Clearly one of the best French castles in can be found in Avignon, near the Rhone River. If you happen to have a leisure ride in the river happens to pass through Avignon, there’s no mistaking that you’ll be able to recognize this massive castle sitting on top of the hill. It’s like a castle for the kind where all the subordinates and the peasants are located.

Actually, the castle never had a king to rule over the people. Built during the 14th century, the castle was made to be inhabited by the Pope of the Roman Catholics. The popes used Avignon as their seat of papacy and the castle was specifically built for that. Locals call them Palais des Papes or the papal palace.

Even though it’s one of the French castles not built for the kings, you’ll be surprised on how big and how structurally important this castle to the people of Avignon and even to their Christian history. Even the architectural wonder makes it an important civil structure worldwide. This seat of power during the 14th century was one of the reasons the city of Avignon was inducted as a World Heritage site.

The importance of the Papal Palace to the architectural world is quite significant. This palace was designed by renowned architects Simone Martini and Matteo Giovanetti. These designers didn’t hold back on their creativity to create one of the best French castles. Most of the time, you will be enthralled with the massive structures that dominate the hill. The structures from the very start are fortified. You have to understand that it was the time when there were almost two popes and one of them resides in Avignon. The structures inside will really tell you that it was really a palace. Remember that it was built during the 14th century and it will take a whole lot of preservation to consider. Just to think that it can reach our time is truly remarkable.

But don’t think that when visit Avignon you’ll be limited to the palace. Since it’s a palace for the pope, a proper cathedral nearby should be in place. There’s also the Cathedral of Notre-Dame-des-Doms that was built as almost the same time as the castle. In contrast with the gothic architecture which is quite robust, the Cathedral is a thing of beauty from the start. A Romanesque structure that’s true to its architectural heritage. Last but not the least is the bridge that was built during the 12th century. This trifecta of architectural wonder makes it a must for every visitor of France to go to this lovely French town.

If you’re concern is with the locals, you’ll never have to worry. This southern town is not only known for the castle but for the wine as well. If apparently you chose to stay there for the summer, make sure you get somewhere that will give you a view of the castle. Along with it, you’ll get to experience the warmth of the people as you join them in their daily life.

A internal view of the palace