Top 10 Castles around Chartres
Best castles around Chartres are situated in the Eure-et-Loir department of France, a region characterized by its agricultural plains and river valleys. Chartres itself is known for its Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The surrounding area features a landscape dotted with historical estates and fortified structures. These sites offer insights into centuries of regional history and architecture.
Best castles around Chartres
- The most popular castles is Esclimont Castle, a castle that was built from the 16th to the 19th century. It is an old feudal fortress situated within a green setting.
- Another must-see spot is Vérigny Castle, a castle built around 1750 with a park created between 1755 and 1765. The castle features a main building with two projecting pavilions and 16th and 17th-century farm buildings.
- Visitors also love Château de Fontaine-la-Guyon, a castle with a history dating back to the 1300s. This site includes elements from the Louis XIV era and the Eure canal, which once crossed its park.
- Chartres is known for its historical castles, some of which are family-friendly or considered man-made monuments. Visitors can explore a variety of architectural styles and historical periods across these sites.
- The castles around Chartres are appreciated by the komoot community, with 13 upvotes and 4 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
Vérigny Castle
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Château des Boulard
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The castle was bought in 2004 by the Boulard family who restored it. Since then, it is possible to rent it for seminars or weddings.
A 22-hectare park surrounds two guest rooms and is home to wallabies and some unusual animals.
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Maintenon Castle
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Château de Denonville
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Château de Fontaine-la-Guyon
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"In 1780, four-year-old Anne Marie Reviers de Mauny planted a cedar in a kindergarten and the tree still stands in the town hall park" underlined Jacques Charron, the president of the association.
This discovery ended with the period of the liberation of the village on August 15, 1944 by the Americans.
source: the republican echo
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Illiers-Combray
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In addition, Illiers is classified as a "City of character". You can admire the architecture of the buildings that give it its charm. The castle of Florent d'Illiers is a must.
In short, a halt is essential.
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Esclimont Castle
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Château de Cambray
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The place called Cambray, Combarius under the Romans, was to be a camp. Combrée also means "bushy places", or Cambray is located along the Conie, bordered by reedbeds.
The 2 wings of the rear facade were built at the end of the 17th century, beginning of the 18th century by Jacques Lambert, private master of water and forests of the Duchy of Orléans. We note that they were built after the other parts of the castle, with a different aspect of construction, stone on the one hand and bricks around the windows on the other.
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Château du Petit Manoir
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Château de l'Aval
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Tips from the Community
The Château de l'Aval is a beautiful castle founded in the 10th century and an emblematic monument of Laval. It occupies a rocky promontory above the Mayenne and is made up of two distinct groups: the Old Castle, which corresponds to the medieval fortified castle, and the New Castle, a Renaissance gallery transformed into a courthouse in the 19th century. The park surrounding the castle is full of greenery and beautiful flowers. You might even spot some wild animals along the way!
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The Château de Maintenon is a castle that was once the residence of Madame de Maintenon, the second wife of Louis XIV. You can explore the elegant halls and gardens of the castle, as well as the impressive aqueduct that was built to supply water to the Palace of Versailles. The castle is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The entrance price is 9 euros for adults and 6 euros for children. You can also benefit from a guided tour or an audio guide at an additional cost. The castle is surrounded by a beautiful park, where you can stroll along the Eure and admire the view of the aqueduct and the castle.
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Florence CT's advice should be put into perspective because her experience as an "effective practitioner" is limited to a single outing...so far and, above all, a lot of planning!!!
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Illiers-Combray is a town full of surprises. City of Marcel Proust's childhood, we dive into the places that have marked the author, such as the museum of Aunt Léonie and the Pré Catelan. In addition, Illiers is classified as a "City of character". You can admire the architecture of the buildings that give it its charm. The castle of Florent d'Illiers is a must. In short, a halt is essential.
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This beautiful castle owes its fame to the most famous of its occupants, Françoise d'Aubigné, Marquise de Maintenon, wife of Louis XIV. Transformed many times, the castle was created in the 12th century with the role of a fortress. It became a pleasure castle during the Renaissance before becoming the property of the Marquise. During a visit, you discover the rich history of the place. The castle is fully furnished, which makes the visit all the more immersive.
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The Cambray orangery is part of the Cambray estate acquired by François Lambert, squire and adviser to the king, auditor in his chamber of accounts, on March 28, 1575 from the nobleman of Oinville, lord of Puiset. The place called Cambray, Combarius under the Romans, was to be a camp. Combrée also means "bushy places", or Cambray is located along the Conie, bordered by reedbeds. The 2 wings of the rear facade were built at the end of the 17th century, beginning of the 18th century by Jacques Lambert, private master of water and forests of the Duchy of Orléans. We note that they were built after the other parts of the castle, with a different aspect of construction, stone on the one hand and bricks around the windows on the other.
