When you think of the north of France, you are probably imagining long stretches of beaches with luscious sands and shores, quaint French towns, great food, and culture, as well as lots of modern history.
But there are also an array of historic castles, ranging all the way from the 6th century to the 19th century, all of which have many layers of history, owners and stories attached to them, which is a fascinating prospect that attracts many visitors every year. This list will highlight the key points of all of the best castles in the north of France, as well as important elements, such as location and opening times.
40 Famous Castles to visit in Northern France
1. Hardelot Castle
Hardelot Castle is incredibly visually striking, with its grand, dramatic turrets, impressive Gothic-style windows, and domineering presence, it is a site that attracts tourists year after year. The first castle was built during the 12th century, in Pas-de-Calais, in a field close by to the village of Condette.
It was originally built by the Counts of Boulogne, but the current castle was built in 1222 by Count Phillipe Hurepel and has seen many architectural and stylistic alterations over the centuries.
Where: Condette, France
When: 1222
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.
2. Chateau Musée de Dieppe
Originally built in the year 1188, Chateau de Dieppe, in the town of Dieppe in the Seine-Maritime department was then destroyed in 1195, before later being restored in the 14th century, in line with new, artistic principles.
In the year 1422, the castle was largely renovated again, by Charles des Marets, where many of the current and important features were added. Today, visitors are attracted to the beautiful gardens and surrounding views of the castle, as well as its long and fascinating history.
Where: Dieppe, France
When: Originally constructed in the 12th century
Open for visit: Yes
3. Castle of Rambures
The Castle of Rambures, or otherwise known as Le Chateau de Rambures, is a castle that was constructed during the Middle Ages, and is built in the style of a military fortress; it was constructed in the 15th century and is famous for being one of the earliest European castles to be constructed nearly entirely of bricks.
The castle has gorgeous gardens surrounding it, and there is a beautiful selection of Picardy furniture displayed inside, ranging from the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries.
Where: Rambures, France
When: 15th century
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.
4. Chateau de Gisors
Located in the town of Gisors in the department of Eure, the Chateau de Gisors was a fundamental fortress for the Dukes of Normandy during the 11th and 12th centuries.
Its original function was to defend the Anglo-Norman Vexin territory from the King of France. As well as this, the castle is also famous for its associations with the Templars; in the year 1314, it became the last prison of the Grand Master of the Order, Jacques de Molay.
Where: Gisors, France
When: 11th century
Open for Visit: Yes. Check here for more information.
5. Chateau Gaillard
Chateau Gaillard, or ‘Strong Castle’, towers above the commune of Les Andelys, and is a ruined medieval castle, that overlooks the stunning River Seine.
Construction of the castle originally began in the year 1196, under the command of Richard the Lionheart, and was built strangely quickly, and at an enormous cost. The castle is located approximately 95 kilometers from Paris, making it a great place to visit for the day when visiting the capital.
Where: Les Andelys, France
When: 1196
Open for Visit: Yes. Check here for more information.
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6. Chateau de Bizy
Originally constructed in the year 1675 by Michel-Andre Jubert de Bouville, and was later redesigned in the year 1740 by Coutant d’Ivry in a style that was inspired by the Palace of Versailles.
Today, the Chateau is open to the public but only through guided tours; there are many fascinating things to see and discover, including the Gobelin tapestries and items that belonged to the Bonaparte family; the gardens surrounding the castle are also gorgeous, and well worth a wander through.
Where: Vernon, France
When: 1675
Open for visit: Only by guided tour; times vary. Check the website before arranging it.
7. Castle of La Roche-Guyon
The Castle of La Roche-Guyon that stands today was built in the 12th century and controlled an array of different routes to and from Normandy, as well as the River Seine.
During the middle of the 13th century, a fortified manor house, known as the chateau-bas, was added below the castle. The castle has a truly rich history, with a great plethora of noble people claiming it as their residence across the many centuries.
Where: La Roche-Guyon, France
When: 12th century
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.
8. Chateau de Chantilly
This beautiful historic chateau is situated in the gorgeous town of Chantilly, which is approximately 30 miles to the north of Paris. The castle is essentially made up of two buildings, the Petit Chateau, which was built for Anne de Montmorency in the year 1560, and the Grand Chateau, although this was renovated in the 1870s after it was largely destroyed during the French Revolution. The Chateau de Chantilly is a hugely popular day-trip location for visitors staying in Paris.
Where: Chantilly, France
When: Origins in the 14th century
Opening hours and tickets: For more information, check here.
Tip: Buy your Chateau of Chantilly Skip-the-Line Ticket here in advance to avoid the queues.
