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Chateaupedia

Medieval castles and strongholds

Keeps, curtain walls and fortresses raised between the 11th and 15th centuries. These are visited by climbing stairs — bring proper shoes.

We record 3,918 castles, manor houses and strongholds middle ages, spread across 3,459 towns and villages. 1,111 of them are listed historic monuments, the highest level of protection in French heritage law. The dominant period is the middle ages, with 3,918 buildings. We know the opening hours of 501 of them, and we show the date on which we checked.

The most visited, with 102,626 reviews, is château du Puy-du-Fou (Les Epesses).

See all 3,918 in the Explorer

Frequently asked

How many châteaux can you visit middle ages?
We record 3,918 middle ages, across 3,459 towns and villages. Not all are open: many are private properties we list for their heritage interest, and the entry says so when we know.
Which is the most visited château middle ages?
château du Puy-du-Fou, in Les Epesses, with 102,626 visitor reviews. Actual footfall is the measure, not an editorial ranking.
How many are listed historic monuments middle ages?
1,111 out of 3,918. Listing is the highest level of protection in French heritage law; every entry links to its official record in the Mérimée database.
Where can I find opening hours?
On each entry. We know the hours of 501 châteaux in this list, read from their official website or their business listing, with the date we last checked shown.

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