While France undoubtedly is home to a number of romantic, fairy tale castles, there are just as many medieval marvels that dot the countryside that are known for their haunted happenings and hallowed hallways. Places of mystery where the past seems to overlap with the present and the lines between reality and the supernatural are decidedly blurred, these historic castles have a reputation for paranormal events and ghostly apparitions in addition to their long, storied histories.

And, visitors don't have to head all the way to Transylvania for a spooky tour. There are perfect places to visit in France during the spooky fall season, adventurous travelers and history buffs alike will enjoy prowling these haunted grounds alongside their unearthly counterparts in the following creepy castles—some of the country’s most picturesque and eerie châteaux.

A Haunted Holiday At Château de Blandy-les-Tours

A medieval castle with a long and storied history, Château de Blandy-les-Tours (also known as Blandy castle) has been everything from a fortified mansion to a castle throughout the 100 Years’ War.

Steeped in tales and tradition, the site is famed for its fabulous architecture and is now the home to cultural programming, theatrical entertainment, festivals and events, and a number of educational tours that make it an epic historic stop.

However, Blandy’s long history comes with a side of spookiness as every All Saints’ Day, the castle becomes a bastion of all sorts of unexplainable paranormal activity.

• Address: Castle of Blandy Les-Tours, Place des Tours, 77115 Blandy
• Hours: March, April, September, October, December 1:30 PM-5:30 PM; May through August 1:30 PM-6:30 PM; the castle is closed every Tuesday. See the website for additional seasonal hours and exceptions
• Admission: Full Price $7; Adults Age 18-25 and Over 65 $5. Other fees may apply for tours and entertainment
• Haunted History: The spirits at Blandy seem especially keen to awaken on November 1st, All Saints’ Day when visitors can hear them patrolling the corridors. Specters are said to include a murderous 10th-century lord, who still carries his bloodstained dagger
• Things To Do: Take a scenic walk in Blandy village; explore the castle’s towers, grounds, and courtyards; climb the towers for stunning views; view the artwork in the exhibition room; visit the bookstore

The Ghosts Of Château de Fougeret

Often referred to as one of France’s most haunted castles, the spooky sightings and paranormal activity at Château de Fougeret is well-documented—and are one of the top reasons to visit.

Located within a dense forest, the creepy castle has an ominous air from its turreted towers to its ivy-coated walls; to its paintings whose eyes seem to follow visitors from room to room.

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Home to a number of supernatural events, Château de Fougeret also hosts an immersive overnight experience that allows guests to fully experience its haunted vibes in an atmosphere where “time froze centuries ago.”

• Address: Château de Fougeret, Fougeret, 86150
• Hours: N/A
• Admission: There are three options for overnight stays that start at $75 and up per experience
• Haunted History: Each room at Château de Fougeret has its own haunted history, supernatural story, and restless spirits. Some of the most famous are Felix’s Room, where objects move around of their own accord, and Room With Watchtowers, where visitors will occasionally hear the breath of the bowler-hatted ghost who haunt the room.
• Things To Do: There are a number of paranormal events for guests to attend including workshops with mediums, and various communications with the ghostly residents

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A Rich History, A Haunted Lady At Château de Puymartin

A fairy tale castle that tells an epic tale throughout French history, the Château de Puymartin has its beginnings in the 13th century.

Though much of the castle was destroyed during the 100 Years' War, a 19th-century transformation restored the epic castle to much of its former glory.

A bastion for art, architecture, and a rich national and familial history; this lovely castle’s storied past is also home to a haunted (and tragic) past that still haunts it to this day.

• Address: Château de Puymartin, 24200 Sarlat-la-Canéda
• Hours: April, June, and September 10 AM-6 PM; July and August 10 AM-6:30 PM; October and November 10 AM-5:30 PM
• Admission: Adults $10; Students and Teenagers (13-18) $7; Children (6-12) $5. Tickets are available both onsite and online
• Haunted History: The legend of the White Lady of Puymartin is the tragic tale of Thérèse de Saint-Clar, who was imprisoned in the caste’s tower by her husband after he discovered her having an affair. Though her lover met an untimely end, Thérèse was walled in the tower—and now returns to haunt the castle every evening around midnight

• Things To Do: Take part in the escape game, The Legend of the White Lady; explore the castle’s 12 unique rooms/spaces, each a witness to the castle’s history; stroll the grounds and admire the historic architecture, the lovely gardens, and travel through the castle’s 13th-19th century history

A Forgotten Fortress At Château de Commarque

A ruined medieval fortress that’s now the site of one of France’s most fascinating, forgotten castles, the Château de Commarque has a robust history dating back to the 12th and 14th centuries when it existed as the center of a fortified village.

Rising out of the green valley like a dramatic paeon to the past, the castle ruins and remaining buildings, towers, and fortifications are a testament to its history and complexity as one of the most elaborate medieval complexes in France.

• Address: Castle of Commarque 24620 Les Eyzies
• Hours: Fall hours are as follows: September 19 through October 21, 1 PM-6 PM; October 22 through November 6, 11 AM-6 PM. See the website for additional open days/hours
• Admission: Adults $9.30; Students (13-17) $6.50; Children (6-12) $5.50; Children Under 6, Free. Tickets can be purchased online
• Haunted History: In a tragic tale similar to Romeo and Juliet, two star-crossed lovers from enemy families fell in love during the 100 Years’ War. Enraged that his daughter loved the son of this mortal enemy, the Count imprisoned him—and eventually took his life in dramatic fashion. But rather than the ghost of the young man, instead, it is his horse that forlornly wanders the grounds, forever searching for its master (but only during the full moon).
• Things To Do: Workshops archery, flag shooting, propellant shooting, stone sculpture, medieval calligraphy, parish line); exhibitions and films; the great medieval treasure hunt and games of yesteryear; guided tours; river walks and picnics

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What better way to usher in the spooky season than a visit to some of France’s most haunted châteaux?

From ghostly apparitions to pesky poltergeists, these castles have it all: rambling ruins, stunning architecture, and centuries of storied history all wrapped up in legends and lore that is decidedly mysterious—and for those looking for a walk through history, these creepy châteaux are the perfect place to meet the unknown (and maybe a supernatural specter or two).