20 beautiful castles in France and how to stay in one for free

Have you ever wondered what it's like to step back in time and walk through the same halls as kings and queens? Castles in France offer a portal into an era where chivalry was alive, and epic battles shaped history. Imagine wandering through the opulent rooms of Château de Versailles or standing atop the rugged fortifications of Mont Saint-Michel.

If fairy tales allure you, places like Château de Chenonceau stretch across rivers with grace; gardens bloom around them with no regard for the modern world rushing by beyond their grounds. Or perhaps your taste veers towards the imposing medieval structures such as Cité de Carcassonne where knights once defended realms?

The historical weight carried by these majestic buildings is palpable when you cross their ancient thresholds. It's like stepping back in time, feeling the echoes of centuries past underfoot and all around you.

There are over 40,000 palaces, fortresses, and castles in France, spanning from the 9th to the 21st centuries. Many of these historic structures have been renovated, and several are open to visitors and house museums that highlight their historical significance. But which ones are really worth visiting? 

Check out our list compiling some of the most impressive French castles, then find out how to stay in one of these amazing places without paying for accommodation.

You might also like to read: 

• Where to go in France: the 29 best places to see other than Paris
• Your complete travel guide to visit Paris on a budget

• Insider’s guide to planning a trip to France for first-timers

20 beautiful castles in France

1. Château de Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is perhaps the most famous castle in France. Built in the 17th century, it was the principal residence of the French kings from Louis XIV to Louis XVI. The palace is known for its opulent interiors, including the Hall of Mirrors and the Royal Opera. The gardens of Versailles are equally impressive, with their geometric design and stunning fountains.

2. Château de Chambord

This is another famous French castle, located in the Loire Valley. Built in the 16th century, it is known for its distinctive French Renaissance architecture, which blends traditional medieval forms with classical Renaissance structures. 

The château has 426 rooms, 77 staircases, and 282 fireplaces, making it one of the largest castles in France. The most famous feature of the château is the double helix staircase, which is said to have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci.

3. Château de Chenonceau

This stunning castle spans the River Cher in the Loire Valley. Built in the 16th century, it is known for its beautiful architecture and the famous ladies who once resided there, including Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de' Medici. 

The castle's most iconic feature is the arched bridge that spans the river, which was used as a ballroom during the Renaissance. The gardens of Chenonceau are also a must-see, with their lush greenery and stunning floral displays.

4. Mont Saint-Michel

Mont Saint-Michel is a famous French castle located on an island off the coast of Normandy. Built in the 8th century, it was originally an abbey, but was later fortified to protect against invaders. The castle is known for its stunning location and its Gothic architecture, which includes the famous Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel.

5. Cité de Carcassonne

This is a medieval citadel located in the south of France. Built in the 13th century, it is known for its impressive fortifications, which include 52 towers and two outer walls. The castle was restored in the 19th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside the castle, visitors can explore the narrow streets and visit the beautiful Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus.

6. Château d'Angers

The Château d'Angers is a medieval castle located in the heart of the Loire Valley. Built in the 9th century, it was later expanded in the 13th century and became one of the largest castles in the region. One of the highlights of the visit is seeing the famous Apocalypse Tapestry, which depicts the story of the Book of Revelation.

7. Château de Chaumont

Also in the Loire region, the Château de Chaumont was built in the 10th century and later rebuilt in the 15th century. It is now a stunning example of Renaissance architecture and it’s known for its beautiful gardens, which host the International Garden Festival every year.

8. Château de Blois

The Château de Blois is located in the heart of the city of Blois. Built in the 13th century, it was the residence of several French kings and is now a museum. The castle is known for its unique architecture, which combines Gothic, Renaissance, and Classical styles.

9. Château d'Ussé

Located in the Loire Valley, this French castle dates from the 15th century. It is said to have inspired Charles Perrault's famous fairy tale, "Sleeping Beauty." The castle's most iconic feature is the tall, slender tower that rises above the surrounding landscape. Inside the castle, visitors can see the beautifully decorated rooms and the stunning chapel.

10. Château de Pierrefonds

In the north of France, one of the highlights is the Château de Pierrefonds. Built in the 14th century, it was later restored in the 19th century by the famous architect Viollet-le-Duc. The castle is known for its impressive fortifications, which include eight towers and a drawbridge.

11. Château de Vincennes

Just outside of Paris, this castle built in the 14th century was the residence of several French kings and is now a museum. The castle is known for its impressive fortifications, which include a massive keep and a moat. It’s worth visiting its beautifully decorated rooms and the stunning Sainte-Chapelle.

12. Château de Coucy

The Château de Coucy is another stunning castle located in the north of France. Built in the 13th century, it was one of the largest castles in Europe at the time. It was partially destroyed during World War I, but the ruins are still an impressive sight to behold. The most famous feature of the castle is the massive keep, which stands at over 50 meters tall.

13. Château de Foix

The Château de Foix is a stunning medieval castle located in the south of France. Built in the 10th century, it was later expanded in the 14th century and is now a museum. Besides seeing the beautifully decorated rooms, you get to learn about the history of the region.

14. Château de Bonaguil

The Château de Bonaguil is another beautiful medieval castle in the south of France. Built in the 13th century, it was expanded in the 15th and 16th centuries and was also turned into a museum. Its name derives from the French “bonne aiguille” (good needle) and refers to the defensive site: a steep, rocky promontory.

15. Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg

Located in the Alsace region, the Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg was built in the 12th century and sits atop a high hill that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. On a clear day, visitors can see as far as the Black Forest in Germany and the Swiss Alps.

