to the Loire Valley.

 

Founded in 992 by Fulk Nerra, Count of Anjou, the castle was soon attacked by Odo I, Count of Blois. After the unsuccessful attack, the ruined stone keep was built and is now one of the earliest datable examples of a stone keep.

 

After it was destroyed during the Hundred Years' War, King Louis XI (1461–1483) rebuilt the château as what today is one of the best known examples of late medieval architecture. It is noted for its monumental and highly decorated chimneypieces.

 

Restored in the late 19th century, the Château de Langeais came under the control of the Institut de France, who own the site today. It is listed as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture and is open to the public.

Château de Lassay, Lassay-les-Châteaux, Mayenne, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Lassay

Lassay-les-Châteaux, Mayenne, France.

 

The original castrum or castellum here, built in the early years of the twelfth century, was probably a motte and bailey castle.

 

The present Château de Lassay was classified as a monument historique in 1862 and is still a private residence.

Château de Lassay, Lassay-les-Châteaux, Mayenne, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Lassay

Lassay-les-Châteaux, Mayenne, France.

 

The original castrum or castellum here, built in the early years of the twelfth century, was probably a motte and bailey castle.

 

The present Château de Lassay was classified as a monument historique in 1862 and is still a private residence.

Châteaux de Lastours, Lastours, département of l'Aude, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Châteaux de Lastours

Lastours, département of l'Aude, France

 

The Châteaux de Lastours (in Occitan Lastors) are three Cathar castles (and a later French one).

 

The four castles are on a rocky spur above the village of Lastours, isolated by the deep valleys of the Orbeil and Grésilhou rivers.

 

They were built at an altitude of 300 m along a rock wall just 1300 feet (~400 m) long by 165 feet (~50 m) wide.

 

Cabaret, Surdespine and la Tour Régine [the French one] stand in line, while Quertinheux is built on a separate pinnacle close by.

 

The site has been classified monument historique (historic monument) by the French Ministry of Culture since 1905. Archaeological digs are still in progress.

The Château de Lichtenberg, Lichtenberg, northern Vosges, Bas-Rhin department, Alsace, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

The Château de Lichtenberg

Lichtenberg, northern Vosges, Bas-Rhin department, Alsace, France.

 

The Château de Lichtenberg is a castle built on a singular prominence, built in the 13th century by the Hanau-Lichtenberg family. It was in the center of a constantly shifting territory, which traded hands many times until the Franco-Prussian War in 1870, when it was partly destroyed by artillery fire and the resulting fires.

 

It was left to deteriorate for 120 years. In the 1990s, a massive consolidation project was undertaken on the ruins, with an investment of 52 million francs.

Château de Long, Somme, Picardie, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Long

Somme, Picardie, France

 

The 18th-century château, in pink brick and white stone, with a mansard roof, was constructed on the site of a medieval castle.

 

During the Second World War, the building was badly damaged by occupying troops, who burnt doors, windows and flooring. Restored during the 1960s, the building is now open to the public.

Fort-la-Latte or Castle of La Latte, in the commune of Fréhel, Côtes-d'Armor, Brittany, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Fort-la-Latte (Castle of La Latte)

Fréhel, Côtes-d'Armor, Brittany, France

 

Fort-la-Latte is located about 4 km southeast of Cap Fréhel and about 35 km west of Saint-Malo. The castle was built on the Baie de la Fresnaye in the 13th century.

 

Various films have been shot at this site, including The Vikings (1958). The main tower was used in a scene in Ridley Scott's documentary film Life in a Day (2011).

 

The castle has been classified as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture since 1925. It is a famous tourist attraction on the Cote d'Émeraude.

   
Le château de Lavoûte-Polignac, Lavoûte-sur-Loire, Haute-Loire, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Le château de Lavoûte-Polignac

Lavoûte-sur-Loire, Haute-Loire, France

 

It is one of the châteaux of the Loire.

 

It was for centuries one of the favourite rences of the Polignac family. Like most other French château it was siezed by the state in 1793 (the Polignac family having escaped to Vienna) and sold off as a "national good".

 

In the nineteenth century the Polignac family bought it back, and Melchior, Comte de Polignac, had the south aisle repaired (the other two wings having fallen too far into ruin).

Fort-la-Latte (Castle of La Latte), Fréhel, Côtes-d'Armor, Brittany, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Fort-la-Latte (Castle of La Latte)

Fréhel, Côtes-d'Armor, Brittany, France

 

Fort-la-Latte is located about 4 km southeast of Cap Fréhel and about 35 km west of Saint-Malo. The castle was built on the Baie de la Fresnaye in the 13th century.

 

Various films have been shot at this site, including The Vikings (1958). The main tower was used in a scene in Ridley Scott's documentary film Life in a Day (2011).

 

The castle has been classified as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture since 1925. It is a tourist attraction on the Cote d'Émeraude.

Château de Losse, Périgord, Dordogne, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Losse

Périgord, Dordogne, France

 

The medieval Château de Losse overlooks the Vézère river. It is located near the Lascaux pre-historic caves.

 

In 1575 a Renaissance Hall was built within the stronghold. It was enclosed by curtain walls and surrounded by a deep ditch..

 

The Château and its gardens have been listed as French Historical House and Site since 1928.

Louvre, 75001 Paris, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Louvre, 75001 Paris, France

 

The Louvre Palace (Palais du Louvre), which houses the present museum, was begun as a fortress by Philip II in the 12th century, with remnants of this building still visible in the crypt.

la Salle du Livre d’Or, Palais du Luxembourg, 6th Arrondissement, Paris, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

la Salle du Livre d’Or, Palais du Luxembourg, 6th Arrondissement, Paris, France

 

The palace was built as a royal residence for Marie de Médicis, mother of king Louis XIII of France and of Gaston, duc d'Orléans, near the site of an old hôtel particulier owned by François-Henri de Montmorency, duc de Piney-Luxembourg, which is now called the Palais du Petit-Luxembourg..

