16 Most Beautiful Castles In The South Of France
Looking for castles in the south of France to visit while in the region? From the famous ones to hidden gems, this post has them all!
Europe is home to many beautiful castles, which are revered for their architectural showcase and storied past. The French castles, also known as Chateaux, are no different.
Some of these castles were initially built as fortresses designed to serve as military strongholds, but there are also some that were built for the sole purpose of being luxury homes for the French royals and dignified people and this collection of the most beautiful castles in the south of France is no exemption.
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Just like the rest of France, southern France is teeming with these fairytale castles.
From Chateaux with picturesque views of cliffs and valleys to ones with elaborate architecture and manicured gardens, they make the ideal bucket list items for different types of travelers.
So, if you’re heading to the South of France soon or you just want to be inspired to travel to the region, this post will show you the 16 most beautiful south of France castles that will leave you in awe.
Best Castles in the South of France
Whether you’re a history buff or have a found love for grandeur architecture, these chateaux in south of France will leave a mark on you.
1. Palais des Papes, Avignon
Not only is Palais des Papes one of the most important medieval Gothic architecture in Europe, but it is also one of the most beautiful castles in southern France.
This historical palace is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural value and was designated in 1995.
Before it became the seat of Western Christianity and became the papal residence in the 14th century, it was used as a fortress and palace. It also earns the distinction as the largest Gothic palace in Europe.
Its towers are among its most distinctive features, together with the chapels and the papal bedrooms but if you’re into art, the Palais usually hosts a number of art exhibitions.
It serves as a historical landmark today and is a popular tourist attraction in Avignon.
To fully enjoy your visit to the Palais des Papes, be sure to book this combined tour that also takes on a guided walking tour of Avignon.
2. Château de Peyrepertuse, French Pyrénées
A former ruined fortress, Château de Peyrepertuse is one of the Cathar castles in the French Pyrenees region.
The location is one of the reasons why it is noted as one of the most awe-inspiring castles in south of France.
The chateau is built atop a limestone cliff that offers breathtaking views of the entire region and was hence used as a watch spot to see bypassers and send communication to the nearby castle of Quéribus.
Built in the 11th century, the castle was never subjected to an attack during the Crusade due to its strategic location.
Besides the views, the ruins of this castle are impressive because it is difficult to tell apart the castle and the rocks on which it was built.
Château de Peyrepertuse has become a popular tourist attraction in the department of Aude not only among architecture enthusiasts but also history buffs.
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3. Château de Castelnaud, Castelnaud
This is another medieval fortress to add to your travel bucket list when headed to Southern France.
Château de Castelnaud is located in Castelnaud-la-Chapelle and was erected to rival Château de Beynac.
While there is a lack of historical documentation to tell exactly when this castle was built, there is some evidence that points to the 13th century.
The castle was built on a rocky outcrop with panoramic views of the nearby Dordogne Valley.
This picturesque castle has been recently restored and is currently open to the public (although privately owned). It is home to a medieval warfare museum, including weapons from the Middle Age.
4. Château Pastré, Marseille
If you’re looking for the most stunning chateau in southern France, Chateau Pastre is a top candidate for that title.
Located in Montredon, a walled-in town in Marseille, this chateau was formerly known as Chateau de Montredon.
It was built in the 19th century and is owned by a wealthy merchant family, and it is considered a historic site and a monument in Marseille.
Tourists who visit this chateau can explore the castle grounds, which are also a public park consisting of a garden with statues, two artificial lakes, and exquisite lawns.
And if you head to the top of the hill, you’ll be able to take in the stunning views of Marseille.
There is also Musée de la Faïence de Marseille (a French pottery museum) housed within the chateau that houses over 1,500 pieces that span a period of over 7000 years.
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5. Château Royal de Collioure, Collioure
Situated in the town of Collioure is one of the most stunning castles in the south of France — Chateau Royal de Collioure.
This expansive royal French castle that was built on the site of a former Roman castrum is over 800 years old and is notable for its rampart views.
However, its rich history is one of the reasons why tourists flock to it. Visitors can experience a glimpse of that history with one of the many exhibitions that are housed within the castle.