9. Caen Castle
Situated in the city of Caen in the Calvados Department in Normandy, Caen Castle has a truly fascinating history. The castle was originally built in the year 1060 by William the Conqueror, who was famous for conquering England in 1066 at the Battle of Hastings.
During the Hundred Years’ War, the castle served as a primary fortification and defence system. However, during the Second World War, the castle was heavily bombed and damaged, but today, visitors are fascinated by its heritage.
Where: Caen, France
When: 1060
Open for Visit: Yes. check here for more information.
10. Castle of Coucy
Located in the commune of Coucy-le-Chateau-Auffrique in Picardy, lies the Castle of Coucy, a 13th century Medieval Castle with a huge amount of history.
The castle was originally constructed in the 1220s by Enguerrand III, Lord of Coucy, and features the largest ‘donjon’, or keep, in Europe, with a total measurement of 35 meters wide and 55 meters tall.
Today, visitors come to the castle to walk around its grounds, admire the surrounding countryside, and explore the heritage of the castle.
Where: Coucy, France
When: 13th century
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.
11. Castle of Sedan
Situated in the Ardennes Department of Northern France, lies the Castle of Sedan, a gorgeous 15th-century Chateau. Built in approximately 1424 by Eberhard II von der mark; the manor house began its life with two towers and was built around a church.
Later, in 1530 the manor was fortified and modernized, through the implementation of a circular boulevard, as well as terraces with cannons. In more recent history, the castle was given by the French Army to Sedan in 1962 and was renovated several times before being opened to the public.
Where: Sedan, France
When: 15th century
Open for visit: Museum is open 10:00 am – 17:00pm, but the rest of the castle is a private hotel. Check here for more information.
12. Castle of Pierrefonds
Often hailed as one of the most beautiful and fairy-tale-like castles in the entirety of France, the Castle of Pierrefonds, or the Chateau de Pierrefonds, has a long and captivating history. Its first, original castle was built in the 12th century before King Charles VI turned it into a Duchy in the year 1392 and then gave it to his brother.
The castle then fell into ruin in the 17th century, before Napoleon I bought it in the year 1810; during this period, it was fully renovated in the Romantic style and has been classified as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture since 1848.
Where: Pierrefonds, France
When: 12th-century origins
Opening hours: For more information, check here.
Click here to book your Château de Pierrefonds Fast Track tickets.
13. Chateau of Vincennes
Chateau de Vincennes is an enormous and fascinating castle in the historic town of Vincennes, which is just a stone’s throw away from Paris. Its origins lie in the year 1150, where it was used as a hunting lodge which was constructed for Louis VII, in the forest of Vincennes.
During the 13th century, the hunting lodge was modernized and made more substantial, by Philip Augustus and Louis IX. Throughout the centuries, the Chateau of Vincennes has had a variety of functions and purposes, and visitors can discover this at the museum.
Where: Vincennes, France
When: 1150 origins
Opening hours and tickets: For more information, check here.
Tip: Book your Château de Vincennes Entry Ticket in advance here.
14. Palaces of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is one of the most famous palaces in the world, and for good reason. It has been the official principal residence for French monarchs since the year 1682., and has a rich history, with a plethora of fascinating stories.
There is an array of different rooms to see when visiting the palace, including The Salon of Mercury, which was the original State Bedchamber of Louis XIV, The Salon of Hercules, which was originally a chapel, and The Salon of Venus, which was used for serving light meals. This is the perfect place to visit when staying in Paris if you wish to venture further afield.
Where: Versailles, France
When: Origins in the 16th century
Opening hours and tickets: For more information, check here.
Tip: The Palace of Versailles is always busy, so book your tickets ahead of time. I recommend the following:
– From Paris: Versailles Skip-the-Line Tour & Gardens Access (includes round trip transportation)
– Versailles Palace and Gardens Full Access Ticket
15. Chateau d’Anet
The beautiful Chateau d’Anet is located near the scenic town of Dreux, in the Eure-et-Loir department of Northern France. The castle was built for Diane de Poitiers, who was the mistress of Henry II of France, and the architect was Philibert de l’Orme, who constructed the Chateau between the years 1547 and 1552.
The architecture of the Chateau is absolutely stunning; it has grand, imposing windows, chimneys and gardens as well, and truly captures the spirit of the French aristocracy. This is a great place to visit if you wish to soak in some traditional and historical French culture.
Where: Dreux, France
When: 16th century
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.
16. Castle Courtomer
Castle Courtomer is a stunning 18th century French Chateau, located just a two-hour train journey outside of Paris. The architecture of the castle is inspired by the grandeur of the famous Palace of Versailles and has the same charm and dominant presence.