 

The Luxembourg Palace is npw the seat of the French Senate.

Château de la Madeleine, Chevreuse, département of Yvelines, Île de France, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de la Madeleine

Chevreuse, département of Yvelines, Île de France, France.

 

The construction of the Château de la Madeleine began between 1020 and 1090, under Guy I, Lord of Chevreuse. From this period, only the keep remains. Originally, the keep was surrounded by a wooden palisade, replaced by stone curtain walls during the 12th century.

 

A century later, probably under Anseau de Chevreuse, the castle was modified, notably with the construction of the machicolations. The gatehouse was protected by a moat.

 

The castle changed hands in 1356. Ingerger le Grand, Lord of Chevreuse and Amboise, was taken prisoner by England during the Hundred Years' War. He was obliged to sell his domain to pay his ransom; the castle was bought by the future Pierre de Chevreuse.

 

The existing fortifications were improved under the reigns of Charles V and Charles VI; who financed the outworks with royal taxes. Modifications were completed under Louis XI (1461 – 1483).

The village was also fortified: a crenelated rampart, 3.5 m high (11.5 feet) with turrets, was built. The defence was completed by a 15 m large ditch (50 feet).

Château de la Madeleine, Chevreuse, département of Yvelines, Île de France, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de la Madeleine

Chevreuse, département of Yvelines, Île de France, France.

 

The construction of the Château de la Madeleine began between 1020 and 1090, under Guy I, Lord of Chevreuse. From this period, only the keep remains.

 

Originally, the keep was surrounded by a wooden palisade, replaced by stone curtain walls during the 12th century.

A century later, probably under the reign of Anseau de Chevreuse, the castle was modified, notably with the construction of the machicolations. The gatehouse was protected by a moat.

 

The castle changed hands in 1356. Ingerger le Grand, Lord of Chevreuse and Amboise, was taken prisoner by the English during the Hundred Years' War. He was obliged to sell his domain to pay his ransom; the castle was bought by the future Pierre de Chevreuse.

 

The existing fortifications were improved under the reigns of Charles V and Charles VI; who financed the outworks with royal taxes. Modifications were completed under Louis XI (1461 – 1483).

 

The village was also fortified: a crenelated rampart, 3.5 m high (11.5 feet) with turrets, was built. The defence was completed by a 15 m large ditch (50 feet).

Château de Maisons (now Château de Maisons-Laffitte), Maisons-Laffitte, northwestern Paris, department of Yvelines, Île-de-France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Maisons (now Château de Maisons-Laffitte), Maisons-Laffitte, northwestern Paris, department of Yvelines, Île-de-France.

 

Le château de Maisons-Laffitte was designed by François Mansart from 1630 to 1651. It is a prime example of French baroque architecture and a reference point in the history of French architecture.

Salon doré at the Château de Malmaison, Rueil-Malmaison, Hauts-de-Seine, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Salon doré at the Château de Malmaison, Rueil-Malmaison, Hauts-de-Seine, France

 

The Château de Malmaison is a country house about 12 km (7 mi) from Paris, formerly the residence of Joséphine de Beauharnais. Along with the Tuileries, it was from 1800 to 1802 the headquarters of the French government.

 

Joséphine de Beauharnais bought the manor house in April 1799 for herself and her husband, General Napoléon Bonaparte, the future Napoléon I of France, who was at that time away fighting the Egyptian Campaign.

The Château de Mauvezin, Mauvezin, Hautes-Pyrénées, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

 

The Château de Mauvezin

Mauvezin, Hautes-Pyrénées, France.

 

The site, occupied since the Dark Ages, was transformed into a castrum in the Middle Ages. The castle was built by Gaston Phoebus around 1380.

 

Following the merging of Bigorre into the Kingdom of France in 1607, the castle fell into disuse and was dismantled, its stones used for other buildings.

 

Today, the castle is being restored and is listed as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture.

Château de Mauvezin, Mauvezin, Hautes-Pyrénées, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Mauvezin

Mauvezin, Hautes-Pyrénées, France.

 

The site, occupied since protohistory, was transformed into a castrum in the Middle Ages, later contracting to a castle.

 

The present castle was built by Gaston Fébus (or Phoebus) around 1380. Following the merging of Bigorre into the Kingdom of France in 1607, it fell into disuse and was dismantled, its stones being used for other buildings.

 

Today, the castle is being restored. It is listed as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture.

Château de Meillant, Meillant, Cher, Centre, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Meillant

Meillant, Cher, Centre, France

 

Château de Meillant is a Renaissance Château with elements dating from the thirteenth century.

 

It was Inscrit in 1926, and classé as a monument historique 1963

Roof, Château de Ménessaire, Ménessaire, Côte-d'Or department, Bourgogne, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Roof

Château de Ménessaire

Ménessaire

Côte-d'Or department

Bourgogne

France

 

The Château de Ménessaire was inscrit as a Monument historique in 1973

 

 

Roof, Château de Ménessaire, Ménessaire, Côte-d'Or department, Bourgogne, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Ménessaire

Ménessaire

Côte-d'Or department

Bourgogne

France

 

The Château de Ménessaire was inscrit as a Monument historique in 1973

Château de Menthon, Saint-Bernard au dessus du lac d'Annecy, Haute-Savoie, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Menthon Saint-Bernard
above the lac d'Annecy, Haute-Savoie, France.

Château de Menthon Saint-Bernard , above the lac d'Annecy, Haute-Savoie, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Menthon Saint-Bernard

above the lac d'Annecy, Haute-Savoie, France.

Château de Meung-sur-Loire, Meung-sur-Loire , Loiret, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Meung-sur-Loire

Meung-sur-Loire , Loiret, France.

 

The Château de Meung-sur-Loire was the country residence of the Bishops of Orléans.

 

It was the site of the Battle of Meung-sur-Loire in 1429 and was destroyed and rebuilt several times. The oldest parts of this former episcopal palace date from the 12th century and were built by Manassès de Seignelay (bishop from 1207 to 1221). Still standing are the main rectangular plan building, flanked by three towers (the fourth having been destroyed.)

