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Combourg Castle

4.2
·3k reviews·Combourg, France

13th-century medieval castle, childhood home of writer Chateaubriand, set amidst romantic English gardens.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Pleasant weather for gardens

CrowdLow
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Aerial view by kite

Combourg Castle

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Pleasant weather for gardens

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

13th-century medieval castle, childhood home of writer Chateaubriand, set amidst romantic English gardens.

4.2
(3k reviews)

"Medieval castle sitting atop English gardens, fit to give birth to a romantic mind."

Vertical photo
TIP

🇫🇷 French Tours, English Sheets

Tours are mainly in French, but English info sheets are provided. :pagefacingup:

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Gardens

The English gardens are a highlight! Perfect for a peaceful walk. :deciduous_tree:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Châteaubriand's Romantic Home

Châteaubriand's Romantic Home

Interior of the castle

Step into the world of writer François-René de Chateaubriand, whose childhood home this is. Imagine the romantic tales born within these walls.

English-Style Gardens

English-Style Gardens

Castle grounds

Wander through picturesque gardens designed in an English style, offering a stark, romantic contrast to formal French landscaping.

Medieval Towers

Medieval Towers

Exterior of the castle

Admire the four imposing circular towers, a testament to the castle's 13th-century origins and medieval architecture.

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Planning Your Visit

Guided Tours are Key

Entry to Combourg Castle's interior is by guided tour only, primarily in French. While English information sheets are available, consider this if you don't speak French. Booking ahead might be wise during peak season to secure your spot.

Explore Beyond the Walls

Don't miss the beautiful English-style gardens surrounding the castle, described as a perfect setting for a romantic mind. The grounds offer a peaceful escape and are well worth exploring, even if you opt out of the interior tour.

Best Times

When
Spring & Autumn mornings
Why
Pleasant weather for gardens
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer tour groups
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

One of the most beautiful abandoned castles in France😍🇫🇷🏰 ⚠️ I had a permit to film here/j’avais un permis pour filmer ici #urbexfrance #abandonedplaces #urbexworld #castle
@decaychronicles
4.3M likes • 24.5M views

🇫🇷 French Tours, English Sheets

Tours are mainly in French, but English info sheets are provided. :pagefacingup:

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Gardens

The English gardens are a highlight! Perfect for a peaceful walk. :deciduous_tree:

✨This castle has always reminded me of my favorite childhood cartoon — Beauty and the Beast. There’s something so magical about its silhouette, like it stepped right out of a fairytale… But no, it’s not Disney — it’s the real-life Neuschwanstein Castle, nestled in the Bavarian mountains and said to be the inspiration for the Disney castle itself. Standing here, you almost expect the music to start...
@stasi.belle
3.7M likes • 18.4M views
Just sunrise and drive.... #sunrise #sunrisephotography #sunriselover #sun #sunset #carsunlimited #carsunset #castle #combourg #chateau #chateaudecombourg #sunrise_and_sunsets #austinhealey #love #earth
ateliercvdc
53 likes • 3.9K views

🐱 Cat Guide!

Keep an eye out for the resident cat who sometimes 'guides' visitors! :smiley:

☕ Cafe & Gift Shop

There's a small cafe and gift shop on-site for refreshments and souvenirs. :coffee:

🏰 chateaucombourg 📍 Combourg -------- ♡ Follow @french.castles for daily inspiration ☼ Tag your photos with #frenchcastles to be published -------- . . . . . #frenchcastle #frenchcastles #castles #francetours #castlesoftheworld #france #viajerosporelmundo #bestcastles #castlesofinstagram #castle #castle_oftheworld #total_monuments⁠ #lovefrance #frenchcountryside #castlelife #renaissancearchitectu...
french.castles
39 likes • 638 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🇫🇷 French Tours, English Sheets

Tours are mainly in French, but English info sheets are provided. :pagefacingup:

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Gardens

The English gardens are a highlight! Perfect for a peaceful walk. :deciduous_tree:

🐱 Cat Guide!

Keep an eye out for the resident cat who sometimes 'guides' visitors! :smiley:

☕ Cafe & Gift Shop

There's a small cafe and gift shop on-site for refreshments and souvenirs. :coffee:

What Travellers Say

4.2
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Combourg Castle is a charming medieval site, particularly praised for its beautiful English gardens and historical connection to writer Chateaubriand. While the interior tours are primarily in French, English information sheets are available, and many visitors find the experience worthwhile. The well-kept grounds offer a peaceful escape.

"Lovely little chateau. We paid the lower price to explore the grounds. Entry to the chateau is via guided tour only which is in French. They do have English information sheets though. The site is well kept and nice to walk around. There is also a small cafe and gift shop."