The chateau is a listed historical building, and the original castle was built in the 11th century. There is a lot of original furniture and features still in place at Castle Courtomer, which makes visitors feel as though they have travelled back in time.
Where: Courtomer, France
When: 18th century
Open for visit: The Chateau is now a hotel, so is not open to the general public. Check here for more information.
17. Chateau de Carrouges
The Chateau de Carrouges was originally an oppidum, which means that it was a defensive hill tower, which was located at the southmost border of the Norman Duchy of the famous William the Conqueror. The castle was then destroyed in 1368 by the English, during the Hundred Years War.
The exterior of this castle is stunning, but the interiors are perhaps its most beautiful part; there are a string of state apartments that are decorated in traditional Renaissance styles, and there are a plethora of decorated chimneys as well.
Where: Carrouges, France
When: 12th century
Open for Visit: Yes. Click here for more information.
18. Chateau Gullaume-le-Conquerant/Chateau de Falaise
This castle is situated in the department of Calvados, in the Normandy region of Northern France. A key reason why the castle is famous is because William the Conqueror was born at an earlier version of the castle on the same site, in approximately the year 1028.
In the 13th century, the castle was captured by King Philip II of France, before then changing hands multiple times again during the Hundred Years’ War. Many people today visit this castle both for its history, as well as for its unique and quirky architectural design.
Where: Falaise, France
When: 11th century
Open for Visit: Yes. Check here for more information.
19. Chateau de Fontaine-Henry
This classic Renaissance chateau was originally built in the 16th century and encapsulates true, traditional elegant French design. Before the current castle, there was an original medieval edifice, and there is lots of information inside the chateau about its history.
There is also an array of sculptures and incredible paintings by some of Europe’s masters, such as Mignard, Correggio, and Rigaud. It is also worth visiting the Francis I’s Staircase, and the chapel.
Where: Fontaine-Henry, France
When: 16th century
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.
20. Chateau de Lassay
Chateau de Lassay is a 15th-century castle, situated in the Lassay-les-Chateaux, which is in the Mayenne department. Before this castle, however, existed a 12th-century structure, which was later destroyed by French troops during the Hundred Years War.
The castle that exists today was built in the year 1458, after the French King Charles VII allowed the son of Charles de Vendome, Jean II, to build a new castle, which only took a year to construct. Since the year 1862, the castle has been listed as a Monument Historique.
Where: Lassay-les-Chateaux, France
When: 15th century
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.
21. Chateau de Domfort
The ruined castle of Domfort is situated in the gorgeous department of Orne, in the north of France; it has been recognized as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture since the year 1875, but its history stretches far beyond this. In the year 1051, the castle belonged to Guillaume II Talvas, Lord of Belleme, before it was then besieged by William the Conqueror.
The castle then went through centuries of military action, changing hands multiple times, before being ordered to be demolished in 1608 by Maximilien de Bethune, Duc de Sully.
Where: Domfort, France
When: 1051
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.
22. Fort la Latte
Situated in the northeast of Brittany lies the gorgeous Fort la Latte, a 13th-century medieval castle built upon a jagged cliff edge at the Baie de la Fresnaye. The castle is a famous tourist site, as it is near many tourist locations, such as Saint-Malo and Cap Frehel.
A lot of famous films have also been shot at Fort la Latte, including the 1958 blockbuster, ‘The Vikings’, which starred Kirk Douglas and Tony Curtis. Since the year 1925, Fort la Latte has been recognized as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture.
Where: Near Cap Frehel, France
When: 13th century
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.
23. Castle Bienassis
The gorgeous Castle Bienassis has its origins in the 15th century and highlights traditional, elegant French architecture. It was renovated notably in the 17th century, whereby it was injected with the principles of the Baroque era architecture and grandeur; the interior of the castle is absolutely stunning, and visitors often feel that they have been transported back in time. There are also some gorgeous gardens, stables, a stunning chapel, and a wine cellar, which can all be explored.
Where: Cotes-d’Armor, France
When: 15th century
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.
24. Castle Hunaudaye
Chateau de la Hunaudaye is nestled in the village of Pleven, in the Cotes-d’Armor department of northern France; its origins lay in the year 1220, whereby it was founded by Olivier Tournemine, and it was situated near to the site of a 4th century Gallo-Roman military camp, which highlights the layers of history that this castle offers.
The Tournemine family stayed as the owners of the castle until the 16th century when they died out before it fell to ruin; it was then sold to Marquis de Talhouet in the year 1783.