 

Beneath the castle are dungeons, a chapel and various medieval torture instruments. .In fiction, it was featured by Alexandre Dumas in The Three Musketeers as the village where d'Artagnan first encounters the villainous Comte de Rochefort.

 

It has been listed since 1988 as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture.

Château de Monbazillac, Dordogne, Aquitane, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Monbazillac, Dordogne, Aquitane, France.

Montal Castle, Saint-Jean-Lespinasse, Lot, Midi-Pyrénées, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

 

Montal Castle

Saint-Jean-Lespinasse, Lot, Midi-Pyrénées, France

 

The Château de Montal, situated in the vallée de la Bave, is a Renaissance château with two wings flanking the courtyard. It has three round and one square tower.

 

It was classified as historical monument in 1909.

Montrottier Castle, Lovagny, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Montrottier Castle, Lovagny, France

 

Montrottier Castle was built between the 13th and 15th century above the Gorges du Fier. It is a pentagonal fortress arranged around a cylindrical tower with battlements.

 

The oldest buildings including the round tower date from the 13th century, the others belong to the 15th. The Knights dwelling, the Earls'dwelling, the curtain wall and the keep date back to the Fifteenth century.

Château de la Motte, Acqueville, l’Orne, Normandie, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de la Motte

Acqueville, l’Orne, Normandie, France

Château de la Motte Husson, Martigne Sur Mayenne 53470, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de la Motte Husson, Martigne Sur Mayenne 53470, France

Château de La Motte-Tilly, 10400 La Motte-Tilly, Aube, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de La Motte-Tilly

10400 La Motte-Tilly

Aube

France

 

 

Château de Najac, Najac, Aveyron, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

 

Château de Najac

Najac, Aveyron, France.

 

The the royal fortress of Najac was built in 1253 on the orders of Alphonse de Poitiers, brother of Saint Louis, on the site of a square tower built in 1100 by Bertrand of St Gilles, son of Raymond IV, Count of Toulouse before the area was annexed by France.

 

The castle is built at the summit of a hill formed by a loop of the river.

 

The castle holds a world record for its 6.80 metre high archères (arrow loops), designed to allow use by three archers at the same time. A secret corridor, hidden within the walls, links the Romanesque tower to the chapel of the keep.

 

Najac has been near major events including, the Albigensian Crusade, the Hundred Years' War, the imprisonment of the Knights Templar, the peasants' revolts, and the French Revolution.

 

The castle has been listed as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture since 1925.

   
Château de Najac, Najac, Aveyron département, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

 

Château de Najac

Najac, Aveyron département, France.

 

The the royal fortress of Najac was built in 1253 on the orders of Alphonse de Poitiers, brother of Saint Louis, on the site of a square tower built in 1100 by Bertrand of St Gilles, son of Raymond IV, Count of Toulouse before the area was annexed by France.

 

The castle is built at the summit of a hill formed by a loop of the river.

 

The castle holds a world record for its 6.80 metre high archères (arrow loops), designed to allow use by three archers at the same time. A secret corridor, hidden within the walls, links the Romanesque tower to the chapel of the keep.

 

Najac has been near major events including, the Albigensian Crusade, the Hundred Years' War, the imprisonment of the Knights Templar, the peasants' revolts, and the French Revolution.

 

The castle has been listed as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture since 1925.

lo Palais dei Papas (in Occitan) / The Palais des Papes / Papal Palace, Avignon, southern France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

lo Palais dei Papas (in Occitan)

/ The Palais des Papes / Papal Palace

Avignon, southern France.

 

The Papal Palace is one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe.

 

Fortress and palace, it was the seat of Western Christianity during the 14th century. Six papal conclaves were held in the Palais.

 

The Palais is actually made up of two buildings: the old Palais of Benedict XII on the rock of Doms, and the new Palais of Clement VI, the most extravagant of the Avignon popes.The final combination the largest Gothic building of the Middle Ages, and one of the best examples of the International Gothic architectural style.

 

Since 1995 lo Palais dei Papas has been classified, along with the historic center of Avignon, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Château de Pau, Pau, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Pau, Pau, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France

 

The Château de Pau is a castle in the centre of Pau, the capital of Pyrénées-Atlantiques and Béarn. The château is located in the centre of Pau and dominates that quarter of the city

 

King Henry IV of France and Navarre was born here on December 13, 1553. The castle has a small garden that was tended by Marie Antoinette when she spent much of the summer in the city. The castle was used by Napoleon as a holiday home during his period of power.

 

The castle is classified as a Monument historique since 1840 by the French Ministry of Culture. The castle contains a collection of tapestries.

Interior, Château de Pau, Pau, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, 
              France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Interior, Château de Pau, Pau, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France.

 

The Château de Pau is a castle in the centre of Pau, the capital of Pyrénées-Atlantiques and Béarn. The château is located in the centre of Pau and dominates that quarter of the city

 

King Henry IV of France and Navarre was born here on December 13, 1553. The castle has a small garden that was tended by Marie Antoinette when she spent much of the summer in the city. The castle was used by Napoleon as a holiday home during his period of power.

 

The castle is classified as a Monument historique since 1840 by the French Ministry of Culture. The castle contains a collection of tapestries.

Musée National, Château de Pau, Pau, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Musée National

Château de Pau

Pau, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France

 

The Château de Pau is a castle in the centre of Pau, the capital of Pyrénées-Atlantiques and Béarn. The château is located in the centre of Pau and dominates that quarter of the city

 

King Henry IV of France and Navarre was born here on December 13, 1553. The castle has a small garden that was tended by Marie Antoinette when she spent much of the summer in the city. The castle was used by Napoleon as a holiday home during his period of power.

 

The castle is classified as a Monument historique since 1840 by the French Ministry of Culture. The castle now contains a collection of tapestries.

