City: Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Top Things to do in Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Top Hotels in Nouvelle-Aquitaine
- 1. Hotel Le Cheval Blanc
- 2. Best Western Premier Hotel Bayonne Etche-Ona
- 3. Hilton Garden Inn Bordeaux Centre
- 4. Espace Blue Ocean
- 5. Radisson Blu Hotel Bordeaux
- 6. Hotel Cardinal Bordeaux
- 7. Hotel Parc Victoria
- 8. Hotel Le B d'Arcachon
- 9. Chateau Grand Barrail Hotel
- 10. Maisons du Monde Hotel & Suites - La Rochelle Vieux Port
What to do and see in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France: The Best Castles
Nouvelle-Aquitaine is the largest administrative region in France, located in the southwest of the country.
Restaurants in Nouvelle-Aquitaine
1. Chateau de la Mothe Chandeniers
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 42 reviews
The Chateau de la Mothe Chandeniers, a true architectural folly of the 19th century, welcomes you for the 2020 season from 8 April to 1 November. For an hour, a few minutes or a morning, the visitor freely discovers the park of the castle, can admire the thousand faces of the most mysterious and romantic ruin in the world. PRACTICAL INFORMATION Free tour : 6,50€ / adult, child & teenager (+6 years old) Free / -6 years old & co-owner Group rate: 5,50€ for groups of minimum 10 people Guided tour : 10,50€ / adult 7,50€ / 6-17 years old 5,50€ / co-owner Free / - 6 years Group rate: 9,50€ for groups of minimum 10 people
Reviewed By roiselee - Kent, United Kingdom
There’s a car park with toilet (portaloo) opposite the chateau entrance. There were several friendly staff or volunteers in the ticket office, and they spoke excellent English. The chateau was left to fall into ruin after a fire in the 1930’s and it is now being rescued by an enthusiastic group. It’s extraordinarily beautiful, and the plans for restoration are particularly innovative - rather than faithfully returning it to former splendour they are working hard to conserve the trees and plants that have colonised the chateau. You will be mostly outside so it’s best to visit on a dry day. There’s some walking involved so wear practical shoes, it’s all fairly flat and easy to navigate. It’s not a large site so you can easily see it all in about 2 hours. Utterly beautiful, well worth a visit, I will certainly go back next time I’m in that area to see how they are getting on with the restoration.
2. Chateau de Commarque
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,049 reviews
Castle of Commarque, the adventure from Prehistory to the Middle Ages Once upon a time, in a legendary valley, there was a grandiose pile of stones where dungeons and fortified castle, troglodytes and prehistoric grotto were superimposed on a rocky outcrop in a breathtaking landscape. You will engrave the stone with Cro-Magnon, you will draw with the bow like a true knight, you will draw with the pen the poems of the courtly love. You will discover the mysteries of Commarque through games and workshops, medieval investigation but also with free tours, guided tours, exhibitions and 3D projections. Adventure awaits you at Commarque Castle! The ticket includes: free visit, games of yesteryear, exhibitions and 3D projections. During holidays and school holidays are included: guided tours and workshops (archery, stone sculpture, draw me a castle, parietal layout, medieval calligraphy). Medieval survey with small supplement
Reviewed By Marosja - Auderghem, Belgium
We found this place in the book and prospects. And also was close on our way. GPS worked and short walk from parking lot under the trees is great. Go in the morning to enjoy it more. It was a sunny day and when you see valley opened is amazing. No cars, no noise, just history and nature. Greatly recommended for those who love this combination. Real oasis for relax. Small info tables, kiosk to buy a ticket, get your written guide in english and go. Start with meadows, stream, caves under the rock and castle. And “english” private castle on the opposite side. Private, no access. Enjoy as much as possible and let enough time to walk around. Climb to keep to learn castle history since 13 century, with genealogy aa well. Admirable job done by the owner. My respect and all best wishes to continue. Years of precise reconstruction. Middle age games for young and adults. What an idea! Only thing I was missing was a book, booklet to buy and bring piece of it to home. But it remains in us and our pictures.
3. Chateau des Milandes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,634 reviews
Built in 1489, the stunning Chateau des Milandes in the heart of the Black Perigord on the south bank of the Dordogne became home to the black American singer and dancer Josephine Baker in 1947. Baker had become the toast of the Parisian cabaret scene in the ‘20s, being one of the most famous and highly paid entertainers of her day. A French citizen by marriage, during World War II, her status as an international star also enabled her to work covertly for the French Resistance, for which she received the Croix de Guerre. The castle is dedicated to Josephine Baker. In the grounds, bird of prey display with eagle owl and eagle; the garden is a lovely place. Brasserie is open april to first november.
Reviewed By Intlxpatr - Pensacola, United States
This chateau is beautiful. Just seeing it, and the grounds, and eating at the cafe is an enchanting and memorable experience. We toured the castle, but photos are forbidden and there are signs everywhere to remind you. So call me shallow, but I loved the gift shop and was able to find some really neat things for my grandchildren, unusual, lovely and well priced. There is a falconry exhibit throughout the day, There are self guided vox boxes that you are given, and places to hang them when you are about to leave.
