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Chateaupedia

Renaissance châteaux

The 16th and 17th centuries, when the fortress became a residence: ceremonial staircases, designed gardens, façades opened onto the landscape.

We record 3,866 castles, manor houses and strongholds renaissance, spread across 3,427 towns and villages. 1,057 of them are listed historic monuments, the highest level of protection in French heritage law. The dominant period is the renaissance, with 3,866 buildings. We know the opening hours of 402 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 3,866 in the Explorer

Frequently asked

How many châteaux can you visit renaissance?
We record 3,866 renaissance, across 3,427 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 renaissance?
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 renaissance?
1,057 out of 3,866. 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 402 châteaux in this list, read from their official website or their business listing, with the date we last checked shown.

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