   
Interior, Château de Pau, Pau, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, 
              France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

la carapace de tortue ayant servi de berceau au roi Henri IV

 

Interior, Château de Pau, Pau, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France

 

The Château de Pau is a castle in the centre of Pau, the capital of Pyrénées-Atlantiques and Béarn. The château is located in the centre of Pau and dominates that quarter of the city

 

The castle is classified as a Monument historique since 1840 by the French Ministry of Culture. The castle contains a collection of tapestries.

Château de Peyrelade in Rivière-sur-Tarn, Aveyron, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Peyrelade in Rivière-sur-Tarn, Aveyron, France

 

 

A castle existed here at least as far back as the 12th century. It was the scene of incessant battles and sieges until 1633 when it was dismantled on the orders of Cardinal Richelieu. Thanks to its position controlling the entrance to the Gorges du Tarn, it was one of the most important castles in the Rouergue province

 

The name is derived from the occitan "Pèira Lada", meaning wide rock

 

Objects found on the site suggest it was inhabited in prehistoric times.

 

 

 

The Château de Pierrefonds, Pierrefonds, Oise département, Picardy, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

The Château de Pierrefonds, Pierrefonds, Oise département, Picardy, France.

 

The Château is on the southeast edge of the Forest of Compiègne, north east of Paris, between Villers-Cotterêts and Compiègne.

 

The Château de Pierrefonds still features most of the characteristics of defensive military architecture from the Middle Ages, though it underwent major restoration in the 19th century.

Chateau des Plantais, Le Donjon, Allier, Auvergne, 
              France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Chateau des Plantais

Le Donjon, Allier, Auvergne, France

 

 

 

Château du Plessis-Bourré, Écuillé, Maine-et-Loire department, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château du Plessis-Bourré

Écuillé, Maine-et-Loire department, France.

 

The Château du Plessis-Bourré is a château in the Loire Valley, built in less than 5 years from 1468 to 1472 by Finance Minister Jean Bourré, principal advisor to King Louis XI.

 

The château has not been modified externally since its construction and still has a fully working drawbridge

 

It was classified as a Monument historique in 1931.

 

The Château du Plessis-Bourré has been the location setting for numerous films.

Château du Plessis-Bourré is situated in the commune of Écuillé in the Maine-et-Loire department, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château du Plessis-Bourré,

Écuillé, Maine-et-Loire department, France.

 

The Château du Plessis-Bourré is a château in the Loire Valley, built in less than 5 years from 1468 to 1472 by Finance Minister Jean Bourré, principal advisor to King Louis XI.

 

The château has not been modified externally since its construction and still has a fully working drawbridge

 

It was classified as a Monument historique in 1931.

 

The Château du Plessis-Bourré has been the location setting for numerous films.

Château du Plessis-Bourré, Écuillé, Maine-et-Loire department, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château du Plessis-Bourré,

Écuillé, Maine-et-Loire department, France.

 

The Château du Plessis-Bourré is a château in the Loire Valley, built in less than 5 years from 1468 to 1472 by Finance Minister Jean Bourré, principal advisor to King Louis XI.

 

The château has not been modified externally since its construction and still has a fully working drawbridge

 

It was classified as a Monument historique in 1931.

 

The Château du Plessis-Bourré has been the location setting for numerous films.

Château du Plessis-Bourré, Écuillé, Maine-et-Loire department, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château du Plessis-Bourré,

Écuillé, Maine-et-Loire department, France.

 

The Château du Plessis-Bourré is a château in the Loire Valley, built in less than 5 years from 1468 to 1472 by Finance Minister Jean Bourré, principal advisor to King Louis XI.

 

The château has not been modified externally since its construction and still has a fully working drawbridge

 

It was classified as a Monument historique in 1931.

 

The Château du Plessis-Bourré has been the location setting for numerous films.

Château du Plessis-Bourré, Écuillé, Maine-et-Loire department, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château du Plessis-Bourré,

Écuillé, Maine-et-Loire department, France.

 

The Château du Plessis-Bourré is a château in the Loire Valley, built in less than 5 years from 1468 to 1472 by Finance Minister Jean Bourré, principal advisor to King Louis XI.

 

The château has not been modified externally since its construction and still has a fully working drawbridge

 

It was classified as a Monument historique in 1931.

 

The Château du Plessis-Bourré has been the location setting for numerous films.

Château de Potelle (or Château de Potelles), Potelle, Nord, Nord-Pas-De-Calais, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Potelle (or Château de Potelles)

Potelle, Nord, Nord-Pas-De-Calais, France.

 

The Château de Potelles was built around 1290 by Willes (Gilles) de Mortagne, seigneur de Potelles (the chapel retains a fragment of his tomb). The châtelet (entry gate) on the left in the photograph dates from the fourteenth century

 

Le château and its chapel (outside the moat) were incrit as monuments historiques in1944.

Château de Potelle (or Château de Potelles), Potelle, Nord, Nord-Pas-De-Calais, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Potelle (or Château de Potelles)

Potelle, Nord, Nord-Pas-De-Calais, France

 

The Château de Potelles was built around 1290 by Willes (Gilles) de Mortagne, seigneur de Potelles (the chapel retains a fragment of his tomb). The châtelet (entry gate) shown here dates from the fourteenth century

 

Le château and its chapel (outside the moat) were incrit as monuments historiques in1944.

 

 

Medieval walled cité of Provins, Provins, Seine-et-Marne, Île-de-France, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Medieval walled cité of Provins

Provins

Seine-et-Marne

Île-de-France

France.

 

Provins, a town of medieval fairs, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001

Château de Puilaurens, Lapradelle-Puilaurens, Aude département, Laguedoc-Roussillon, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Puilaurens

Lapradelle-Puilaurens, Aude département,

Laguedoc-Roussillon, France

 

The Château de Puilaurens (also Puylaurens; in Occitan: lo Castèl de Puèg-Laurenç) is one of the so-called Cathar castles in what is now the South of France.