Clare Hart

"Wow, what a place! Guided tour of the chateau. The guide did not speak a lot of English but did her best to translate which was very charming. We were also given a booklet in English which gave good information about the place. Enjoyed it a lot."

Clayton Wilson

"Imagine a medieval faire on the field of champions at a castle where the tournaments actually happened."

David Denny

What People Like

Beautiful English gardens
Chateaubriand's home
Well-kept grounds

What People Dislike

French-only interior tours

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Combourg Castle is located in Combourg, Brittany, France. The easiest way to reach it is by car, as it's about a 40-minute drive from Rennes. Public transport options are limited; you might need to take a train to Combourg station and then a taxi or a long walk to the castle. Check local bus schedules if available, but driving is generally recommended for flexibility. Reddit

Yes, there is typically parking available near Combourg Castle, especially for visitors. It's advisable to look for designated parking areas upon arrival to ensure convenience.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance, especially for guided tours, is recommended, particularly during peak tourist seasons, to guarantee your entry and preferred time slot. Reddit

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Combourg Castle website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on opening times and tour schedules. Reddit

Yes, some visitors mention a lower price option to explore just the grounds and gardens, which can be a great alternative if the French-only interior tours are a concern. Reddit

Typically, there are tickets for interior tours (which include garden access) and potentially separate tickets or access for just the grounds. The interior tours are guided and primarily in French. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The guided tours of Combourg Castle's interior are conducted in French. While guides are noted as charming and knowledgeable about Chateaubriand's history, English speakers may rely on provided information sheets for details. Reddit

Yes, the castle grounds and the beautiful English-style gardens are accessible and offer a lovely experience for walking and enjoying the scenery. Reddit

The gardens are great for children to run around in. The interior tours might be less engaging for very young children due to the language barrier and historical focus, but the overall experience can still be enjoyable.

Yes, there is a small cafe and a gift shop on-site, and restrooms are usually available for visitors. Reddit

Combourg Castle is historically significant as the childhood home of the famous French writer François-René de Chateaubriand. Its medieval architecture dates back to the 13th century, with the oldest tower from the 12th century. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The exterior of the castle with its towers, the picturesque English gardens, and views across the lake (if accessible) offer excellent photo opportunities. Capture the romantic ambiance of the grounds. Reddit

Photography rules inside historical sites can vary. It's best to check with your guide or look for signage regarding interior photography policies. Often, flash photography is prohibited.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Combourg Castle offers a mixed experience for families. The expansive English gardens are fantastic for children to explore and burn off energy in a safe, scenic environment. Reddit The idea of a medieval castle might also spark their imagination. However, the interior tours are primarily in French, which could be a challenge for younger visitors to stay engaged. Bringing along the English information sheets is a good strategy. Consider focusing on the grounds and the exterior of the castle if language is a significant barrier for your children.

📚 Literary Enthusiasts

For fans of François-René de Chateaubriand, Combourg Castle is a must-visit. This was his childhood home, and the atmosphere is steeped in the romanticism that defined his work. Reddit The guided tours, even in French, often delve into his life and literary contributions, and the provided English sheets offer valuable context. The castle and its gardens are described as a place that could 'give birth to a romantic mind,' making it a pilgrimage site for those who appreciate French literature. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Romantic Legacy of Chateaubriand

Combourg Castle holds a special place in French literature as the childhood home of François-René de Chateaubriand. His formative years spent within these medieval walls profoundly influenced his writing, particularly his autobiographical work, Mémoires d'outre-tombe. Visitors can feel the echoes of his romantic imagination as they explore the castle and its grounds. The castle's atmosphere is often described as perfectly suited to inspire a romantic spirit, a sentiment echoed by travelers who appreciate its historical and literary connections. Reddit

During your visit, pay attention to the details that might have sparked the young writer's imagination. The castle's architecture, the surrounding landscape, and the stories associated with its past all contribute to the unique ambiance. Even if the interior tour is in French, the provided English information sheets can help you connect with the history and the literary significance of this remarkable site. Reddit

Gardens: An English Escape

The gardens at Combourg Castle are a significant draw, offering a beautiful contrast to the medieval structure. Designed in an English style, they feature winding paths, naturalistic planting, and a sense of gentle wildness, which is often contrasted with the more formal, symmetrical French gardens. This style was particularly popular during the Romantic era, making it a fitting complement to the castle's literary associations. Reddit

Travelers frequently praise the gardens for their tranquility and picturesque beauty. They provide an ideal setting for a leisurely stroll, allowing visitors to appreciate the landscape and the views of the castle from different perspectives. The well-maintained grounds offer a peaceful retreat and are a highlight for many who visit, regardless of whether they tour the castle's interior. Reddit

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