Famous châteaux – whether they be castles, palaces or stately homes – don’t feature at the top of the list of attractions in the Rhône Valley in the heart of France. This part of France takes its fame from the stunning scenery, best food in the country, exquisite wine and of course, the great river itself. But like everywhere in France, you’ll also find a good sprinkling of fine historic homes and we’ve gathered the best Rhône Valley châteaux for you here…
Our 7 best Rhône Valley châteaux
Picture-perfect Renaissance – Château de Grignan
Almost equidistant between Valence and Avignon lies one of the best Rhône Valley châteaux. Perched magnificently above the village of Grignan (a serious contender for the most beautiful in the area), the Château de Grignan dates back to the 11th century, although it has been rebuilt twice. It’s most famous as the home of Madame de Sévigné, the renowned letter writer.
She wrote that the Château enjoys one of the finest views in the world and you’ll certainly be hard pushed to find a more impressive one. Grignan sits at the frontier between the wooded north of the Rhône Valley and the lavender fields and vineyards in the south, all of which form the vistas from the Château and its terraces. Inside, you’ll find a treasure trove of artwork, tapestries and furniture dating back to the 16th century.
Don’t miss: the year-round calendar of cultural events at the castle.
While you’re there: make a side trip to nearby Montelimar to taste the world-famous almond and pistachio nougat.
Cliff-top valley views – Château de Crussol
For panoramic views of the river and far beyond, Crussol makes one of the best châteaux in the Rhône Valley. Its limestone ruins stand 400m above the river and perch on a cliff whose vistas are second to none. The castle was built in the 12th century in a key location during the Wars of Religion. At the height of its importance, the 3-hectare site was home to more than 600 people, although the structure was mostly destroyed by the end of the 16th century.
Nowadays, visitors get the chance to wander round the castle walls (their perimeter stretches for 800m), the ruined village homes and streets as well as explore the castle itself on the top of the outcrop. Soak up the historic atmosphere and see for yourself why this castle had such an outstanding strategic position.
Don’t miss: the best views of all from the terrace at the top of the castle, open early April to early November.
While you’re there: sign up for one of the activities that include walks to discover the local orchids and birds of prey.
Taste the Rhône Valley wines
While you’re exploring the châteaux in the Rhône Valley, any wine enthusiast will love to taste the local wines of the Rhône. Production is predominantly red and includes some of the world’s prime wine producing labels such as Hermitage and Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
Read our guide to Côtes de Rhône wines
Most extraordinary of all – Palais Ideal du Facteur Cheval
Quite unlike any other Rhône Valley châteaux (or indeed, anywhere in France), the Palais Ideal offers a completely different take on the idea of a castle. Designed in a unique architectural style, known as ‘outsider art’, the Palais is the masterpiece of rural postman Ferdinand Cheval. Picking up rocks on his daily rounds, Cheval built his dream home stone by stone between 1879 and 1912 in his garden.
The result is an eclectic vision of towers, turrets, sculptures and ornate detail where animals, real and mythological, take centre stage. The Surrealist artist André Breton claimed that Cheval was the precursor of Surrealist architecture and the Palais now has Monument Historique status in France.
Don’t miss: the museum with pictures from the archives and the tributes paid to Cheval’s work by contemporary artists such as Picasso and Ernst.
While you’re there: visit Cheval’s tomb in the cemetery in the nearby village of Hauterives. His final resting place is just as flamboyant as his life’s work.
Rhône-river views – Château de Tournon
The town of Tournon sits on one of the large meanders in the Rhône River and the best place to take in the waterway is from Tournon Castle. The medieval structure has a commanding position on the river and was once the seat of the Counts of Tournon, one of the most powerful families in the Ardèche region.
The castle includes early Renaissance touches and is now a museum dedicated to a history of the area as well as the history of engineering and boats on the French waterways. Several modern art exhibitions take place every year and complement the permanent exhibition.