 

The castle stands on a spur of rock above the Boulzane Valley and the villages of Lapradelle and Puilaurens.

 

from an unusual angle

Château de Puilaurens, Lapradelle-Puilaurens, Aude département, Laguedoc-Roussillon, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Puilaurens

Lapradelle-Puilaurens, Aude département, Laguedoc-Roussillon, France

 

The Château de Puilaurens (also Puylaurens; in Occitan: lo Castèl de Puèg-Laurenç) is one of the so-called Cathar castles in what is now the South of France.

 

The castle stands on a spur of rock above the Boulzane Valley and the villages of Lapradelle and Puilaurens.

Château de Puymartin, Marquay, Dordogne, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Puymartin, Marquay, Dordogne, France

 

The castle was built during the 13th century.

 

It is listed as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture.

Château de Rambures, Rambures, Somme, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Rambures

Rambures, Somme, France.

 

The château was constructed in the the 15th century in the style of a late medieval military fortress. It was one of the first castles in Europe to be constructed almost exclusively in bricks.

 

The castle is set in a park, the Parc et Roseraie du Château de Rambures containing a rose garden and ancient trees.

 

It has been classified as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture since 1927.

Château de Rambures, Rambures, Somme, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Rambures

Rambures, Somme, France.

 

The château was constructed in the the 15th century in the style of a late medieval military fortress. It was one of the first castles in Europe to be constructed almost exclusively in bricks.

 

The castle is set in a park, the Parc et Roseraie du Château de Rambures containing a rose garden and ancient trees.

 

It has been classified as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture since 1927.

Château de Ratilly, Treigny, Yone, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Ratilly

Treigny, Yone, France

Château de Ratilly, Treigny, Yonne, Bourgogne, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Ratilly

Treigny

Yonne

Bourgogne

France

Château du Rivau, 37120 Lémeré, Indre-et-Loire, Touraine, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château du Rivau

37120 Lémeré, Indre-et-Loire, Touraine, France.

 

In 1429, towards the end of the Hundred Years' War, before the siege of Orleans, Joan of Arc and her followers came to fetch horses from Le Rivau, renowned for the quality of the war horses that were raised there.

 

In Rabelais' Gargantua, it was given to captain Tolmere as a reward for his victories in the Picrocholean Wars.

 

Château de La Roche, aint-Priest-la-Roche, Loire département, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de La Roche, Saint-Priest-la-Roche, Loire département, France

 

The castle stands on an island in the lake formed by the Villerest dam . It was built on a rocky platform overlooking the Loire river from a height of 30 metres. During the 1930s, the construction project for the Villerest dam by EDF condemned the château to disappear below the water. It was bought for a symbolic one franc by the commune. It is now situated on an island.

Château de La Roche, aint-Priest-la-Roche, Loire département, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de La Roche, Saint-Priest-la-Roche, Loire département, France

 

The castle stands on an island in the lake formed by the Villerest dam . It was built on a rocky platform overlooking the Loire river from a height of 30 metres. During the 1930s, the construction project for the Villerest dam by EDF condemned the château to disappear below the water. It was bought for a symbolic one franc by the commune. It is now situated on an island.

Château de La Roche, Saint-Priest-la-Roche, Loire département, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de La Roche

Saint-Priest-la-Roche, Loire département, France

 

The castle stands on an island in the lake formed by the Villerest dam. It was built on a rocky platform overlooking the Loire river from a height of 30 metres. During the 1930s, the construction project for the Villerest dam by EDF condemned the château to disappear below the water. It was bought for a symbolic one franc by the commune, and is now situated on an island.

Château de La Roche, aint-Priest-la-Roche, Loire département, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de La Roche, Saint-Priest-la-Roche, Loire département, France

 

The castle stands on an island in the lake formed by the Villerest dam . It was built on a rocky platform overlooking the Loire river from a height of 30 metres. During the 1930s, the construction project for the Villerest dam by EDF condemned the château to disappear below the water. It was bought for a symbolic one franc by the commune. It is now situated on an island.

Château de la Roche-Jagu, Ploëzal, Côtes-d'Armor, Bretagne, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de la Roche-Jagu

Ploëzal, Côtes-d'Armor, Bretagne, France.

Château de la Rochepot, La Rochepot, Côte d'Or département, Burgundy, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de la Rochepot

La Rochepot, Côte d'Or département, Burgundy, France.

 

The Château de la Rochepot is a 13th-century castle, later converted into a château, on the N6 to the south west of the town of Beaune.

 

The castle was built in the 13th century on an outcrop of limestone to the north of the village of La Rochepot. As with many castles, it fell into ruin after the medieval period and was restored in the 19th century. It is open to visitors.

Château de Roquetaillade, Mazères (near Bordeaux), Gironde, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Roquetaillade

Mazères (near Bordeaux), Gironde, France.

 

Charlemagne, on his way to the Pyrenees with Roland, built the first fortification there. Of Charlemagne's castle, nothing remains but ruins. In 1306 (with a license to crenelate from the English King Edward I) Cardinal de la Mothe (nephew of Pope Clement V) built the present castle (le Château Neuf), square in plan with six towers and a central keep. This structure was restored by Viollet-le-Duc in the nineteenth century.

 

The château park includes remains of the medieval curtain wall with the barbican. The castle has been lived in by the same family for over 700 years.

 

The castle has served as a location for several films, including Fantômas contre Scotland Yard and Le Pacte des loups.

 

It was listed as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture in 1840.

Chapel roof, The Château de Roquetaillade, Mazères (near Bordeaux), Gironde, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Chapel roof, The Château de Roquetaillade, Mazères (near Bordeaux), Gironde, France

 

Charlemagne, built the first fortification there on his way to the Pyrenees with Roland, but nothing remains of this structure except but imposing ruins.

 

In 1306, with the permission of the English King Edward I, Cardinal de la Mothe, nephew of Pope Clement V built a second fortress (le Château Neuf), square in plan with six towers and a central keep. This structure was restored by Viollet-le-Duc and one of his pupils, Duthoit, between 1850 and 1870. The extraordinary interior decorations, with its furnishings and paintings, were created by Viollet-le-Duc.