Chateau Royal de Collioure is also in close proximity to 4 other castles so you’ll never run out of castles to visit in this area.
6. Château Borély, Marseille
This is another one of the chateaux in south France that is located in Marseille. Built for Louis Borley in the 18th century, this chateau was later donated to the city (during the 19th century).
It is currently part of the Parc Borely but prior to that, it housed an archaeological museum.
Chateau Borely is an important landmark in the city of Marseille because it was built by one of the wealthiest merchant families in the region. Therefore, it has become an emblem of pleasure and luxurious homes.
Aside from the stunning castle, the spacious and leafy park that surrounds it is also a sight to behold.
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7. Château de Lourmarin, Vaucluse
Known as Provence’s first Renaissance castle, Chateau de Lourmarin is a thing of beauty. This lovely castle is actually a converted castle since it was originally a fortress in the 12th century.
In the early 1500s, the castle belonged to Louis d’Agoult-Montauban and his wife. It changed ownership over the years until it was restored by Robert Laurent-Vibert in 1920, with the help of architect Henri Pacon.
Following the death of Laurent-Vibert, the castle was converted into a trust that helped support young artists (as stated in his will), and today, the castle is open to the public to visit.
The architecture of this castle boasts opulent elegance, particularly the Renaissance wing where a vast art collection is housed.
Other features not to miss on your visit include the Italian style loggia, the spiral staircase, and the large rooms featuring furnishings from the 15th century.
8. Château de Beynac, Beynac-et-Cazenac
Chateau de Beynac is yet another castle on this list that sits on a rock cliff.
Built in the 12th century by the barons of Beynac, Chateau de Beynac is a breathtaking medieval fortress that overlooks the Dordogne River and is located right across the Chateau de Castelnaud.
The strategic location of this castle served as a natural defense. It especially played a significant role in the Hundred Years’ War as the castle became the French stronghold.
Many agree that the austere look of the castle reflects the fact that it was constructed during the Middle Ages.
Due to its astonishing beauty and historic relevance, the castle was named a historic monument in France in 1944.
Besides the imposing beauty, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the entire valley after climbing the spiral staircase.
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9. Château de la Napoule, Cannes
Classified as a historical landmark, Château de la Napoule is located in the Alpes-Maritimes region of Southern France.
It was originally built by the Countess of Villeneuve in the 14th century but has undergone several rebuilding processes and restorations throughout its history.
Today, it is owned by the La Napoule Art Foundation and functions as a cultural center.
The seaside location adds to the romantic appeal and charming beauty of the fortified castle. It also features a stunning garden that is filled with cedar and eucalyptus trees.
After being abandoned, the garden was restored and now features the elements of the French formal garden (garden a la Francaise) which provides stunning sea views and a grand alley.
10. Château de Tarascon, Provence
Located at the heart of a small Provencal town, Chateau de Tarascon is one of the most beautiful medieval castles in the south of France.
It sits on the banks of the Rhone River and was built at the turn of the 15th century. Although it was built for residential purposes, this castle also performed several military functions.
Since it was built across a royal city, it helped to secure the western border of Provence. On top of that, it was once used as a prison for enemy sailors.
When it became a historic monument in the 1840s, it was owned by the State that was responsible for its restoration.
It is notable for its remarkable state of restoration and conservation. At the same time, it was distinguished for its blend of Renaissance and Gothic architectural styles.
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11. Château des Baux de Provence, Provence
Perched on the Alpilles, Chateau des Baux offers panoramic views of the medieval village of Les Baux in Provence.
Built in the 10th century, visiting the grounds and interiors of this fortified castle feels like taking a journey back in time.
The castle is open for visitors where you can explore its vestiges and ruins which are proof of the role that it played in history, especially in protecting the small town where it was built.
There are tours available for those who want to learn more about the history of the castle.
There are different parts of the castle to see including the courtyard, farmyard, windmill, cistern, cave houses, and more.
12. Château de Montauban, Fontvieille
This beautiful residence is yet another one on the list of the most beautiful castles in the south of France.
