France is one of the few countries on whose territory a huge number of medieval castles have been preserved. However, this does not mean that luxury
“Chateaux” are similar to each other - each region has a unique architectural style and, of course, history.
The most famous names of castles in France:
- Versailles.
- Chambord.
- Fontainebleau.
- Saint Michel.
- Blois.
- If.
Many filmmakers were fascinated by castles in France. The films Three Musketeers (1948, George Sidney), Tristan and Isolda (1998, Fabrizio Costa), Marie Antoinette (2005, Sofia Coppola), Angelica (1964) - the list of paintings created in luxurious interiors can be continued for a very long time.
Versailles
Royal castles of France are incredibly popular among tourists, so our modest overview of Versailles opens. This magnificent palace and park complex, located in the suburbs of the capital, has long remained the residence of the French rulers.
In 1623 there was a small hunting lodge on the site of the Palace of Versailles . For perestroika, which took two years, Louis XIII decided immediately after the purchase of the entire estate.
Thirty years later, the expansion of the palace was continued by Louis XIV, who later made Versailles the main residence. At this time, a chapel, the Battle Gallery, the Royal Opera and the Mirror Gallery appeared on the territory of the complex.
During the reign of Louis XV, the Hercules Salon and the Small Trianon Palace were completed, and King's Small Apartments were built. The last project was the reconstruction of the courtyards, which was completed only in the XX century.
Exemplar
Versailles Park is no less admiring than the decoration of the palace itself. Many terraces, magnificent lawns and flowerbeds, fountains, a greenhouse and sculptural compositions - the park complex is one of the largest in Europe.
Versailles is certainly the most famous castle of France. Under the influence of its incomparable architecture, other palaces were built (Schönbrunn, Peterhof, Sanssouci).
Chambord
The small town of Chambord in the Loire Department is known in many respects thanks to another royal residence. In 1519, Francis I organized a large-scale construction, and only after 28 years did the castle of Chambord (France) appear here.
At the royal court at that time, Leonardo da Vinci was the chief architect, and modern research proves his participation only at the initial stage of the project. The great master died a few months before the start of construction.
Chambord Castle (France) is called a masterpiece of the Renaissance.
A grand staircase with carved ornaments, large terraces, arches with royal emblems and capitals decorated with sculptures - it will take more than one hour to get to know all the splendor. Just imagine the scale: 426 rooms, 282 fireplaces and 77 stairs.
The park in the residence of the king, which encircles a wall of 32 kilometers, occupies approximately 5.5 hectares. Francis I of the forest in Chambord was considered the best place for hunting.
Blois
The department of Loire and Cher also houses the royal residence - the castle of Blois (France), which is under the protection of UNESCO.
The palace was built by the Dukes of Orleans in the 15th century. In 1498, Louis XII ascended the throne, for whom these lands were native. The small town became the capital, and during the reign of Louis XII and Francis I experienced a period of rapid development.
By order of Louis XII, the construction of a new wing was begun, which contrasted markedly with the gloomy rooms of the castle. The building, filled with light, luxury and grace, fully corresponded to the character of the king himself.
The reign of Francis I also left a certain imprint. In 1515, the king ordered the construction of his own wing in the Renaissance style. However, after the death of his beloved wife, and then defeat at the Battle of Pavia, Francis I leaves Blois. After a rapid take-off, the castle falls into decay - the descendants of the king occasionally stop here. Later, the complex is put up for sale, but, not finding buyers, equip barracks for soldiers.
If you are interested in castles in France, photos with the names of magnificent palaces can only satisfy a little curiosity. It is much more interesting to look live at the luxurious castle of Blois, go through the rooms decorated with expensive furniture, tapestries, paintings and household items of the famous dynasty.
If Castle (France)
In our review, the name of Francis I was mentioned more than once, but many associate the king, first of all, with the famous castle of If.
Fearing attacks from the sea, Francis I ordered the construction of a fort near Marseille, which lasted seven years (1524-1531). Outwardly, the fortress looked pretty impressive, but in fact the walls were not so reliable.
At the end of the XVI century, the castle began to be used to contain dangerous criminals. It was almost impossible to escape from here. The sharp stones on the shore were considered the first obstacle, and the current was the second obstacle that even a hardy and healthy person would not be able to cope with.
Literary fame to this place brought the novel “Count of Monte Cristo”, written in 1844-1845 by Alexander Dumas. According to the plot, the main character Edmond Dantes spends 14 years in prison, and then makes an escape from the fortress.
The work of the French writer was an incredible success. To date, more than twenty films have been shot, including the Soviet film “Prisoner of If Castle”. France, Italy, USSR republics - in the summer of 1987, the film crew set off on an exciting journey.
Dantes and the Iron Mask
It is worth noting that for more than 100 years, If Castle has not lacked tourists. Here is a large exhibition dedicated to the novel “Count of Monte Cristo”. On the first floor, visitors can see the cell of Edmond Dantes, and on the second floor there is a chamber of a mysterious prisoner named Iron Mask.
Dantes was a fictional character, and the Iron Mask was never contained in If fortress. However, thanks to two prisoners, this castle of France is one of the main attractions of Marseille.
Fontainebleau
The dazzling interior decoration, architecture, unique nature and, of course, the events that took place within the palace walls are of genuine interest.
Fontainebleau Castle (France), located 50 kilometers from Paris, is surrounded by a huge number of legends. There were rumors of otherworldly forces, several centuries ago helping the country's rulers in resolving important matters.
The surroundings of Fontainebleau, rich in game, interested Louis VII (1120-1180). The country residence looked more like a medieval fortress, and it was only in 1515 that Francis I, already familiar to us, decided to reconstruct. After his death, Catherine de Medici and Henry II Valois took over. However, Napoleon Bonaparte became a real admirer of Fontainebleau, who filled the palace with splendor, luxury and grandeur.
Today, travelers can visit the halls dedicated to the emperor: the Throne Hall, Napoleon’s study and bedroom, as well as the Red Salon, where abdication was signed.
Saint michel
The fabulous and impregnable castle of Saint-Michel (France) was originally a Grave Mountain, surrounded by dense forests. However, under the onslaught of water, part of the coast disappeared, and instead of a mountain a rocky island appeared on which one bishop built a chapel.
Thanks to the financial assistance of the seniors, in 1017 the construction of the main monastery building began. The island was gradually built up, and the abbey itself was repeatedly under siege.
For more than 300 years, the monastery was used as a prison, and in one of the cells a cage for dangerous criminals was equipped. In 1863, Mont Saint-Michel was given the status of a national treasure, but during the French Revolution, the abbey was sacked.
It took several decades to rebuild the monastery. Many castles in France, photos with the names of which are presented in our review, are popular among tourists. However, Saint-Michel among them is a real “pearl" - the pride of the French people.