Top 10 Most Beautiful Castles Accessible by Train

Hop on the train to discover the most beautiful French castles. Palace or fortress? It’s up to you to choose the one where you’ll spend a royal day.

Just a few hours from Paris by train, the most stunning castles await you, inviting you to explore some of the most beautiful pages in French history. Journalist and travel blogger Philippe Trzebiatowski has compiled a favorites list directly accessible by train for the SNCF, which we invite you to discover.

The Château of Blois: the Royal

Did you know that no fewer than 10 queens and 7 kings stayed at the royal Château of Blois? Today, everyone is familiar with Blois Castle thanks to reports, photos, and visits highlighting one of the most famous castles along the Loire. But the most classic postcard view is certainly the view from inside the castle courtyard, where the impressive façades dominate.

Four different eras offer visitors a real open-air history lesson. The famous staircase of King François I and the castle’s interior immerse you into the private lives of some of France’s greatest historical figures.

Station: Blois-Chambord

The Château of Chantilly: the Noble

In search of treasure… that of a 19th-century prince: Henri d’Orléans, Duke of Aumale! The Chantilly Castle houses a fabulous collection of precious books, paintings, and art objects from one of the greatest collectors of his time.

There’s the castle, of course, but also the park and the grand stables of the Chantilly estate. When the weather allows, spectacular equestrian shows are hosted… magical for both young and old!

Station: Chantilly

The Château of Châteaudun: the First

Perched on a rocky spur, about 60 km north of Blois, the Château of Châteaudun is a true invitation to travel through time. Built in 1171, it is considered the first of the Loire castles. Its impressive keep bears witness to its medieval past—just be prepared to climb its 150 steps!

However, the castle has been shaped by many eras: first Gothic, then Renaissance. One of the pleasures of this royal residence is also the stunning view it offers of Châteaudun.

Station: Châteaudun

The Palace of Compiègne: the Imperial

A palace that was home to two emperors… definitely worth a visit! The Palace of Compiègne traces the footsteps of Napoleon I and III. Here, luxurious apartments laid out in the grandest French neoclassical style are revealed—dining rooms, reception halls, the emperor’s chambers, and library, all behind the scenes of this seat of power.

Station: Compiègne

The Fortress of Sedan: the Largest in Europe

In the Ardennes, the fortress of Sedan is an extraordinary medieval stronghold. Covering 35,000 m2 with 7 stories, housing up to 4,000 men. You have to see it to believe it! Building the largest feudal fortress in Europe took a century and a half!

The most striking aspect of the Sedan fortress is the thickness of its walls, ranging from 7 meters at the thinnest to 27 meters at the thickest.

Station: Sedan

The Château of Chambord: the Majestic

Travel through 500 years of history in just a few hours with the Chambord Castle. Monolithic, mysterious, majestic, it was built at the behest of Francis I—who only stayed there… 40 days!

This Loire royal castle is the only one still intact since its creation (which began in 1519).

While the castle impresses with its size, façade, and vast park, its centerpiece is the staircase. Allegedly designed by Leonardo da Vinci, the staircase of Chambord was unique for its time—people ascending it together could never see one another! An architectural curiosity to see and experience firsthand.

Station: Blois-Chambord

The Château of Chaumont-sur-Loire, famed for its Gardens

Along the wild Loire River, between Amboise and Blois, the Château of Chaumont-sur-Loire enchants visitors. Its architecture, interiors, and gardens pay homage to France’s history. Beauty is everywhere here, like the Hermès harnesses displayed in the castle stables—jealously guarded across Europe in bygone times.

Every summer, the castle’s park hosts the International Garden Festival. Landscape architects from around the world create gardens inspired by the festival’s theme—changed annually.

Station: Onzain-Chaumont-sur-Loire

The Château of Langeais

Just a 5-minute walk from Langeais station, this castle is over 1,000 years old! Its fascinating history dates back to the late 10th century. Here, you can take a big leap back in time. Located in the Loire castles region, Langeais Castle stands out for its stone keep (one of the oldest remaining keeps), its collection of tapestries, and a playful park where children can imagine themselves as knights.

Station: Langeais

The Royal Château of Amboise: the Iconic

This is an iconic destination… both because it was a royal residence and because it hosted brilliant minds like Léonard da Vinci, whose remains are laid to rest in the castle chapel.

Here lies a Renaissance hotspot, with beautiful gardens to admire the Loire River. French luxury at its finest.

Station: Amboise

The Château of Bizy: the Norman

Located in Vernon in Eure (reachable by train—Vernon station—and then by bus line B or a 30-minute walk), the château of Bizy has Versailles-inspired elegance. Instead of the Hall of Mirrors, it features renowned salons famed for their wood paneling and tapestries.

Station: Vernon

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