Top Castles in France

If you're planning to go inside the palace, buy your tickets online and pick a time slot. I waited in line for about an hour, and it was a bit frustrating. Save yourself that headache.

Bring some snacks and water to save money on concessions inside. There are great picnic spots around the fortress!

Don’t forget your camera! The views from the ramparts are stunning, especially late afternoon when the sun sets. Plan to spend some time just enjoying the scenery.

If you're into photography like I am, aim for golden hour. The castle looks so magical in the evening light!

I recommend downloading the audio guide app before visiting. It’s free and gives you a deeper insight without the need for a guided tour.

Wear comfy shoes since you’ll do a lot of walking around the extensive grounds and inside the castle. Trust me, heels aren't a good idea!

I suggest you grab a picnic and enjoy it in the gardens. The views are stunning, and it saves you money compared to eating at the cafes.

Buy your tickets online in advance! I saved a ton of time skipping the long lines. Plus, you can get a better understanding of the history beforehand, which made everything more engaging.

I suggest joining a guided tour at least once. I went by myself first and later joined a group, which actually helped me understand more about the place's history

If you can, visit on a weekday. I went on a Wednesday and it was way less crowded than the weekends. It felt like I had the place to myself.

I suggest bringing your own picnic if the weather's nice. The garden spots are perfect for a relaxing lunch, and you can save some cash.

I think visiting on a weekday is way better than weekends. Less traffic and you can really take your time in the castle without feeling rushed.

I learned the hard way—wear comfortable shoes! You’ll be doing a lot of walking, and some paths can be uneven... Trust me, your feet will thank you later

Don't just stick to the castle; the gardens are stunning! Spend at least an hour wandering around. I'd say that was my favorite part of the visit

if you're on a budget, check out the surrounding gardens and walkways—they're free and just as stunning as the castle itself!

Plan an afternoon visit around 3 PM. The castle gets way less crowded, and you'll have better photo opportunities without tons of people in the background

Grab a guided audio tour; it's only a few euros and adds so much depth to your visit. I found it really helps to understand the history behind everything.

Check out the castle’s exhibition on the history before you explore. I think it helped me understand the place better, and it took about 30 minutes – totally worth it!

Bring some snacks. The café inside is a bit pricey for what it is, and I wished I had packed a sandwich and some water instead.

If you want to save on parking, park at the FREE lots a bit farther away and take the shuttle bus (just a few euros). The bus ride was super quick and saved me money!

Definitely take the time to explore the small shops and eateries around the base of the abbey. I found some cute souvenirs there that were way cheaper than inside the Abbey!

Wear comfy shoes. The cobblestone paths are pretty and all, but my feet were killing me by the end. I saw a few tourists struggling with that, too.

I recommend bringing some snacks and water. The food options inside are limited and pretty pricey! I spent way too much on a tiny sandwich.

Don't miss the Napoleon apartments! They were a highlight for me, but it was easy to overlook them with all the other stunning rooms.

I suggest bringing a picnic to enjoy in the gardens. The food inside can be pricey, and the gardens are a perfect spot for a break.