Don’t miss: the views of the castle from the other side of the Rhône, easy to access via the pedestrian suspension bridge.
While you’re there: visit the town and admire the houses built into the castle walls as well as the frescos in the Gothic church.
Cruise the Rhône Valley
Tournon is just one of the stops on a Rhône Valley cruise that takes in the delights of the Rhône river between Chalon-sur-Saone and Avignon. Add in food tours, historic sites, famous wines and visits to Cotes du Rhône villages, and you’ve got quite an itinerary to play with.
See the full itinerary and book your cabin
True fortress style – Château de Tarascon
Unlike most châteaux in the Rhône Valley, Tarascon takes more of a fortress style than a palace. Its architecture combines Gothic with Renaissance and the Château boasts a unique location right on the banks of the Rhône between Arles and Avignon. Not for nothing does this stone fortress rank among the finest in France.
The fortified rectangle contains no less than 30 rooms, 14 of which conserve their original wooden ceilings. The vivid colours depict medieval creatures such as dragons, griffins and mermaids, a theme that is continued in the Centre d’Art René d’Anjou where contemporary artists offer their own take on weird and wonderful animals.
Don’t miss: the view of the Rhône river from the castle terrace.
While you’re there: enjoy some of the town’s events including the Fêtes de la Tarasque in June when Tarascon celebrates four days of medieval parading, feasting and music-making.
Cruise your way around the Camargue
The magical area of the Camargue, famed for its river delta, Venetian architecture, wild horses and stunning beaches lies just below Tarascon. Why not explore the delights from behind the wheel of a self-drive boat? Create your own itinerary between Beaucaire and Narbonne, and in your own time.
Proper castle – Fort Saint-André and Tour de Philippe le Bel
When a château means castle rather than palace, few in the Rhône Valley fit the bill as well as the two defensive buildings in Villeneuve Les Avignon, just outside the Provençal city with the world famous bridge. Both the castle, Fort Saint-André, and the tower Philippe le Bel, date back to the late 13th century when Provence was an independent state.
Philippe le Bel built the 3-storey tower that rises high above the Rhône river to impose respect on Avignon and he later added the castle as a further show of his might. The castle walls, with two impressive towers guarding the entrance, enclose the Abbaye Saint André whose gardens offer some peaceful (and welcome) time-out from the crowds in nearby Avignon.
Don’t miss: the views of the Rhône, surrounding countryside and Avignon – time your visit right and the Pope’s Palace twinkles at you in the sun.
While you’re there: visit the Musée Pierre-de-Luxembourg, home to two exceptional pieces of art: the Ivory Virgin, carved from a tusk in 1310 and the Crowning of the Virgin, painted by Enguerrand Quarton in 1454 and considered a masterpiece of colour.
Loire valley style – Château de Fléchères
This one’s a biggie and will remind you of the châteaux on the Loire. Château de Fléchères was built between 1606 and 1625, quite a feat considering its size – it’s the largest château near Lyon and features an unusual design incorporating a Calvinist temple on the third floor. The three giant dormer windows on the north and south façades represent the Holy Trinity.
Inside, you’ll find stunning frescos by Pietro Ricchi, trained in the Florentine style as well as sumptuous décor and furnishings in typical Lyon designs in the apartments. Other highlights include the marquetry parquet, dating from 1780 and unearthed in the 1970s.
Don’t miss: the Salles des Perspectives where Ricchi’s trompe l’oeil depicts Henri II’s royal entrance into Lyon.
While you’re there: explore the English-style garden, replanted in 1820, with fine examples of topiary and the 35 acres of grounds with magnificent plane trees (planted during the Restoration) and views of Beaujolais.
Rhône Valley châteaux and luxury barge cruising
To truly appreciate an area, savour its scenery and fine wining and dining, nothing beats a holiday on a luxury hotel barge. And the Rhône Valley is no exception. Take a look at our choice of barge cruises that bring you the very best of the Rhône in utmost comfort and style.
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