Maps of France

Chateau d If is located on the island of the same name in the Mediterranean Sea. It can be called one of the most famous castles in the world today. The fortification was built for the defense of Marseille in 1531. King Francis I initiated the construction of the fortress. However, the fortress was transformed into a prison less than a hundred years later. Especially dangerous criminals were kept in it. Chateau d If retained this gloomy status until the 19th century. It was decided to open a museum in it after the prison closed.

The fortress received the status of a historical monument of national significance in 1926. The ancient castle owes much of its fame to its literary fame. Alexandre Dumas wrote about the castle in his novel “The Count of Monte Cristo”. This novel remains one … Read all

Loches Castle is located in the Loire Valley. It was built in the early 9th century. It attracts attention with its unique architecture today. The oldest donjon tower in France is preserved in this castle. Count Fulk Nerra built the very first stone fortress in this place. He was a famous conqueror. The Count was famous for his cruel temper. The construction of the donjon was begun in 1005. It lasted more than 60 years. The tower's height was 38 meters after completion. The thickness of the walls of the tower reached 3 meters. It was considered almost impregnable.

The French monarch Philip Augustus was the owner of the castle in the early 13th century. The new building was attached to the castle by his order. Part of the large-scale construction was converted into a state prison. Loches … Read all