Where: Pleven, France
When: 1220
Open for Visit: Yes: Check here for more information.
25. Chateau de la Bourbansais
Built in the year 1583 by Jean du Breil, the Chateau de la Bourbansais was originally composed of just the main façade, and two towers. During the 17th century, the west façade was constructed in front of the beautiful French gardens; later, in the 18th century, the family d’Armaille added two new wings, improved the gardens, and the ground floor was renovated into grand salons for holding extravagant receptions. The castle today is in impeccable condition, and it is visited by many visitors each and every year.
Where: Pleugueneuc, France
When: 1583
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.
26. Chateau de Combourg
The gorgeous medieval castle, Chateau de Combourg, is situated in the Ille-et-Villaine, in the Brittany region of France. It is located next to a gorgeous, idyllic lake, called Lac Tranquille, meaning ‘Lake Tranquil’, which gives it a very picturesque and fairy tale atmosphere.
The castle was originally built in the year 1025 by Guinguene, the Archbishop of Dol, which he gifted to his brother Riwallon, the first Lord of Combourg. Today, the castle is privately owned and is listed as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture.
Where: Combourg, France
When: 1025
Open for Visit: Yes, check here for more information.
27. Chateau de Fougeres
On the site of the current Chateau de Fourgeres, the first castle was built in the 11th century by the House of Amboise, and it was made entirely of wood.
This was later destroyed in the year 1166 after being besieged by King Henry II of England; after this, it was immediately rebuilt by Raoul II Baron de Fougeres, which is where the name of the castle comes from. The castle is a popular destination with tourists and is famous for being one of Europe’s largest medieval fortresses.
Where: Fourgeres, France
When: 11th century
Open for Visit: Yes. Check here for more information.
28. Vitre Chateau
The Chateau de Vitre is a beautiful medieval castle in the town of Vitre, in the Ille-et-Vilaine department of northern France; this castle is incredibly old, with the first castle that was a feudal motte being build in approximately the year 1000, on the Sainte-Croix hill.
This castle was burned down multiple times, before the first stone castle was built at the end of the 11th century, by the Baron, Robert I of Vitre. There are still some original features that remain today, including a beautiful 11th-century Romanesque doorway.
Where: Vitre, France
When: 11th century
Open for Visit: Yes. Check here for more information.
29. Chateau de Comper
Nestled in the gorgeous Paimpont Forest, the origins of the Chateau de Comper are thought to date back to the 9th century, where it was said to have been owned by Salomon, the King of Brittany.
During the 13th century, the castle was regarded as one of the strongest castle fortifications in the whole of Brittany, and it has had a huge history of military action over the centuries. During the French Revolution, the castle was partially burned down, and it was left abandoned until the 19th century, where it was rebuilt by Armand de Charette.
Where: Paimpont Forest, France
When: 9th-century origins
Open for Visit: Yes, check here for more information.
30. Chateau de Trecesson
The Chateau de Trecesson is a medieval fortification that is located in the Brittany region of France, near to the Paimpont Forest. It is not really known when the Chateau de Trecesson was originally built, however, there is a record of it being mentioned as the seat of the lords of Ploermel and Campeneac, during the 8th century.
Over the many centuries that this castle has existed, there have been several different families owning and residing in it, which gives it a multi-faceted and layered history.
Where: Paimpont Forest, France
When: 8th century
Open for visit: No
31. Josselin Castle
Locally known as Chateau de Josselin, this medieval fortress is located in Brittany, in northern France; it was initially built on the year 1008 by Guethenoc, the viscount of Porhoet.
However, this castle did not last long and was eventually destroyed and replaced in 1370 by the castle that stands today, and this was built by Olivier de Clisson. The castle changed its role and function over the centuries, for instance, during the French Revolution, it was used as a prison and a warehouse, before being restored to its former medieval glory in 1822.
Where: Josselin, France
When: 1008
Open for Visit: Yes, check here for more information.
32. Chateau du Taureau
This 16th-century castle is located very near to Carantec, which is near to Plougasnou, and it is absolutely gorgeous. The original function of the Chateau du Taureau was to defend the Bay of Morlaix from the English.
This castle is on its own little island, which makes it have a truly powerful impression, and exudes a real, true sense of history; it is also a great place to take kids to, as there are lots of activities on a lot of the time!
Where: Carantec, France
When: 16th century
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.
33. Chateau de Kerjean
The Chateau de Kerjean is a 16th century fortified manor house that is located near to the town of Saint-Vougay, in the Finistere department of northern France.
