Top Castles in France

Make sure to visit the gardens before 10 AM! They get super crowded later, plus the morning light is perfect for photos. I loved the tranquility at that hour

Wear comfy shoes, seriously! The grounds are massive, and I didn’t realize how much walking I’d do. My feet were hurting by the end of the day, and I regretted wearing cute but uncomfortable shoes.

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.

I suggest visiting during off-peak hours, like early morning around 9 AM, to beat the crowds and really soak in the fortress's beauty without feeling rushed

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.

Don’t miss the rooftop terrace! It might seem like a trek up the stairs, but the panoramic views are totally worth it.

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!

Bring water and snacks! The lovely gardens are perfect for a little picnic break, and it saves you some cash instead of overpriced café food.

Don’t rush through! I recommend taking your time in each room; it's easy to overlook amazing details. I found myself taking pictures of intricate carvings I nearly missed.

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

I recommend getting there right when it opens at 9:30 AM to avoid the crowds and really enjoy the gardens in peace.

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 suggest getting the audio guide if you're into history. It really enriches the experience, and you'll learn so much more than just walking around.

Honestly, I recommend arriving right when they open at 9 AM. The morning light on the castle is just magical, and you'll avoid the crowds that build up by noon.

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

Don't forget to stop by the gift shop on your way out. They have great local products that are perfect souvenirs and really affordable!

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.

For a great view and some good photo ops head to the panoramic terrace. I almost missed it because I was too focused on the castle itself!

My advice is to wear comfy shoes. The cobblestone paths can be tough on the feet, especially if you want to explore every nook and cranny of this amazing place.

i suggest you buy your tickets online in advance to skip the long lines. i got stuck waiting for nearly an hour because i decided to purchase them on-site

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!

I think it’s worth the extra 10 euros for an audio guide. It added so much depth to the experience, and I learned a lot more than just wandering around!

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.

If you're into photography, golden hour (around 6 PM) is stunning for garden shots. The light just transforms the gardens beautifully.

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.