1France
France is widely considered the global capital of castles. With an estimated 40,000 châteaux and fortresses scattered across the country, it holds the highest number in the world.
The Loire Valley alone is home to dozens of Renaissance masterpieces, including the iconic Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau. Beyond elegant royal residences, France also boasts dramatic medieval citadels like Carcassonne and tidal island fortifications such as Mont-Saint-Michel. The sheer density and variety of French castles secure its place at number one.