Château de Montauban served as a place of rest and inspiration for Alphonse Daudet when he was invited by the family that owned it. He also drew inspiration from this building and its surrounding parks and gardens for some of his novels.
This beautiful castle features a 19th-century façade that provides a beautiful contrast to the 18th-century farmhouse attached to it.
The path leading to the castle is filled with pine nuts, oak trees, trenches, and stone walls.
There is also a museum within the castle with temporary and permanent exhibitions focused on medieval archaeological artifacts.
13. Château de Gordes, Gordes
Located within the heart of the village of Gordes, Chateau de Gordes was originally built in 1031 but was rebuilt in 1525.
Since then, the castle has been one of the best-preserved castles from the Middle Ages and Renaissance eras.
This castle boasts a quadrilateral shape with towers at every corner, which is what a typical medieval fortress would look like.
In 1525, there were beautification works done on the castle, by the order of Bertrand Rembrandt de Simiane.
This resulted in two distinctive portions of the castle. The north façade shows the main character of this castle, brute and imposing. On the other hand, the south façade is embellished in Renaissance style.
The castle is currently open for tourists who want to see and experience its art exhibitions. Some rooms are also open for viewing at certain times of the year.
14. Château de Foix, Ariège
Sitting atop a rock, Chateau de Foix exerts its dominance over the town of Ariege in Southern France.
This chateau in south France is important because it serves as the center of Cathars. The French Ministry of Culture also recognized it as a historic monument since the 1840s but its believed to have been in existence since 987.
There were two round towers that were originally built as part of this castle. A third tower was eventually added in the 15th century along with a defensive wall (around the time when it was made the seat of the Governor of the Foix).
It is an impressive castle that adds charm to the small town of Foix. In fact, it is one of the most important tourist sites in the town with a museum dedicated to showing the history of the castle site.
15. The Castle of Val, Lanobre
The Castle of Val is a 12th-century castle that is nestled in the municipality of Lanobre.
This castle was built by a member of the Thynieres family after moving out of their official residence — the Thynieres Castle.
Many refer to it as a fairy tale castle because of its stunning architecture and its position near the lake.
It is made up of six towers that each showcase a unique design, which is one of its distinguishing features.
Despite its astonishing beauty, the castle was abandoned until the local commune of Bort-Les-Orgues took control of it in 1951.
It became the property of the village in 1953 and has since been renovated to become a major tourist attraction.
It’s possible for tourists to climb up to the roof of the castle to enjoy the panoramic views across the lake.
A visit inside the castle is also rewarding as you explore the large rooms and admire art exhibitions.
16. Château Comtal, Carcassonne
Chateau Comtal completes the list of the most stunning castles in south of France.
It is located within the medieval city of Carcassonne, which earns the distinction as the only city in Europe with its city walls still intact.
This Medieval castle is an imposing feature of the city as it sits on a rocky outcrop.
Built in the 12th century, it served as the city’s ultimate defense and that is to be attributed to the military architecture of the castle, especially its 3-km long double surrounding walls with 52 towers.
Since the time it was built, Chateau Comtal has undergone extensive restoration works.
Visitors to the castle can walk over the stone bridge on a dry ditch. There is also a museum inside the castle with guided and audio tours where tourists can learn about its storied past.
There are also several historical displays including medieval military art and reconstructions of battles.
Historically relevant and architecturally imposing, Chateau Comtal is one of the best castles in southern France.
Final Thoughts on the Stunning Chateaux in Southern France
If you want to be awe-inspired, check out any of these 16 most beautiful castles in the south of France.
It does not take a romantic or an architectural enthusiast to gain an appreciation for their beauty, history, and culture.
Now that you got to know some of these castles a little bit better, bookmark this guide as it will come in handy for when you set out on a trip to Southern France and you’re inspired to go castle-hopping.
Check out these posts to help you plan your trip to France
- Big mistakes to avoid in Paris
- The most famous landmarks in France
- Best things to do in Paris
- The most beautiful Castles in France
- Hidden gems to visit in Paris
- Most beautiful beaches in the South of France
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