.

The castle has been lived in by the same family for over 700 years. Its park includes remains of the medieval curtain wall with the barbican, the Pesquey stream and its banks, the 19th century chalet, and the Crampet pigeoniere.

Le potager du château de La Roche-Guyon, La Roche-Guyon, Val-d'Oise department, Île-de-France, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Le potager du château de La Roche-Guyon, La Roche-Guyon, Val-d'Oise department, Île-de-France, France.

 

A castle (still standing) was built in the 12th century, controlling a river crossing of the Seine

 

In the mid-13th century, a fortified manor house was added below. Guy de La Roche fell at the Battle of Agincourt, and his widow was ousted from the Roche, after six months of siege, in 1419; she preferred to depart rather than accept Henry Plantagenet as her overlord.

 

The Castle passed to the Liancourt family with the marriage of Roger de Plessis-Liancourt to the heiress Marie de La Roche; he was a childhood companion of Louis XIII, first gentleman of the Chambre du Roi and made a duke in 1643. He and his wife made great changes to the château-bas, opening windows in its structure and laying out the terrace to the east, partly cut into the mountain's steep slope.

Château du Sailhant, Andelat, Cantal, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château du Sailhant

Andelat, Cantal, France

Château St-Ferriol, Saint-Ferriol, Aude, Languedoc-Roussillon, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château St-Ferriol

Saint-Ferriol, Aude, Languedoc-Roussillon, France.

 

The Château St-Ferriol, is a late-medieval / early Renaissance castle in the heart of Cathar Country, built by a family (de Planh in Occitan or de Plaigne in French) at least three members of which were besieged at Montsegur in 1244.

 

The photo shows the Château in the early morning mist.

Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Yvelines, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye

Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Yvelines, France

 

The Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye a royal palace locatd eabout 19 km west of Paris. Today, it houses the Musée d'Archéologie Nationale (Frenc hNational Museum of Archaeology).

Château Saint-Hilaire, Sud de Louviers, Eure en Haute-Normandie, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château Saint-Hilaire,

Sud de Louviers, Eure, Haute-Normandie, France

Mont Saint-Michel, located one kilometre off France's northwestern coast, at the mouth of the Couesnon River near Avranches, Normandy, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Mont Saint-Michel

located one kilometre

off France's northwestern coast

at the mouth of the Couesnon River near Avranches

Normandy

France

Mont Saint-Michel, 50170 Le Mont-Saint-Michel, is an island commune in Normandy, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Mont Saint-Michel

50170 Le Mont-Saint-Michel

Normandy

France.

 

Mont Saint-Michel is an island commune approximately one kilometre off France's northwestern coast, at the mouth of the Couesnon River near Avranches.

Château de Sercy, Sercy, Saône-et-Loire, Bourgogne, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Sercy, Sercy, Saône-et-Loire, Bourgogne, France

 

The Château de Sercy is a XII century castle modified in the XVI century.

 

It is classed as a French monument historique.

Château de Sceaux, Sceaux, Hauts-de-Seine, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Sceaux

Sceaux, Hauts-de-Seine, France

 

The Château de Sceaux is a grand country house not far from Paris. Located in a park laid out by André Le Nôtre, it houses the Musée de l’Île-de-France, a museum of local history.

 

The former château was built for Jean-Baptiste Colbert, Louis XIV's minister of finance, who purchased the domaine in 1670.

 

The present château, designed to evoke the style of Louis XIII, dates from the Second Empire. Some of Colbert's outbuildings remain, as does the basis of the garden layout.

 

Château de Sceaux, Sceaux, Hauts-de-Seine, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Sceaux

Sceaux, Hauts-de-Seine, France

 

The Château de Sceaux is a grand country house in Sceaux, Hauts-de-Seine, not far from Paris, France.

 

Located in a park laid out by André Le Nôtre, it houses the Musée de l’Île-de-France, a museum of local history.

 

The former château was built for Jean-Baptiste Colbert, Louis XIV's minister of finance, who purchased the domaine in 1670.

 

The present château, designed to evoke the style of Louis XIII, dates from the Second Empire. Some of Colbert's outbuildings remain, and the basis of the garden layout.

 

Château de Sceaux, Sceaux, Hauts-de-Seine, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Sceaux, Sceaux, Hauts-de-Seine, France

 

The Château de Sceaux is a grand country house in Sceaux, Hauts-de-Seine, not far from Paris, France.

 

Located in a park laid out by André Le Nôtre, it houses the Musée de l’Île-de-France, a museum of local history.

 

The former château was built for Jean-Baptiste Colbert, Louis XIV's minister of finance, who purchased the domaine in 1670.

 

The present château, designed to evoke the style of Louis XIII, dates from the Second Empire. Some of Colbert's outbuildings remain, and the basis of the garden layout.

 

 

Château de la Servayrie, Mouret, Marcillac-Vallon, Rodez, Aveyron, Midi-Pyrénées, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de la Servayrie,

Mouret, Marcillac-Vallon, Rodez, Aveyron, Midi-Pyrénées, France.

Citadelle de Sisteron, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Citadelle de Sisteron

Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France.

 

Sisteron has been inhabited for 4000 years. The Romans used the route through it. It was later ravaged by the Saracens. It was first fortified by the Counts of Forcalquier in the 11th century and became the northern boundary of the domain of the Counts of Provence. In 1483 during the reign of Louis XI, Sisteron was annexed by the kingdom of France.

 

Between 1562 and 1594 the town and its citadelle was fought over by Protestants and Catholics including two sieges. During this time the walls of the town were built.

Solidor Tower, 35400 St-Malo, Brittany, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

 

Solidor Tower

35400 St-Malo

Brittany

France

 

Solidor Tower is.located in the estuary of the river Rance in

the former city of Saint-Servan, which merged with Saint-Malo in 1967

Château de Sully-sur-Loire, Sully-sur-Loire, Loiret, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Sully-sur-Loire

Sully-sur-Loire

Loiret

France.

