chateau | A French Collection

Discover Stunning French Châteaux with Photos

France is called "the land of the châteaux", and with over 45,000 châteaux scattered across the breath and width of the country it literally is a land filled with stunning châteaux!

Discover Stunning French Châteaux with Photos

In this beautiful post we discover some stunning French châteaux and there's gorgeous photos, a little history and fun info on each. Use this post to plan your itinerary for your next trip to France, or to simply enjoy some armchair travelling.

Some regions are well known for their immense and stunning châteaux and are popular with visitors, but castles and châteaux are literally dotted all across France. The Loire Valley has some of the most visited châteaux, but the Dordogne and Languedoc also have their fair share of stunning castles and châteaux. Read on for more information about France's stunning castles and be inspired by our stunning French château photos.

European Heritage Day – Journées du Patrimoine

European Heritage Day - Journées du Patrimoine

Have you ever wanted to look behind the closed doors of French government and wander the corridors of normally closed châteaux?

Well you can, on each third weekend of September during the annual Journées du Patrimoine, or European Heritage Days. Over the weekend the public are welcome to explore some of France's most exclusive locations as part of the 'portes ouvertes' (open doors) event that takes place across Europe.

What To Do Near Château Fontainebleau

Fabulous Places to Visit Near Château Fontainebleau

Stunningly impressive Château Fontainebleau is one of the largest Medieval royal chateaux in France, and because it's only 55 km, or about 40 minutes, from Paris, it's a perfect château for a day visit from Paris. Originally a royal abode, the State now manages Château de Fontainebleau. The château and gardens were built in the 12th century as a medieval keep and later used as a hunting lodge by Louis XII, also known as Saint Louis.

What to do near Château Fontainebleau

If you're planning a visit to the Château, and want to know what else there is to do in the area, read on. This post shares the fabulous places to visit near Château Fontainebleau.

Marie Antoinette Estate and Queen’s Hamlet, Versailles – A Visitor’s Guide

Marie Antoinette Estate and Queen's Hamlet at Versailles

Marie Antoinette is the only queen who imposed her personal tastes on Versailles and the Trianon Estate, which her husband Louis XVI gave to her in 1774. She escaped the rigours of court etiquette in her private Petite Trianon and its surrounding gardens, theatre and in her own fairytale hamlet, where no one could enter without her personal invitation.

Wishing for a simpler life away from the pomp and political turmoil of the times she escaped to the Trianon Estate, which while only a thirty minute or so walk away from the palace, was worlds away in terms of appearance and ambiance. This Estate is truly my favourite area of Versailles and is always much less populated by the massive crowds that visit Chateau Versailles. Sometimes you have the paths around the gardens almost to yourself, and it doesn't take much imagination to understand why the young queen loved her Estate so much.

Château de Canon Garden – A Beautiful Garden of Normandy

Chateau de Canon Garden, Normandy, France

Château de Canon Garden - A Beautiful Garden in Normandy

Château de Canon Garden is the second garden in our Gardens of Normandy Series exploring the beautiful grounds, parks, and gardens of châteaux around the region of Normandy.

This week we take a look at Château de Canon, a special property because it has been privately owned by the same French family since it was built in the 18th Century. As a result of the family’s care and respect, the property has maintained its original design, aesthetics, and garden plan. In May 2000 , the gardens received the first prize of the Garden Art Company.

Château Gudanes – Australian Couple Restore A French Château

“A Château in the south of France, under restoration…

Once upon a time a thirteenth century fortress, a fifteenth century castle, an eighteenth century palatial château, and, after decades of neglect, an abandoned ruin upon a forgotten hilltop…” – Château Gudane

Looking for a true love story that never ends? Then the tale of Karina and Craig Waters, the Australian couple who purchased Château Gudanes in southern France will enthral you. From the moment this Perth couple gingerly walked the collapsed floors of Château Gudanes and spied her damp crumbling walls they were in love with her.

Annette Charlton

Annette lives with her family between their homes in France and Australia. She’s been featured in International magazines including French Property News, on numerous blogs and travel websites and appeared on ABC National Radio. You can connect on Instagram or Facebook.

www.afrenchcollection.com

Château de Brest

Château de Brest #PhotoSunday

According to a 10 year old boy it’s the best day ever, when you can nonchalantly pose beside an ancient cannon within the walls of a Château!

Château de Brest has so much history and a tour of the Musee National de la Marine is recommended, particularly if you want to find out more about Richelieu, you know, of The Three Musketeers fame.

Annette Charlton

www.afrenchcollection.com

Château Versailles – A Guide to the Best Things to See

Château de Versailles

Château de Versailles – A Brief History and What to See

Versailles will remain in the forefront of my memory as one of my favourite places. When you have travelled extensively, sometimes locations, activities, and even the people you met can blur. Whilst I must admit I have forgotten some of the cities I have visited, other places are intimately remembered with even smells and textures hard-wired into my memory. Why is this?

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Annette Charlton