France is home to many things: delicious food and wine, stunning landscapes and architecture, and wonderful cultural artifacts. This country is also home to some of the world’s oldest castles, many of which are still intact and open to the public today! In this article, we’re going to look more closely at some of the oldest castles in France, their histories, and what they look like today.
Let’s get right into it.
5 Oldest Castles in France
5. Château de Langeais
Era of construction: 15th Century
Location: Langeais, France
Open to the public: Yes
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
The Château de Langeais was constructed during the 15th century. It was built in the Flamboyant Gothic style on a promontory in the Loire Valley. One of the most interesting things about this castle is that it was founded by Fulk Nerra, who was the Count of Anjou. Nerra was the feudal rival of Odo I, Count of Blois. Since Fulk Nerra and Odo I had such a bitter rivalry, they spent much of their time attempting to capture and siege each other’s castles but were mostly unsuccessful.
It’s also interesting to note that this castle was actually built in the latter half of the tenth century, but was later destroyed during the Hundred Years War. However, after the war was over, the castle was rebuilt in the 15th century by King Louis XI. King Louis’s design choices and aesthetics were seen in the newer version of the castle and have since reflected what late medieval design choices look like.
Did you know?
The Château de Langeais is currently owned by the Institut de France.
4. Château de Châteaudun
Era of construction: 12th Century
Location: Châteaudun, Eure-et-Loir
Open to the public: Yes
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
The Château de Châteaudun is another of the oldest castles in France, but unfortunately, not much is known about its history or origins. However, we do know that this castle was constructed in the time period between the 12th and 16th centuries.
It’s interesting to note that Thibaut V, the Count of Blois Thibaut constructed the castle’s keep in 1170, while its Saint-Chapelle was constructed in the late 15th century. In the present day, this castle has a keep, a chapel, and two wings, both of which were constructed in the 15th century.
Did you know?
The Château de Châteaudun was one of the first castles constructed in France purely for leisure.
3. Château de Chaumont
Era of construction: 10th Century
Location: Chaumont-sur-Loire, Centre-Val de Loire
Open to the public: Yes
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
The Château de Chaumont is another of the oldest castles in France and is officially known as the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire. It was built during the 10th century by the Count of Blois, Odo I. Odo I built this castle with the sole purpose of ensuring that his land was protected from being attacked by his rival Fulk Nerra, who was the Count of Anjou.
Some years later, a man named Pierre d’Amboise rebelled against King Louis XI. Due to his rebellion, his castle was confiscated and dismantled but was eventually rebuilt. Over the years, many notable historical figures have inhabited this castle, one of whom was Catherine de Medici.
Did you know?
The Château de Chaumont gets its name from the French words chauve mont, which translates to bald hill.
2. Château Gaillard
Era of construction: 12th Century
Location: Commune of Les Andelys, Normandy
Open to the public: Yes
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
The Château Gaillard is one of the oldest and most famous castles in France. It’s worth noting that while this castle is well-known and open to the public today, it is in ruins. This castle was constructed towards the end of the 12th century under the patronage of Richard the Lionheart. One of the most fascinating features of this castle was that it took only around two years to build, which was extremely impressive and rare for the time. It was also quite an expensive castle to construct.
In the early 13th century, this castle was captured by Philip II, who was the king of France. Two centuries later, it became David II of Scotland’s home; he was exiled and forced to live elsewhere. During the Hundred Years War, the owners of this castle continued to change hands, but was finally repossessed by the French in 1449.
Did you know?
The Château Gaillard was one of the first castles in Europe to use machicolations.
1. Château de Loches
Era of construction: 9th Century
Location: Indre-et-Loire in the Loire Valley
Open to the public: Yes
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
The Château de Loches is one of the oldest existing castles that is still intact in France today! Although we don’t know when exactly it was constructed, this castle was built during the early 9th century. It is located about half a kilometer away from the Indres river, and at the time that it was built, it dominated the town of Loches.
It’s interesting to note that this castle’s owners have changed numerous times over the years. In the 12th century, Henry II of England and his son, Richard the Lionheart, occupied the castle for some time, but it was later captured by the French king, Philip II, in 1204. After King Philip occupied the castle, he immediately got to work to ensure that his castle became a sound military fortress. In later centuries, Charles VII of France occupied this castle and even gave it to his mistress Agnes Sorel.
Did you know?
The Château de Loches is mostly known for its huge square keep, which is a fortified square tower.
Conclusion
In this article, we looked more closely at some of the oldest castles in France. Throughout your reading of this article, you might have realized that there were a few recurring historical characters who showed up to try and lay siege to each other’s castles! Since France is such a small country with quite a colorful history, it’s no surprise that so many of the same people existed and tried to take things from one another! We hope that you enjoyed reading this article, and that you learned something new from it.
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