I saw an estimate online that there are approximately 45,000 châteaux (castles) in France and right after that was an article perfect for Halloween: Haunted Castles of France. The website Discover France had listed 4 spooky sites around the country with a description of who…or what…you might see if you visited there. I checked several other sources on the same subject and there were a few that appeared on everyone’s list so I will put those details and a couple more in today’s blog post. Above, on the tab marked “Topics & Tags” you’ll find how to use the train to get to other castles and ghostly spots around the country.

Château de Brissac—At 7 stories high this is the tallest castle in France with 200 rooms, giving the “lady in green” plenty of space to roam. Nobleman Jacques de Brézé married the daughter of King Charles VII, Charlotte, who unfortunately had eyes for a huntsman named Pierre. Their affair was soon discovered and the enraged husband was said to have killed them both with a single strike of his sword. Even today, Charlotte in her 15th century green dress can be seen around midnight wandering the hallways in search of her lover. To get there take the train to Angers and then bus Line 405 in the direction of Brissac Quincé – Stop rue de l’Aubance.

Château de Chambord—The Loire Valley is known for its châteaux and the largest is Chambord with 426 rooms and 282 fireplaces. During the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71, this huge building became a hospital and the final resting point for many soldiers. Visitors report sightings of soldiers in old-fashioned uniforms and unexplained sounds like footsteps or moans. To see for yourself you can take the train to the Blois-Chambord station and then a shuttle (from April to November) or a taxi (25 mins).

Château de Combourg—Now we’re headed out to Brittany between Rennes and Saint-Malo to this 12th century fortress. It wasn’t until 1721, however, that the hauntings began. It was that year, with the death of the Count of Combourg who lived in the castle with his black cat that people saw the spirit on the grand staircase. He was especially noticeable because his wooden leg made a distinctive clicking sound on the stairs. Legend says that the Count now appears with the cat and sometimes it’s just the wooden leg that accompanies his pet. There is a train station in Combourg.

Château de Commarque—There are two châteaux on our list that are close to the charming town of Sarlat-la-Canéda. There’s good news and bad news for anyone who goes to Commarque on the night of a full moon. The legend says that while the Count of Commarque was feuding with the Baron of Beynac, their respective daughter and son fell in love with each other. To spite his enemy, the Count captured the son, a skilled horseman, and eventually killed him. To this day, only under a full moon, you can apparently see the horse’s ghost searching for his master. Unfortunately, the story continues, if you do catch sight of the animal you will die under strange circumstances. Appropriately, you can take bus line #13 from the train station at Sarlat.

Château de Puymartin—Where I used to work, several of us saw more than once what we called “The Lady in White” floating from room to room after closing hours. That same designation, but in French as La Dame Blanche, can be found in Puymartin where the lady of the castle, Thérèse de Saint-Clar, began an affair while her husband was away at war. He returned unexpectedly, discovered what had been going on in his absence, and imprisoned Thérèse in the north tower, where she stayed even after her death. Around midnight her ghost is said to glide up and down the stairs and pace the circular rooms of the tower. The train station at Sarlat is 10 minutes away by taxi.

Château de Veauce—In 1560, before the Baron of Beauce, Guy de Daillon, left for war, he made advances to the servant girl Lucie that did not go unnoticed by his wife. Once the Baron was gone, the jealous wife locked the young woman in a castle tower where she eventually died. The castle’s current owner, tour guide, and visitors have all reported seeing her ghost and hearing her sobs as she wanders the fortress. The nearest train station is at Bellenave.

Some of these castles offer after dark tours, especially at this time of year and a few even have bedrooms where you can stay the night, if you dare. Here’s hoping that you sleep well tonight! 🎃

Photo notes: Across the top of today’s blog post is Château de Chambord and in the first paragraph is Château de Chinon. The other photos come from the websites for each respective castle.