France is divided by the river Loire into the southern and northern parts. Each of them has its own climate. This unique beauty region is famous for its villages of great historical importance, pastoral landscapes, good wine, famous monuments of architecture, as well as castles.
In the valley you can count about 300 estates. You can see many castles in France on the map below. Among them there are real fortresses with defense buildings and fortifications. The best landscape designers and architects of those years were hired for construction work here.
At present, many palaces and castles in France continue to be private property, some are open to the public, but there are also those in which hotels are now operating.
Plessis Bourrée Castle
This stunning castle is located in Écouillet, on the coast of the Loire, near Angers. Plessis Bourré is perfectly preserved, so many tourists can see it in the same form in which it was built 500 years ago. The castle is a combination of luxury renaissance and medieval trends.
During its design, the task was to build a small, while a real fortress with the attributes necessary for it. In addition, Plessis Bourré had to be comfortable and convenient so that the owner could live there, invite many guests and hold various balls. The architect was able to realize all these requirements. The rectangular castle is located on the territory of 59 by 68 meters. Like other medieval castles in France, its corners complete the towers. A ditch was dug around the entire structure, through which you can only go over a small drawbridge - a bridge house was built to protect it. At the same time, a space was left between the moat and the wall so that the owner of the castle had a place where he could take a walk.
Chenonceau Castle
When walking along the Loire Valley, one cannot help but notice the castle of Chenonceau (France), which was built in 1515-1521. in the style of the early Renaissance and late Gothic and is surrounded by unique gardens.
At different times, this chateau was owned by Catherine de Medici and Francis I. All the owners of the castle were rebuilt several times until it fell into the possession of the Magnet family (1914), which was engaged in the production of chocolate. The reconstruction of the interiors was completed only in 1951. Due to this, the interior decoration of the halls and rooms remained practically unchanged. Today, Chenonceau Castle is the most visited estate in the country. In order not to push around the curious, it is better to come here early in the morning. There is an opportunity to rent a portable audio guide - it will tell you the whole history of these places.
Mont Saint Michel
On the borders of the provinces of Brittany and Normandy, at the mouth of the river. Kusnon, is a rocky little island. According to legend, Archangel Michael in 708 came to the Bishop of Avranches St. Ober, after which he ordered him to build a church on this site. The church was decided to create in the form of a castle. On the mountain, the remains of 2 prayers were found, which date back to that time.
At the moment, the castle of Mont Saint-Michel is one of the most famous attractions in the country. For the better access of tourists to the abbey, a dam was built here - transport moves along it. However, due to the construction, environmental problems arose, so they are going to demolish it, and build a bridge instead of a dam.
Chambord Castle
This is the most magnificent residence of the kings, which is located on the Loire. This castle can compete in scope even with Versailles. At the very beginning, Chambord Castle was conceived as an ordinary hunting lodge, testifying somehow to the power of the monarchs here. Most likely, this is why Francis I, who was involved in the construction of this facility, did not spare money on its construction.
This castle is a vivid example of an amazing synthesis of Italian Renaissance architecture and medieval forms. There is a unique staircase in it, the design of which was developed by Leonardo da Vinci himself. Vacationers visiting this castle are also advised to take a walk in its park - it is a nature reserve covering an area of 5540 ha. By the way, you are unlikely to have to see such a landscape anywhere else.
Le Lud Castle
Continuing to study the castles of the Loire (France), the photos of which are presented in this article, it is impossible not to mention Le Lud. It was built in the X-XI centuries as a defensive structure. This fortress was erected to protect against raids by the Normans of Anjou kingdom and the British. But the castle was in the hands of the enemy, and only in the XV century returned under the crown of France. Marshal Gilles de Ré, who knocked out the enemy from there, received a fortress as a reward.
This castle is interesting in a harmonious combination of different styles. Their diversity is noticeable in decoration, furniture and interiors. At the moment, it is open to tourists.
Krusol Fortress
Krusol fortress was built in the XII century in order to protect the river valley. The Rhone. This fortification guarded the borders of France from raids from Italy. At the time the construction began, these lands belonged to Gerald Bastet, Lord.