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The “Château de Sours”, or “Château de la Vallée” according to Cassini’s map, or “Château de l’Aval” is surrounded by a 17-hectare wooded and irrigated area located in the French commune of Sours, in Eure. -et-Loir. The construction of the current building and the development of the park date from 1653. The castle has been registered as a historic monument since 1987 and is included in the inventory of the Regional Conservation of Historic Monuments. It was probably the site of the decisions of the Treaty of Brétigny and was built as a large hunting and fishing estate for the knights and lords of Montigny. Its private part is still used as such. Its large park, divided into two parts, public and private, is home to interesting sedentary and occasional wildlife, often popular with hunters and fishermen. The estate includes a farm, still in operation, operated by a cereal farming company. source: wikipedia
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This discovery began with the old castle of Gougnault from 1300 to 1413 then the rebirth under Louis XIV and the creation of the Eure canal which crossed the park, followed by an 18th and 19th. "In 1780, four-year-old Anne Marie Reviers de Mauny planted a cedar in a kindergarten and the tree still stands in the town hall park" underlined Jacques Charron, the president of the association. This discovery ended with the period of the liberation of the village on August 15, 1944 by the Americans. source: the republican echo
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there family-friendly castles to visit near Chartres?
Yes, several castles around Chartres are noted as family-friendly. Maintenon Castle, Château de Fontaine-la-Guyon, and Esclimont Castle are all categorized as suitable for families. Additionally, Illiers-Combray, a town with a castle, is also family-friendly and offers insights into Marcel Proust's childhood.
What kind of history and architecture can I expect from castles around Chartres?
The castles in the Chartres region showcase a range of historical periods and architectural styles. For instance, Vérigny Castle was built around 1750 with 16th and 17th-century farm buildings. Château de Denonville has roots dating back to Roman times, evolving from a fortified farm to a castle with pink brick towers, rebuilt in the 18th century. Château de Fontaine-la-Guyon has a history from the 1300s, with elements from the Louis XIV era.
Are there castles with notable gardens or parks near Chartres?
Yes, Vérigny Castle features a park created between 1755 and 1765, with a beautiful pond behind it. Esclimont Castle is set within a formidable green setting of 60 hectares. The Eure canal once crossed the park of Château de Fontaine-la-Guyon, adding to its natural charm.
What outdoor activities can I do near the castles around Chartres?
The region around Chartres offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, easy hikes, and mountain biking routes. For example, there are running trails like the 'Eure Riverside Park loop' and 'Canal de Chartres loop'. Hiking options include the 'Chartres city center loop' and 'Etang de Barjouville loop'. Mountain bikers can explore routes such as 'The finish line in Chartres' or 'Château de Fontaine-la-Guyon loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the Running Trails around Chartres, Easy hikes around Chartres, and MTB Trails around Chartres guides.
When is the best time to visit the castles around Chartres?
The best time to visit the castles around Chartres is generally during the spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) months. During these seasons, the weather is typically mild and pleasant for exploring, and the castle gardens are often in full bloom or displaying beautiful fall colors. Summer (July-August) is also popular, but can be warmer and more crowded.
Are there any less crowded castles to visit near Chartres?
While popular sites like Esclimont Castle attract many visitors, you might find a more tranquil experience at some of the lesser-known castles. Château des Boulard, Château de Cambray, and Château du Petit Manoir are also part of the region's historical landscape and may offer a quieter visit, allowing for a more intimate exploration of their grounds and architecture.
Can I find scenic viewpoints at the castles around Chartres?
Yes, some castles offer scenic views. Maintenon Castle is specifically categorized as a viewpoint. Additionally, the green settings and parks of castles like Esclimont Castle and Vérigny Castle provide picturesque surroundings and opportunities for scenic appreciation.
What makes Esclimont Castle a popular choice for visitors?
Esclimont Castle is popular due to its impressive architecture, built between the 16th and 19th centuries, and its location within a vast 60-hectare green setting. It's described as an old feudal fortress and an architectural jewel, offering a very bucolic experience. The surrounding village, with its perfectly renovated houses from the same period, also adds to its charm.
Is it possible to visit castles around Chartres in winter?
Visiting castles around Chartres in winter is generally possible, though opening hours may be reduced, and some outdoor areas or gardens might be less vibrant. It's advisable to check the specific opening times for each castle before your visit, as some may close for maintenance or holidays during the colder months. Winter visits can offer a unique, quieter perspective on these historical sites, often with fewer crowds.
Are the castles around Chartres accessible by public transport?
Accessibility by public transport varies greatly for castles in rural areas. While Chartres itself is well-connected, many castles in the surrounding region may require a car for convenient access. It is recommended to research specific transport options for each castle you plan to visit, as direct public transport links might be limited, and a combination of train/bus with a taxi or a longer walk might be necessary.
What is the significance of Château de Fontaine-la-Guyon?
Château de Fontaine-la-Guyon holds significant historical value, with its origins tracing back to the old castle of Gougnault from 1300. It saw a rebirth under Louis XIV, and the Eure canal once traversed its park. The site also commemorates the liberation of the village by Americans on August 15, 1944, making it a place of both architectural and historical interest.
Are there any castles near Chartres that are particularly well-preserved or offer unique architectural features?
Vérigny Castle is notable for its 18th-century main building with projecting pavilions and its well-preserved 16th and 17th-century farm buildings, including a unique circular leak with diamond-shaped brick facing. Château de Denonville stands out with its singular silhouette of pink brick and round towers, rebuilt on 13th-century foundations after being raised to the rank of Marquisate by Louis XIV.
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