16. Château de Castelnaud

The Château de Castelnaud is in the Dordogne region. Built in the 12th century, the castle sits atop a high cliff, and from the top of the castle's keep you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Dordogne Valley and the nearby Château de Beynac. The picturesquely restored castle, a private property open to the public, houses a museum of medieval warfare.

17. Château de Beynac

The Château de Beynac is another castle in France with great views in the Dordogne. Built in the 12th century, it sits atop a high cliff and also allows visitors to enjoy the view of the Dordogne Valley and the Château de Castelnaud.

18. Château de Peyrepertuse

This one is a ruined fortress and one of the so-called Cathar castles located high in the French Pyrénées, in the Aude département. It is located on a limestone ridge at an altitude of 800 m, on top of a hill. From the top, visitors can see the Pyrenees Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. This medieval castle was built in the 11th century.

19. Château de Fontainebleau

Among the most popular castles in France there is the Château de Fontainebleau. It served as a hunting lodge and summer residence for many of the French monarchs, like a “family home” for the kings of France, passed down from generation to generation from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. It's now a national museum, offering insights into several centuries of French history.

20. Château de Villandry

And we close this list of castles in France with one of the most famous castle gardens in the country, which is the one at the Château de Villandry. The gardens here are laid out in formal patterns created with low box hedges, and they're absolutely breathtaking. If you're looking for a truly stunning castle garden experience, this is the place to go.

Stay in a castle in France for free

Did you know you can get free accommodation near some of the best castles in France, or even stay in a French castle for free? It may sound too good to be true, but it is true indeed: on Worldpackers, a collaborative travel platform, you’ll find hosts that will welcome you in a castle, or in a region full of castles, in exchange for a few hours of help.

This type of trip is called a work exchange, and it’s like a volunteer program where you work for a few hours per week and get benefits like free accommodation, meals and use of bikes in return.

Besides being a great way to save money, this experience allows you to have unforgettable experiences (such as helping renovate a castle!), make friends from all over the world, and immerse yourself in local culture. Read our guide on How Worldpackers works for more information.

Got interested? Check out some of the opportunities that are currently available for volunteering in or around castles in France:

Help renovating a castle in Yonne

For the last 5 years, this host has been renovating and rebuilding the castle itself, and now they’re adding a 250 square meter old barn to the outbuildings. In exchange for your help, you’ll get a free stay in a private room, three daily meals, free laundry and bikes at your disposal. The castle is next to Paris, which you can visit on weekends.

“My experience at the host was incredible! The place is beautiful, I was able to learn more about French culture, improve skills with different tasks and explore places around. Eude is an excellent cook and a welcoming person with a lot of knowledge to share! I highly recommend this volunteering!”, said Alana, a former volunteer from Brazil. 

Click here for more information on this opportunity.

Help with gardening in a castle of Chinon, Indre-et-Loire

Feel like escaping to the tranquil countryside of Chinon, France? This volunteering opportunity is open for a couple or two individuals. Private gatehouse accommodation is provided in exchange for approximately 20 hours of garden help per week.

“I had a great experience at the home! Me and my friend spent around 3 weeks there doing a mix of different jobs around grounds like trimming hedges, mowing the lawn etc. The hosts were very hospitable and kind, they told us everything we needed to know and gave appreciation for the work we did. We spent 20 hours a week working, and the rest of the time was spent in a beautiful little town in the Loire valley. Overall a very enjoyable experience”, said Ciaran, from the UK.

Keep reading about this position.

Volunteer near the castles of the Loire Valley

In this position you’ll be hosted by Sylvain and Vincent, who have a beautiful property of 3 hectares in Touraine in the heart of the Loire Valley, a culturally and gastronomically rich French region. You will assist them in daily tasks, in particular in the maintenance of the three guest rooms and the gite. You’ll get a private room, three meals a day and a lot of time to explore the area by bike.

“Vincent and Sylvain are warm and generous hosts. They are enthusiastic about sharing their culture and always offered to include me in their plans to meet with locals and see more of the area. On bike, it is very easy to get around, and Vincent has all the best routes to avoid cars and, importantly, get the best view of the stunning Loire! the guest house, or “Home” as anyone staying there will quickly call it, is a stunning environment with lots of space to explore, go for walks, take a dip in the pool, or just sit and soak up the sun! The work is not difficult so afternoons are always off”, said Zein, from the US.

Click here to see this position's announcement with more information.

Help maintain the garden of a castle in South Loire Valley

The hosts of this positions are Sophie and Charles, impassioned by the restauration of the Château de Saint - loup sur Thouet in South Loire Valley. They are looking for help in different ways, but mainly in the garden, for two or three weeks. In your free time, you can bike around the countryside, ride a boat in the river or visit places like La Rochelle.

“My time here was so so amazing, it's such a beautiful place to stay and exploring the grounds is such a magic experience. Sophie was very welcoming and makes sure you have everything you need. The working hours were very well respected, and the work was always done together so I never felt alone with a task which was really nice. I will really miss visiting the horses and saying hello to the cats, this place is such a breath of fresh air, I loved it!”, said Marama, from the UK.

Check out all the information regarding this work exchange opportunity.

As you’ve seen, each of the many castles in France has its own fascinating story to tell about history and architecture. From royal retreats to majestic gardens, there are plenty of amazing castles for you to marvel at. 

Whether it's walking through luxurious halls once roamed by kings or standing atop ancient towers overlooking sprawling estates, visiting these castles can feel like flipping through pages of a vivid history book.

If you’re eager to have a different, special experience in a French castle, consider volunteering in one! Create a free profile on Worldpackers right now, start browsing through the positions in France and let the tales of old inspire your own adventures.

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