Top 7 Castles around Avallon
Best castles around Avallon are found in this charming medieval town in Burgundy, surrounded by a rich collection of châteaux. These historical sites offer insights into French history and architecture, set within the natural landscape of the region. Visitors can explore various periods and architectural styles, providing a diverse historical experience. The area is known for its well-preserved castles, many of which have centuries of continuous history.
Best castles around Avallon
- The most popular castles is Château de Tanlay, a castle that is a superb example of Renaissance architecture in Burgundy. It is renowned for its trompe l'oeil gallery, frescoes, moats, and rich interior furnishings.
- Another must-see spot is Ancy-le-Franc Castle, a castle considered a masterpiece by Italian architect Sebastiano Serlio. It boasts the largest collection of Renaissance murals in France.
- Visitors also love Château de Nuits, a castle offering an original journey through history. It allows visitors to trace the life of a family over several centuries, showcasing 16th to 19th-century decor and furnishings.
- Avallon is known for its Renaissance, medieval, and family-owned castles. These châteaux offer a variety of historical periods and architectural styles to see and explore.
- The castles around Avallon are appreciated by the komoot community, with 35 photos and 64 upvotes from visitors.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Château de Tanlay
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the first of the films "Angélique Marquise des anges" by Bernard Borderie, with Michèle Mercier, Robert Hossein, and Jean Rochefort is among others shot in the marvelous settings of the Château de Tanlay. It is one of the most beautiful specimens of Renaissance architecture in Burgundy, famous in particular for its trompe l'oeil gallery and for its frescoes in the Tour de la Ligue.It also has very beautiful moats and rich furniture. interior. Certain architectural details, such as the pyramids on the access bridge, the wall surrounding the green courtyard, the Gallery of the Caesars and the nymphaeum, are steeped in the Italian Renaissance. The castle is open every day of the week except Tuesday. Numerous events such as plays, running races, garden tours and golf cups are organized throughout the season. For more information, please visit the following website: chateaudetanlay.fr
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Ancy-le-Franc Castle
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Montréal Medieval Village
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Château de Nuits
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The Château de Nuits offers visitors an original walk through history by following the life of a family over the centuries:
On the ground floor, vaulted rooms, monumental fireplaces and 16th and 17th century bastion decor evoke the harsh and perilous life of the first guests.
On the first floor, the visitor penetrates, thanks to the interior fittings, furniture and objects, into life in the 18th and 19th centuries.
On the second floor, we access the charms of the Belle Epoque, with children's costumes and needlework.
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Château de Chastellux-sur-Cure
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Château d'Island
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View of Château de Chastellux
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Faulin Castle
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Former Montréal Castle
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Popular around Avallon
The Grande traversée du Massif Central by gravel bike
GR 13 from Gâtinais to Morvan — By Fontainebleau and Burgundy
Tour du Morvan — The little mountain of Burgundy
From north to south - On the slopes of the GTMC
Saint-Jacques by bike – seven days on the Via Vézelay in France
The Great Crossing of France's Massif Central by mountain bike
MTB fun in the Massif Central — La Grande Traversée du Morvan
Greenways, vineyards and canals – Le Tour de Bourgogne à vélo
Between summits and big lakes — gravel riding in France’s Morvan park
France’s water-rich region — Burgundy's four canals
Other adventures around Avallon
Tips from the Community
Magnificent Exterior Trompe l'oeil Gallery
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Worth a visit, very beautiful inside and well preserved.