Château de Suscinio (or de Susinio), Sarzeau, Morbihan, Brittany, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Suscinio (or de Susinio)

Sarzeau, Morbihan, Brittany, France

 

Built in the late Middle Ages as the residence of the Dukes of Brittany.

 

The Château de Suscinio dates from the beginning of the 13th century. It was enlarged at the end of 14th century, when the heirs of the duchy were fighting to keep their possessions (Brittany was not annexed by France until 1514).

 

From 1471 to 1483, the castle was home to Jasper Tudor, Henry Tudor (later King Henry VII of England), and the core of their group of exiled Lancastrians, numbering about 500 by 1483. Duke Francis II supported this group of exiles against Plantagenet demands for their surrender.

Château de Suscinio {or de Susinio), Sarzeau, Morbihan, Brittany, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Suscinio (or de Susinio)

Sarzeau, Morbihan, Brittany, France

 

Built in the late Middle Ages as the residence of the Dukes of Brittany.

 

The Château de Suscinio dates from the beginning of the 13th century. It was enlarged at the end of 14th century, when the heirs of the duchy were fighting to keep their possessions (Brittany was not annexed by France until 1514).

 

From 1471 to 1483, the castle was home to Jasper Tudor, Henry Tudor (later King Henry VII of England), and the core of their group of exiled Lancastrians, numbering about 500 by 1483. Duke Francis II supported this group of exiles against Plantagenet demands for their surrender.

Château de Suscinio (or de Susinio), Sarzeau, Morbihan, Brittany, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Suscinio (or de Susinio)

Sarzeau, Morbihan, Brittany, France

 

Built in the late Middle Ages as the residence of the Dukes of Brittany.

 

The Château de Suscinio dates from the beginning of the 13th century. It was enlarged at the end of 14th century, when the heirs of the duchy were fighting to keep their possessions (Brittany was not annexed by France until 1514).

 

From 1471 to 1483, the castle was home to Jasper Tudor, Henry Tudor (later King Henry VII of England), and the core of their group of exiled Lancastrians, numbering about 500 by 1483. Duke Francis II supported this group of exiles against Plantagenet demands for their surrender.

Château de Suscinio (or de Susinio), Sarzeau, Morbihan, Brittany, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Suscinio (or de Susinio)

Sarzeau, Morbihan, Brittany, France

 

Built in the late Middle Ages as the residence of the Dukes of Brittany.

 

The Château de Suscinio dates from the beginning of the 13th century. It was enlarged at the end of 14th century, when the heirs of the duchy were fighting to keep their possessions (Brittany was not annexed by France until 1514).

 

From 1471 to 1483, the castle was home to Jasper Tudor, Henry Tudor (later King Henry VII of England), and the core of their group of exiled Lancastrians, numbering about 500, by 1483. Duke Francis II supported this group of exiles against Plantagenet demands for their surrender.

Château de Suscinio or Château de Susinio, Route du Duc Jean V, 56370 Sarzeau, Morbihan, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Suscinio (or de Susinio)

Sarzeau, Morbihan, Brittany, France

 

Built in the late Middle Ages as the residence of the Dukes of Brittany.

 

The Château de Suscinio dates from the beginning of the 13th century. It was enlarged at the end of 14th century, when the heirs of the duchy were fighting to keep their possessions (Brittany was not annexed by France until 1514).

 

From 1471 to 1483, the castle was home to Jasper Tudor, Henry Tudor (later King Henry VII of England), and the core of their group of exiled Lancastrians, numbering about 500 by 1483. Duke Francis II supported this group of exiles against Plantagenet demands for their surrender.

Château de Tanlay, Tanlay, Yonne, Burgundy, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Tanlay

Tanlay

Yonne

Burgundy

France

The Château de Ternay, Loire Valley, Poitou-Charentes, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

The Château de Ternay

Loire Valley, Poitou-Charentes, France.

 

The Château de Ternay was built by the Aviau de Ternay family. The present château, on twelfth-century foundations, is the result of building campaigns from the fifteenth to the seventeenth centuries.

 

It has been listed as a Monument historique since 1996. It is still the seat of the comte de Ternay. Today the château is open for tours and overnight guests.

The Château de Trécesson, near the Paimpont forest, Campénéac, Morbihan, Brittany, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

The Château de Trécesson

near the Paimpont forest

Campénéac

Morbihan

Brittany

France

The Palais des Tuileries, Paris, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

The Palais des Tuileries, Paris, France

 

This illustration shows the Palais des Tuileries in the 17th century

 

The Tuileries Palace was a royal palace in Paris which stood on the right bank of the River Seine. It was the usual Parisian residence of most French monarchs, from Henry IV to Napoleon III. Iit was destroyed in the upheaval of the Paris Commune in 1871.

 

Built in 1564, it was gradually extended until it closed off the western end of the Louvre courtyard and displayed a façade of 266 metres. Since the destruction of the Tuileries, the Louvre courtyard has remained open and the site is now the location of the eastern end of the Tuileries Garden, forming an elevated terrace between the Place du Carrousel and the gardens proper.

The Château d'Ussé, Rigny-Ussé, Indre-et-Loire, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

The Château d'Ussé

Rigny-Ussé

Indre-et-Loire

France

Château d'Ussé, Rigny-Ussé, Indre-et-Loire, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

 

Château d'Ussé

Rigny-Ussé, Indre-et-Loire, France.

 

This stronghold at the edge of the Chinon forest overlooking the Indre Valley was first fortified in the eleventh century by the Norman seigneur of Ussé, Gueldin de Saumur, who surrounded the fort with a palisade on a high terrace. The site passed to the Comte de Blois, who rebuilt in stone.

 

It was completed in 1612. The flamboyant Gothic style is mixed with new Renaissance motifs, and began the process of rebuilding the fifteenth-century château that resulted in the sixteenth-seventeenth century aspect of the structure to be seen today.

