Travel Archives - Castles and Gardens of Europe

Best less known European castles to visit in summer

Europe’s medieval historic castles were built for power and permanence not for comfort. But their thick stone walls, shaded courtyards, and forest parks make them among the coolest places. These ten castles and palaces offer genuine relief from the heat, alongside world-class architecture, gardens, and interesting culture. 1. Bouzov Castle – Czech Republic Deep in... / READ MORE /

Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, the palace that made a king jealous (image: Olga Khomitsevich, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Places, Travel

Five châteaux near Paris that go beyond Versailles

Versailles is extraordinary. But it is also extremely crowded. The good news is that the Île-de-France and its neighbouring departments contain dozens of historic châteaux that see a fraction of the crowds, and sometimes tell stories Versailles cannot. Within 90 minutes of Paris, these five reward the detour. Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte The story of Vaux-le-Vicomte... / READ MORE /

The magnificent Prague Castle from where you have a wonderful view of the old city (image: Pexels)

Travel

Less well-known, but just as beautiful: 5 castles near Prague

Prague is surrounded by some of the most beautiful castles in Europe, but most visitors never make it past the city walls. Many have heard of Karlštejn, but Bohemia has so much more beauty to offer! There are more than 2,000 castles in the Czech Republic. Here are five of them near Prague. / READ MORE /

Amerongen Castle near Utrecht - a hidden gem in The Netherlands

Places, Travel

5 Remarkable Castles Near Amsterdam Worth the Day Trip

Most visitors to Amsterdam never make it past the canals. That's understandable, but it also means they miss something. Within an hour or two of the city, the Dutch countryside hides a handful of castles and historic estates that rival anything you'll find in France or Germany. Here are five near Amsterdam that deserve a place on your itinerary. / READ MORE /

Château de Courson (photo: Lusseau Pascale, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

Gardens, Guided visits, News, Places, Travel

The Château de Courson, near Paris, reopens for the season

Just 35 kilometres from the French capital, a listed historic monument surrounded by extraordinary gardens is welcoming visitors once again. The Domaine de Courson is set within grounds holding the prestigious Jardin Remarquable label, has reopened to the public from April 2026 through to 1 November. / READ MORE /

The Baroque palace Schloss Moritzburg (photo: © Schlösserland Sachsen / Sebastian Rose)

Events & Programs, News, Places, Travel

Season start at German Schloss Moritzburg

Moritzburg, Saxony — The Baroque palace Schloss Moritzburg in the German region of Saxony has officially opened its 2026 summer season, introducing new artworks and fresh reasons to visit one of Germany’s most iconic palace settings. Set on an artificial island and surrounded by reflective lakes and forests, Schloss Moritzburg is among the most picturesque... / READ MORE /

Events & Programs, News, Travel

Castle of Fontainebleau brings 18th‑century court life to life

Château de Fontainebleau is dedicating its 2026 season to celebrating Marie‑Antoinette and King Louis XVI. Visitors are invited to step into the world of 18th‑century court life with original décor, historical reenactments and festive events. The programming combines immersive interiors, costumed gatherings and outdoor activities that echo the lifestyle of France’s last royal couple before the Revolution. / READ MORE /

Château Grand Boise is near the Mont Sainte-Victoire (Twalerio via Pixabay)

News, Places, Travel

New management at Château Grand Boise wine estate

Château Grand Boise, one of the largest and most scenic wine estates in the French Provence, has changed hands after two decades, ushering in a new chapter for this historic estate near Trets. / READ MORE /

Versailles Palace (Photo by Kirandeep Singh Walia via Pexels)

Events & Programs, News, Travel

Royal Holidays! New family programme at the Château de Versailles

Beginning in February 2026, the Château de Versailles is launching Vacances royales!, an engaging new family programme offering themed activities and educational experiences throughout the school holiday period. / READ MORE /

Penzlin Castle in the Mecklenburg region, Germany (photo: Alma, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

Places, Travel

Penzlin Castle’s legacy of witch persecution

An unassuming medieval fortress in the heart of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern hides one of the most chilling chapters of early modern European history, according to German news outlet Bild. Penzlin Castle, now a cultural heritage site and museum, was once a centre of fear, torture and the deadly witch hunts that ravaged this region centuries ago. / READ MORE /

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