The chateau was originally built for members of the Barbier family between the 1540s and 1590s, although it was later damaged during the French Revolution, during the end of the 18th century.
It then became abandoned, before it was later restored during the 19th century, in line with the principles of Romanticism. This is a great place to visit and experience the Renaissance architecture and beautiful gardens.
Where: Saint-Vougay, France
When: 16th century
Open for Visit: Yes. Check here for more information
34. Chateau de Tonquedec
Located in the Commune of Tonquedec in the Cotes d’Armor department of northern France, lies the beautiful Chateau de Tonquedec. The original castle no longer exists, but the original castle was built during the 12th century by the Coetmen-Penthievre family, though in the year 1395, it was partially destroyed by the order of Jean IV, Duke of Brittany due to a conflict between the two families. Since 1862, Chateau de Tonquedec has been listed as a monument historique, by the French Ministry of Culture.
Where: Tonquedec, France
When: Origins in the 12th century
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.
35. Le Chateau de Costaeres
The Chateau de Costaeres is a really unique castle in the north of France specifically in Tregastel, in the Cotes d’Armor region. It is located on its own island, surrounded by luscious green scenery and deep blue waters, and has a truly magical and enchanting atmosphere.
The castle is built in the neo-medieval style and was built during the end of the 19th century, for Bruno Abakanowicz, who was a Polish mathematician and inventor. Unfortunately, the castle cannot be visited inside, but you can still admire it from afar.
Where: Tregastel, France
When: 19th century
Open for visit: Not possible to visit the inside of the castle.
36. Chateau des Ducs de Rohan
This castle’s history dates back to the year 1274 when the town was fortified by Rudolph of Habsburg; however, the castle was heavily damaged and destroyed in the year 1632 by the Swedish army, during the Thirty Years’ War.
It was later rebuilt in 1673, and was built in the Baroque style, which was popular and prominent at the time of its renovation; it now is a museum and cultural center, where visitors can explore the heritage of the site.
Where: Mutzig, France
When: 1274
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.
37. Ravalet Castle
Ravalet Castle is a breath-taking French Renaissance chateau in the gorgeous town of Tourlaville in the north of France. The castle was built between the years 1562 and 1575 and was later transformed into a farm during the 17th century.
Later, in the 19th century, the castle was restored by Alexis de Tocqueville’s family, who was a famous author; during the renovation, a park was added, with several beautiful bonds and an additional stunning greenhouse. Today, the castle and gardens are a national heritage site and is a perfect place to stroll around on a sunny afternoon.
Where: Tourlaville, France
When: 1562
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.
38. Chateau de Creully
Chateau de Creully is an astonishing 11th and 12th-century castle that is located in the beautiful town of Creully in the Calvados department of northern France.
The history of the site begins in the year 1050, where there existed a large agricultural site, rather than a castle, but in the year 1360, a modified stone fortress was constructed, during the Hundred Years War. Over the centuries, many modifications were made, including in the 16th and 17th centuries, the barons added stables, Renaissance turrets, and enormous windows.
Where: Creully, France
When: 11th century
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.
39. Chateau de Vendeuvre
The Chateau de Vendeuvre is nestled in the gorgeous commune of Vendeuvre, near to the town of Lisieux, in the Normandy region of northern France; it is regarded as a monument historique, and it embodies the principles of traditional aristocratic, Baroque architecture.
The chateau was originally built between 1750 and 1752 by the architect Jacques-Francois Blondel; it encapsulates ideals of traditional French country manor houses or Maison de Campagne, and visitors today are intrigued by the insights into the past that it offers.
Where: Lisieux, France
When: 18th century
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.
40. Mont Saint Michel
The vast majority of those reading this article will be able to conjure the image in their mind of the striking, and absolutely awe-inspiring Mont Saint Michel in the Normandy region of France; the castle has an unfathomably vast and exciting history and was apparently first discovered by an Irish hermit in the 6th century, where it was then used as an Armorican stronghold of Gallo-Roman culture and power until it was later invaded by the Franks.
There is so much history, architecture and original features to explore when visiting Mont Saint Michel, and it is well worth spending an entire day here just to soak in its cultural and historical importance and significance.
Where: Normandy, France
When: 6th-century origins
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.
This list has highlighted a large selection of some of the most gorgeous castles in the northern region of France, as well as discussing key points of their heritage, their origins, and location and opening times; if this has not made you want to hop on a flight and uncover the secrets of these astonishing castles, we do not know what will!
Greetings from Southern California !!
I simply love your site !! What a great subject. Thank you for your details and points of interest.
I’ll be back to visit the rest of these treasured places. Much admiration for you. Vive la Grece !!