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little devil for the joy in between
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Montreal is worth a detour. The climb is easy to ride and you are immediately greeted by a brasserie 😀
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How quickly you can get to Iceland...😎. Beautiful little castle
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At the top of a hill that you will see taking shape when you arrive, requiring you to deviate from the main roads to enter the old town, Montreal has managed to retain a medieval atmosphere that strikes as soon as you pass through the first gate of the ramparts, called " Downstairs door". In the 13th century, the stronghold consisted of three enclosures pierced with pointed arch doors surmounted by towers. A first enclosure isolated the castle and the collegiate church from the rest of the top of the hill, where the garrison was certainly housed, itself sheltered by a second enclosure. The door that closed the access has disappeared but the base of a nearby watchtower is still visible. A third line of ramparts protected the town on the hillside. Beautiful old mansions, some with mullioned windows or embellished with colorful gardens, line the main street and some picturesque alleys. After a small climb, you can pass the second remaining historic gate called "Porte d'en haut" which opens access to the Collegiate Church, built in the 12th century and restored in the 19th century by the architect Viollet-le-Duc. The square adjoining the collegiate church is like a belvedere offering a panorama of the surrounding countryside. For the record, this Burgundian Montreal is part of "The association of Montreal of France and Europe" with 3 other perfect namesakes in Aude, Ardèche and Gers (I only had the opportunity to visit only the latter which is also a charming town), and also Montreal la Cluse (in Ain), Montreal Les Sources (Drôme) and even Monreal Eifel (in Germany).
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which castles near Avallon are particularly known for their architecture?
The region boasts several architectural gems. Ancy-le-Franc Castle is a masterpiece of Italian Renaissance architecture, designed by Sebastiano Serlio, and features France's largest collection of Renaissance murals. Another superb example of Renaissance style is Château de Tanlay, famous for its trompe l'oeil gallery and frescoes.
Are there any castles near Avallon that offer a unique historical perspective on family life?
Yes, Château de Nuits provides an original journey through history, allowing visitors to trace the life of a family over several centuries. You can explore 16th and 17th-century bastion decor on the ground floor, and then experience 18th and 19th-century life through its furnishings and objects on the first floor, culminating in the Belle Epoque on the second floor.
Which castle near Avallon has remained in the same family for a very long time?
Château de Chastellux-sur-Cure is remarkable for having been continuously owned by the same family since its construction began in 1080, offering a rare sense of historical continuity.
Can I find castles near Avallon with medieval origins?
Absolutely. The site of Château de Vault-de-Lugny, just 6 km west of Avallon, was first mentioned in 1120. It features remnants of a medieval drawbridge and water-filled moats, showcasing its origins and its role through various historical periods, including the Hundred Years War.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the castles around Avallon?
The region around Avallon offers diverse outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for gravel biking and road cycling, including routes that pass by castles like Tanlay. For those who prefer walking, there are many easy hikes, such as the Vézelay Hill Loop, which offer scenic views and connect to the natural beauty of the Morvan Regional Natural Park.
Are there any castles near Avallon that are currently undergoing restoration but still offer historical insight?
Château d'Annéot, an 18th-century castle characteristic of the Avallonnais region, is currently undergoing extensive restoration. While it may not be fully open, it offers a glimpse into 18th-century architecture and estate management, with future plans for garden openings and periodic events.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Avallon?
The summer season is generally ideal for visiting the castles, as many, like Château de Chastellux-sur-Cure, are open for visits during this time. The pleasant weather also makes it suitable for combining castle tours with outdoor activities like hiking and cycling in the surrounding Morvan Regional Natural Park.
Are there family-friendly castles in the Avallon area?
Many castles in the region are considered family-friendly. For instance, Château de Tanlay and Ancy-le-Franc Castle are listed as family-friendly, offering engaging experiences for all ages with their rich history and beautiful grounds.
Where can I find scenic viewpoints of castles near Avallon?
For a picturesque view of a castle, consider visiting the viewpoint for Château de Chastellux. This spot offers an excellent perspective of the historic structure within its natural setting.
Are there any castles near Avallon that have been converted into accommodation?
Yes, Château d'Island, a 15th-century château, has been converted into a hotel, offering a unique opportunity to stay within a historic castle setting.
What kind of events are hosted at the castles in the Avallon region?
Château de Tanlay is known for hosting various events throughout the season, including plays, running races, garden tours, and golf cups, adding an extra dimension to your visit beyond historical exploration.
Can I find information about parking facilities at the castles?
While specific parking details for every castle are best checked on their individual websites, many castles, especially the larger ones like Ancy-le-Franc Castle and Château de Tanlay, typically provide visitor parking. It's advisable to consult their official sites for the most current information before your visit.
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