Best Castles to Visit Near Paris

When you think of France, images of breathtaking castles, lush gardens, and rich history come to mind. France is undeniably the land of castles, each echoing tales of knights, queens, and grand celebrations. From their towering walls and intricate designs to the legends that surround them, these magnificent structures invite you to step back in time. Just a short journey from Paris, you will discover some of the finest examples of medieval castles, particularly those nestled in the stunning Loire Valley. Let’s explore these architectural marvels in detail.

The majestic Château de Chambord

Constructed in 1519 under the reign of Francis I, the Château de Chambord stands as the largest and most iconic castle in the Loire Valley. Its French Renaissance architecture captivates visitors with its grand façade, elaborate rooftop, and intricate designs. Legend has it that the remarkable double-spiral staircase was conceptualized by none other than Leonardo da Vinci himself. In 1981, this masterpiece was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, further enhancing its prestige.

→ How to get there: Chambord is about 2 hours south of Paris. The best way is to take a train from Austerlitz station towards Blois and then transfer to Chambord. Note that trains only run at peak times, so alternatively, you can catch bus line 18. Joining a tour that includes multiple Loire castles is also a convenient option.

→ Admission fees: General entry is €11, and it's free for EU citizens under 26.

The charming Château de Cheverny

In contrast to Chambord's scale, Château de Cheverny captivates with its exquisite interior decoration. Built in 1620 for the Hurault family, the castle remains in private ownership and is still inhabited today. The renowned Belgian artist Hergé used Cheverny as the inspiration for the fictional Moulinsart Castle featured in his beloved Tintin series.

→ How to get there: About 2 hours south of Paris and just 18 km from Chambord, you can reach Cheverny by taking a train to Blois and then transferring. Alternatively, you can take a TGV from Paris Montparnasse to Vendôme, followed by a regional train to Blois and Cheverny, or opt for a guided tour.

→ Admission fees: The entry fee is €9.50, and children under 7 can enter for free.

The enchanting Château de Chenonceau

Known as the "Castle of the Ladies," the Château de Chenonceau has a compelling history tied to prominent women. Built in 1513 by Catherine Briçonnet, it was later renovated by Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Médicis, and remarkably survived the French Revolution thanks to Madame Dupin. Its iconic gallery bridge spanning the Cher River is a highlight that mesmerizes visitors.

→ How to get there: Located approximately 2 hours south of Paris, Chenonceau is 34 km from Tours and 36 km from Blois. You can follow a similar route as the others, taking a train to Blois and then changing trains, or travel to Tours from Paris Montparnasse and take a TER train to Chisseaux Chenonceaux station, which is just 2 km from the castle.

→ Admission fees: The general entrance fee is €12.50.

Tip: A great way to visit these three Loire castles is through a tour that includes entrance tickets, meals, a Spanish-speaking guide, and transportation. Find all the details here.

The historic Château d'Amboise

Perched in the heart of Amboise, this castle is renowned for being the final resting place of Leonardo da Vinci, who spent his last years in the town. Although it remains uncertain if the skeleton discovered on-site truly belongs to the great artist, his legacy is honored at the Saint-Hubert Chapel, located adjacent to the castle, which visitors can explore.

→ How to get there: Amboise is about 22 kilometers east of Tours. To reach this charming town, take a TGV train from Paris Montparnasse to St. Pierre des Corps (Tours) and then switch to a regional train to Amboise. Alternatively, local buses operated by Touraine Fil-Vert connect Tours with Montrichard and stop in Amboise for just €1.50.

→ Admission fees: General entry costs €10.70.

These four castles can be explored in a single day through private excursions to "The Castles of the Loire." Given the challenge and expense of traveling from Paris, such tours are a practical and enjoyable option.

The splendid Château de Fontainebleau

This magnificent palace, one of the largest in France, has been a source of inspiration for various artistic styles throughout its history. It introduced the Italian Mannerism in the decoration of its interiors and gardens, adapting it into what is known as the "Fontainebleau style." The Renaissance was first introduced to France here, influenced by Henry II and Catherine de Médicis, who commissioned architects Philibert Delorme and Jean Bullant for substantial renovations. The new style spread through France and northern Europe, thanks to engravings from the Fontainebleau School.

→ How to get there: Fontainebleau is located about 60 km southeast of Paris. To reach it, take a train from Gare de Lyon towards Montargis, Montereau, or Laroche-Migennes and disembark at Fontainebleau-Avon station. From there, catch bus line 1 to the castle.

→ Admission fees: The general ticket price is €11, with free entry for those under 18 and on the first Sunday of each month. The gardens are free to access.

The captivating Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte

Often seen as the little brother of the Palace of Versailles, Vaux-le-Vicomte is less renowned yet equally impressive. Constructed in 1661 by Nicolas Fouquet, finance minister to Louis XIV, the castle served as inspiration for Versailles. Following his arrest and imprisonment for building such an extravagant palace, Louis XIV employed the same gardener, Le Nôtre, to design the gardens at Versailles, which were modeled after Vaux-le-Vicomte's layouts. Today, it stands as the largest private castle in France and is particularly enchanting during summer water shows.

→ How to get there: Direct trains from Gare de Lyon to Melun run every half hour, taking about 30 minutes.

→ Admission fees: General entry is €16.50.

Bonus: The stunning Mont Saint Michel Abbey

While not a castle in the traditional sense, Mont Saint Michel deserves a mention due to its unique charm. Nestled atop a rocky outcrop, this iconic island is surrounded by the Atlantic waters, creating a breathtaking sight. The abbey's construction was completed in the 16th century, and it became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979, making it one of France's most visited landmarks. In medieval times, this site was a crucial pilgrimage destination, steeped in legends and lore.

The journey to the abbey begins in the village at the foot of the mount, setting the stage for an enchanting ascent. At the summit, the abbey is crowned with a statue of the Archangel Michael slaying a dragon, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Visitors are also captivated by the dramatic tidal changes; during low tide, the mount is surrounded by vast stretches of dry land, while high tide transforms it into a stunning island.

→ Admission fees: The general entry fee is €9; the reduced price for non-European visitors aged 18-25 is €7, and EU citizens under 26 can enter for free.

→ Getting there independently:

:: By train: The nearest train station is "Pontorson," about 9 km from Mont Saint Michel. You can take a regional train to Pontorson and then a local bus, or opt for a TGV from Paris Montparnasse to Rennes, followed by a train or direct bus to Mont Saint Michel. Train prices from Paris to Rennes vary based on how early you book (between €25 and €60). The bus from Rennes to Mont Saint Michel costs about €15.

:: By bus: Traveling by bus from Paris to Rennes is also an option. Several companies operate this route, and you can check their schedules through Omio. It's typically cheaper (around €15) than the train, but takes longer, making an overnight stay advisable.

Tip: Numerous tours include transportation, a Spanish-speaking guide, meals, drinks, and admission to the abbey. The best value is provided by Civitatis, making it a fantastic option to save time and maximize enjoyment! Find all the info here.

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