Castles and Gardens of Europe

Patronage becomes a priority for the future of Château de Rambouillet

In the face of tight budgets and rising costs for heritage conservation, private patronage and donations are a crucial pillar for the long-term preservation of the historic Château de Rambouillet. Local media are highlighting a new patronage initiative that invites supporters to “adopt” parts of the castle’s gardens. / 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 /

News

German federal government to end use of Schloss Meseberg as official guest house

After 20 years, the German federal government has decided to discontinue the use of Schloss Meseberg, the Baroque palace in Brandenburg that has served as the official government guest house and venue for high-level meetings. / READ MORE /

News

France’s most visited castles in 2025

French castles recorded record visitor numbers in 2025. Official figures indicate that national monuments across France welcomed more than 12 million visitors last year. It is no surprise that the country’s castles and palaces stand out as some of the most popular sites. / READ MORE /

Inverness Castle (Dave Conner from Inverness, Scotland, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

News

Revamped Inverness Castle reopens for visitors

According to the BBC, Inverness Castle has officially reopened following a major £47 million transformation that repositions the historic landmark as a leading cultural and visitor destination in the Scottish Highlands. / READ MORE /

Fasanerie Castle in Germany (photo: Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

News, Places

German Schloss Fasanerie may be taken over by the state

The future of Schloss Fasanerie, one of Germany's many Baroque palaces, has become the subject of cultural and political discussion. The debate follows an initiative by the current owner, which has proposed a greater role for the state in the stewardship of its historic castles, parks and museum collections. / READ MORE /

Château d’Amboise (photo: Laure GREGOIRE via Pixabay)

News

Archaeologists find clues to a lost staircase at Château d’Amboise

LOIRE VALLEY, France - Archaeologists at Château d’Amboise have begun uncovering the buried remains of a monumental Renaissance staircase long lost to history. The excavation aims to locate and study what was once one of the castle’s most striking architectural features: a vast external staircase known as the escalier Persé. / READ MORE /