 

It is classified as a monument historique since 1931 by the French Ministry of Culture.

Château d'Urtubie, Urrugne, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Aquitaine, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château d'Urtubie

Urrugne, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Aquitaine, France.

 

A castle here was built in the fourteenth century. It has been owned by the same family since its construction in 1341. It was enlarged in the sixteenth and eighteenth century. King Louis XI stayed here in 1463 and Louis XIV raised the estate to Viscountcy in 1654. Monument Historique since 1974. Now owned by the Comte de Coral.

Chateau de Val, Les Fontilles, 15270 Lanobre, Cantal, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

château de Val, Les Fontilles, 15270 Lanobre, Cantal, France

 

The Château is located on the shore of the Lake Bort-les-Orgues

 

It is classé as a Monument historique

Chateau de Val, Les Fontilles, 15270 Lanobre, Cantal, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Val

Les Fontilles, 15270 Lanobre, Cantal, France

 

The Château is located on the shore of the Lake Bort-les-Orgues

 

It is classé as a Monument historique

Chateau de Val, Les Fontilles, 15270 Lanobre, Cantal, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Val

Les Fontilles, 15270 Lanobre, Cantal, France

 

The Château is located on the shore of the Lake Bort-les-Orgues.

 

It is classé as a Monument historique.

Le Château de Val, Les Fontilles, 15270 Lanobre, Cantal, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Le Château de Val, Les Fontilles, 15270 Lanobre, Cantal, France

Chateau de Val, Les Fontilles, 15270 Lanobre, Cantal, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

château de Val, Les Fontilles, 15270 Lanobre, Cantal, France

 

The Château is located on the shore of the Lake Bort-les-Orgues

 

It is classé as a Monument historique

Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, Maincy, near Melun, Seine-et-Marne, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte

Maincy

near Melun

Seine-et-Marne

France

The Château de Vendeuvre, Vendeuvre, near to Lisieux in Normandy, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

The Château de Vendeuvre, Vendeuvre, near to Lisieux in Normandy, France

 

Classed as a Historic Monument, Vendeuvre is a prototypical aristocratic Norman country house.

 

It was opened to the public in 1983.

Gardens, Palace of Versailles, Place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles, Île-de-France, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Gardens

Palace of Versailles

Place d'Armes

78000 Versailles

Île-de-France

France

Donjon de Vez (or château de Vez), Commune Vez, Département Oise, Picardie, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Donjon de Vez, Oise, Picardy, France

 

The Donjon (keep) is part of the Château de Vez.

 

 

Donjon de Vez, Oise, Picardy, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Donjon de Vez, Oise, Picardy, France

 

The Donjon (keep) is part of the Château de Vez.

Interior, Donjon de Vez, Oise, Picardy, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Interior, Donjon de Vez, Oise, Picardy, France

 

The Donjon (keep) is part of the Château de Vez.

 

 

 

Château de Vigny, Vigny, Val-d'Oise, Île-de-France, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Vigny

Vigny

Val-d'Oise

Île-de-France

France

Parterre, The Château de Villandry, Villandry, Indre-et-Loire, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Parterre

The Château de Villandry

Villandry

Indre-et-Loire

France.

Parterre, The Château de Villandry, Villandry, Indre-et-Loire, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Parterre

The Château de Villandry

Villandry

Indre-et-Loire

France.

Side view, Château Villette, Condécourt, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

 

Side view

Château Villette

Condécourt, France

 

Château Villette is a manor house hotel located 40 minutes away from Paris. It has numerous outbuildings including a chapel and adjacent reception room, horse stable and greenhouse.

 

More than 185 acres (0.75 km2) of garden were designed by Le Nôtre and spread out behind the château in the central axis with two rectangular lakes filled with birds and fish,

 

In the film Da Vinci Code, it iwas the home of Sir Leigh Teabing.

Château de Vincennes, Avenue de Paris, 94300 Vincennes, Val-de-Marne, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Vincennes

Avenue de Paris, 94300 Vincennes, Val-de-Marne

France

 

The Château de Vincennes is a massive 14th and 17th century French royal castle now in a a suburb of the metropolis.

 

This donjon, 52 meters high, was the tallest medieval fortified structure of Europe.

Château de Vincennes, Avenue de Paris, 94300 Vincennes, Val-de-Marne, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Vincennes

Avenue de Paris

94300 Vincennes, Val-de-Marne

France

 

The Château de Vincennes is a massive 14th and 17th century French royal castle now a suburb of the metropolis.

 

This donjon, 52 meters high, was the tallest medieval fortified structure of Europe.

Château de Virieu, 38730 Virieu, Isère, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Virieu

38730 Virieu, Isère, France

 

Le château de Virieu was built in stone around 1010,

 

It ihas been classified as a French monument historique since1990.

Château de Virieu, 38730 Virieu, Isère, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Virieu, 38730 Virieu, Isère, France

 

Le château de Virieu was built in stone around 1010,

 

It ihas been classified as a French monument historique since1990.

Château de Vitré, Vitré, Ille-et-Vilaine, France. - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château de Vitré

Vitré, Ille-et-Vilaine, France.

 

The first stone castle was built by the baron Robert I of Vitré at the end of the 11th century. The defensive site chosen, a rocky promontory, dominated the valley of the Vilaine. A Romanesque style doorway still survives from this building. During the first half of the 13th century, baron André III, rebuilt it in its present triangular form, following the contours of the rocks, surrounded with dry moats.

 

The castle was bought by the town in the 1820 for 8500 francs. In 1872, it was one of the first castles in France to be classified as a monument historique (historic monument) and restored from 1875.

Château of Vizille, 38220 Vizille, Isere, Region Rhone-Alpes, France - www.castlesandmanorhouses.com

Château of Vizille

38220 Vizille, Isere, Region Rhone-Alpes, France.

 

The Château de Vizille, near Grenoble, is one of the most prestigious and important castles of the Dauphiné.

 

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