The fortress was erected on a limestone peak and was an excellent observation and fortified point. She was a key point in the surrounding area. The natural steep slope continued the walls of the fortification. The castle was almost impregnable.
The main building occupied 3 hectares. The first rampart is not included. It was created to protect a small village adjacent to the fortress. She numbered no more than 100 houses.
The Krusol fortress in the XVI century, when the internecine wars began, was in the very center of hostilities. Local feudal lords under the pretext of protecting religion tried to seize large territories. The fortress was destroyed during the fighting, and at the moment lies in ruins.
Chaumont-sur-Loire
Looking at the castles of the Loire, you can not ignore this one. On the rocky bank of the river, between the cities of Blois and Tours, this real gem of palace architecture hid.
The history of this beautiful castle is directly related to the names of Diana de Poitiers, Catherine de Medici, Nostradamus, as well as various princes, with whom he was turned into an exquisite residence. Today, the castle hosts the famous International Garden Festival. Every year at least 30 gardens are created by local artists, landscape designers, and gardeners on the adjacent territory.
Angers Castle
In the historical part of the country, in the department of Maine and Loire, is located the castle of Angers. It got its name from the city of the same name. During its formation, the castle has repeatedly been the cause of the political struggle of France and England. Its massive walls, created in the form of huge columns, withstood many siege actions. This castle was one of the main strategic objects of the country.
It began to be built in the ninth century in order to withstand the attacks of the Romans. In the thirteenth century it was equipped with a complex of fortifications. Then there was a strengthening and expansion of its defensive structures.
The castle was for some time the residence of Rene of Anjou, who organized knightly tournaments and literary festivals there. Due to the constant wars in the sixteenth century, the castle fell into complete decline, and Henry III ordered it to be destroyed. But the fortress was so powerful that it did not succeed in fulfilling its plan, and the work was completed. Soon there was held the solemn betrothal of Francoise of Lorraine and Caesar of Vendome.
The imagination of visitors is still struck by the huge Apocalypse tapestry. This work is several hundred meters long.
Castle of clo luss
Continuing to study the castles of France, photos of which can be viewed in this article, it is worth highlighting Clos-Luce. This building of pink and white stone was built on a foundation that dates back to the Galo-Roman era. The owner of the castle was the royal favorite Etienne Le Lou, who was an assistant cook in Plessis-les-Tours.
The medieval square tower has survived to this day. She was part of the general system of defensive structures. The castle outlines were softened by Renaissance architecture elements - their structure acquired after the purchase of the castle by Charles VIII.
The building was turned into the residence of the king, it was decorated with exquisite stone carvings, and a chapel was also attached for Anna Brittany. At one time, Francis I, Leonardo da Vinci, Margarita Navarskaya were here, Babu de la Burdesiere (the favorite of the king) lived here.
The castle during the Revolution was not destroyed thanks to the efforts of the d'Amboise family. Then he passed into the ownership of the family of Saint-Brie - in her possession he is now. Representatives of this house are trying to recreate the appearance of the castle and its ancient interiors.
In the sixteenth century, the famous Leonardo da Vinci lived here. At the moment, architects, stone and wood craftsmen, restoration artists are engaged in restoration. First, the Guardsmen Hall (it was the kitchen under Leonardo) will be repaired, then the basement floors, where the cars created by the artist's genius will be, as well as the Great Council Hall, will be renovated. In addition, you can see the rooms of Leonardo da Vinci and Margarita of Navarre.
Castle Amboise
Considering castles in the south of France, it is worth noting this, which rises above the Loire. He began his story from the eleventh century. Therefore, it went through many different periods - it was a royal residence and a powerful medieval fortress, a button factory and a prison ... This castle was visited by many humanists, philosophers, artists and sculptors from all over Europe. Each tourist will be interested in taking a walk along the cavalry towers and the royal chambers, getting acquainted with an amazing collection of furniture, enjoying the beautiful panoramic garden of the Loire coast.
If Castle
The castle, famous for the novel by A. Dumas, is located in the south of France. It was built to protect the city from attacks from the sea. It was ordered to be built by Francis I, although the castle was never attacked, due to which it was able to survive to this day in complete integrity.