4. Chateau de Castelnaud
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,573 reviews
Reviewed By phillipgodfreyv
Thoroughly enjoyed the walk around and through the chateau rooms, we were there for quite a few hours as there is so much to see and do and also fantastic views across the Dordogne Valley.
5. Chateau de Beynac
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,352 reviews
Beynac, the most authentic Feudal Fortress of the Perigord. Visitor, welcome to the Feudal Fortress of Beynac. Here, between sky ans earth, time has stopped. Perched high on a cliff at breath-taking heights, the Castle of Beynac acts as a stone sentinel, which for nine centuries, has watched over the Dordogne. Château de Beynac is the most authentic Castle of the Périgord and one of the highlights of the Dordogne. Visiting Château de Beynac is an absolutlely unique and unforgetable experience, a never ending journey of discovery. Open all year, every day. From april until october, guided visit (in French) included in the ticket price. Departures every 30 minutes from 10 AM to 12 AM and from 2 PM to 6:30 PM Last departure 6:30 PM. Enjoy your visit at Beynac, the most emblematic Fortress of the Perigord!
Reviewed By docko1 - Chicago, United States
Unlike, say, Commarque, which is still only partially standing, Beynac is intact and well cared for. This fortified chateau is beautifully situated above the river, with spectacular views, even on to other such wonderful buildings. We spend two great hours there and learned a lot. Also, I'm devoted to small Romanesque churches, and the one at Beynac, perched on the edge of a precipice, is terrific.
6. Chateau Royal de Cognac
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 407 reviews
The Royal Château of Cognac overlooking the Charente river was initially a 10th-century fortress designed to stop Norman invasions, and then in the 15th century became a stately home which was the birthplace of one of France’s most illustrious kings, Francis I. Baron Otard, who had founded its Cognac House in 1795, quickly understands that the thick walls provide exceptional aging conditions for his eaux-de-vie. He purchases the Château, saving it from total destruction The Royal Château of Cognac, which became a historic monument, is now a witness to French history and a Cognac House. We are offering a variety of tours combining two aspects of history: the history of France and the history of Baron Otard cognac up to the present day. Welcome to the Royal Château of Cognac!
Reviewed By vivelafrance1962 - Libourne, France
I took the 1-hour, 12 euro tour (the tour length is the same for everyone, the price varies only according to the quality of cognacs tasted at the end in the tasting room). I received a very warm welcome from the lovely Cecile, who speaks perfect English and was a very professional and informative guide when showing us through the chateau and the various cognac storage facilities. It's easy to find the entrance, right by the little roundabout before the bridge, loads of parking and close to other cognac houses, the river and the old town of Charente. I really recommend this tour to locals and tourists alike and they run all year round.
7. The Maison Forte de Reignac
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,128 reviews
Reviewed By Richlma
Had an excellent visit to the castle set in the rock side, Guide book in English given to us which was very informative. The have done an excellent job renovating the castle, and I am sure parents and children will thoroughly enjoy the experience. No cafe on site however, just back down the road Les Eyzies de Tayac , had several cafes and bars. An excellent day out.
8. Chateau Observatoire Abbadia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 979 reviews
Propriété de l'académie de sciences, Abbadia, le Château Observatoire, surplombe la corniche basque et domine la baie d'Hendaye. Ses façades néogothiques et son intérieur richement décoré en font un lieu incomparable au Pays Basque.
Reviewed By 934bjt - Wodonga, Australia
Was a little sceptical about this tourist option, but we needed to pass some time. However the tour of the building well exceeded expectations! The guided tour is only in French but they gave us English guide books that were fine. The design, furniture and decor inside the many rooms of the Chateau are exceptional. Very pleased with our visit!
9. Chateau de La Rochefoucauld
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 325 reviews
Reviewed By Puzzlecombe - Darnac, France
The Chateau has been in the same family for generations and part of it is still lived in and while we were there one of the daughters was having a birthday party in the grounds. Everybody guides and family were very friendly and helpful, huge library and records, even including those of the kings of France. Well worth a visit and for just 10 euros!
10. Chateau de Bridoire
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 766 reviews
Reviewed By richarde616 - London, United Kingdom
A really lovely family day out. The chateau was recently rescued from extreme dilapidation by the Guyot family, who have created a fascinating and entertaining attraction over the last 6/7 years. The building has been lovingly restored and filled with a whole variety of room re-creations. Of particular joy is the informal nature of the chateau. You are free to wander pretty much everywhere and in several rooms old-fashioned games are laid out for the children (and adults!) to enjoy. You can also try on some armour and chain mail. But that’s not all, the grounds are also filled with medieval type games to pass the time. Chuck in some horses, an ice cream and a cave to explore, we loved it :-)
