Beautiful, rolling hills topped with a spectacular chateau evokes the idea of fairly tales, and days gone by.  The size and detail of these marvelous structures are something to behold.  Many spectacular Chateaus still stand as they stood hundreds of years ago, maintained and awe inspiring. We have chosen our 25 most beautiful French Chateaus of the World.

#1 Chateau de Chenonceau

This beautiful castle has history. King Henry the II gave it to his mistress. When he died, his wife threw the mistress out and moved in.

#2 Chateau de Chantilly

Built in 1560, you can see the beauty of this castle shining off the surrounding moat. It sits just 25 miles north of Paris.

#3 Chateau de Chambord

The Loire Valley is known for its collection of castles. This particular castle features over 400 rooms and an astounding 300 fireplaces. Guess all those rooms are difficult to keep warm.

#4 Chateau de D’Azay le Rideau

Under King Francois, this castle features the architectural style of the time. The Italian design makes this quaint, little castle quite a wonder.

#5 Chateau de Chaumont

This castle was built in the 1400’s and was immediately demolished by an angry king when he found the castle’s occupant had joined a revolt against the crown.

#6 Chateau de Pierrefonds

Another castle that was razed. The owner, a cardinal in the church, turned against the king and the castle suffered an attack. The beauty of this castle is featured in television and film.

#7 Chateau de Versailles

The quintessential French Chateau. The windows alone are worth the visit to a castle where opulence knows no bounds.

#8 Chateau de D’Usse

This castle is literally the castle out of Sleeping Beauty. The author visited the grounds and was so enchanted that he wrote an entire book about the fairy tale feeling.

#9 Chateau de Villandry

This castle is nestled into acres upon acres of carefully sculpted gardens. In fact, the gardens are the draw that brings the people in, with the castle ranking a close second.

#10 Chateau de Blois

Joan of Arc was blessed by an archbishop near the spiral staircase in this castle. The courtyard is one of the most beautiful in all of France.

#11 Chateau de Cheverny

The interior of this centuries-old castle is relatively new, being renovated in the late 1700’s. The interior is the most spectacular in the valley.

#12 Chateau de Clos Luce

This small mansion is where you’d find Leonardo Da Vinci working on his masterpieces just before he died. There is an underground tunnel that leads to other castles.

#13 Chateau de DAmboise

Francois the First made his home here. This is the castle that Leonardo Da Vinci’s house connects to.

#14 Chateau de Chenonceau

Yet another spectacular castle in the Loire Valley. This home features reflections that would have drawn Monet’s attention.

#15 Chateau de Valençay

This Chateau overlooks the little Nahon river and is built in the style of the Loire Valley estates. It features a series of marble sculptures in the garden.

#16 Chateau de Les Merles

This is a chateau that you can actually stay in. The commercial property is in close proximity to other divine castles, so you can know what it is like to stay in a castle yourself.

#17 Chateau de La Roque

Louis XV sent his archbishop into exile because the bishop suggested that the king relinquish a mistress. But the punishment fits the crime in this luxurious castle that is now a hotel.

#18 Chateau de Buno

This quaint castle does not resemble the massive estate of Loire Valley, but it is charming none the less.

#19 Chateau de La Couronne

This castle turned hotel has been featured in plenty of films for its old world charm and expansive front side.

#20 Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte

Château Smith Haut Lafitte is a Bordeaux wine from the Pessac-Léognan appellation, ranked among the Grands Crus Classé for red wine in the Classification of Graves wine of 1953 and 1959.

#21 Chateau Lafite Rothschild

Château Lafite Rothschild is a wine estate in France, owned by members of the Rothschild family since the 19th century. The name Lafite comes from the Gascon term “la hite” meaning “small hill”

#22 Chateau Margaux

The perfect place to stay when you visit your favorite French wineries. This old chateau has been modernized with amenities like an in-ground swimming pool.

#23 Chateau de Lamothe Prince Noir

This beautiful little castle is covered in moss and surrounded by water. It is the perfect romantic getaway in the French countryside.

#24 Chateau De Behen

A rigid red-brick castle stands out amongst the countryside. The thunderous presence can be felt miles away.

#25 Chateau Petrus

Pétrus is a Bordeaux wine estate located in the Pomerol appellation near its eastern border to Saint-Émilion. It has a beautifully elegant exterior.