Modern Marseille is proud of it rightfully - this is one of its main attractions. So, excursions are held around If Castle, there is a cozy cafe, as well as postcards and souvenirs.
For a long time, this castle was used as a prison, since it was the best place for exile - it was almost impossible to escape from there because of the strong currents off the coast of the island. In the fortress there were cameras with no windows located in the back of the building, although there were other conditions for people with wealth - they were in the upper part of the building, where it was possible to enjoy the seascape and breathe fresh air.
Only in the late nineteenth century did the prison cease to exist, and the castle became a landmark of the country.
Serran Castle
Serran fortress was built in the sixteenth century, but, like many castles in France, the old building was significantly rebuilt in the late centuries. The property originally belonged to the Le Bree family - they asked permission for its construction from Louis XI. The design was done by the famous Philibert Delorm.
After the changes, the spirit of the Renaissance, characteristic of the period of Francis I, still remained here (almost all the castles of the Loire were built in it). The oldest elements of the castle are the corner towers and moats, which are harmoniously combined with the domes crowning the towers and wide windows. The towers at the top are decorated with balustrades.
On the facade of the building, decorated with a triangular pediment, a beautiful contrast is created by white sandstone and dark brown slate.
The castle was able to preserve the interior interiors with a magnificent library and tapestries.
Carcassonne Castle
This is a unique masterpiece of defensive and military architecture, which amazes with its grandeur and power. Carcassonne Castle (France) consists of a two-row three-kilometer thick wall with towers, the view of which makes anyone tremble.
A distinctive feature of the castle is that there is a completely ordinary life in this place - cars drive and local residents live. Here you can feel like a full resident of a medieval city - the entrance to the fortress is completely free and free!
Carcassonne Fortress is located in the southeast on the right bank of the river. Od. Around it there is a double row of walls with a total length of about 3 kilometers, which are crowned by 52 towers. This fortress in Europe was once considered the most impregnable. On its territory are the basilica and Comtal count castle. The fortress has been included in the UNESCO list since 1997.
Clo luce castle
Of course, not all castles in France are associated with the name of the famous Leonardo da Vinci, but not this one. Leonardo, at the invitation of Francis the First, visited this region and lived here his last 3 years of life. He devoted this time to completing work on his canvases and inventions. It will be pleasant and interesting for everyone to walk here. In this place the master’s drawings and inventions “come to life”, here every visitor will be able to discover the true world of this genius.
Ge Pean Castle
Studying the numerous castles of France, it is worth mentioning this medieval building, built near Ponlevois in the XIV-XV centuries. It is a square in terms of graceful hunting pavilion. Fortress walls with towers end with a terrace. All of its residential buildings are located in the shape of the letter "P", forming inside a huge courtyard. The main building is formed by round towers, and the facade has many elegant windows, due to which there is always a huge amount of light in the chambers.
There were such guests as Henry II, Francis I, Lafayette, Balzac. The inner chambers were decorated in the style of the Renaissance.
At the moment, the owner is the Marquis de Kegelen. The castle is open for visitors, while its most famous rooms are the salon, the Guards Hall, the library and the chapel. A lot of works of art were used to decorate the interiors. Louis XV and XVI furniture is located in this place, amazing tapestries are on the walls. The canvases decorating the castle belong to the brush of famous artists, including Rigot, Jean-Louis David, Fragonard, Guido Reni, Andrea del Sarto.
Legendary versailles
Versailles, as one of the most famous castles in the country, annually attracts about 3 million visitors. This magnificent palace was built in 1624 for Louis XIII as a hunting house. Later it expanded, becoming the residence of the entire royal family. Unique features of the palace include a corridor with 17 mirror arches, the Hall of Mirrors and a huge number of other equally interesting details. Visitors in the Queen’s bedroom can see a hidden door - Marie Antoinette made her escape through it. Versailles with its stunning rooms is a must-see. We must not forget about the 250-acre gardens of the palace, demonstrating the geometric idyll of trails, flowers and trees.
Stunning landscapes, French charm, magnificent castles of France will open here for all tourists, travelers and vacationers ... Today, all historical cultural monuments of the Middle Ages of the country are carefully guarded, and many who were previously in dilapidated condition are now beginning to be restored.