What are France's 10 most beautiful castles ?

[Maciamo]

There are approximately 40,000 castles, manors, stately homes and palaces in France. It's not everyday one has to select the 10 best of something among an array of 40,000. Yet that's what I am asking you here. Based on your knowledge and experience, what French châteaux would you choose if you had to make a top 10 of the most handsome ones ? If you can't think of 10, or can think or many more, feel free to suggest any number you like. I will compile a poll once I have enough suggestions.

Out top of my head, the most beautiful châteaux would include some of these (alphabetically) :

Azay-le Rideau

Blois

Chambord

Chantilly

Chaumont

Chenonceau

Cheverny

Dampierre

Fontainebleau

Fougères

Hautefort

Haut-Koenigsbourg

Meillant

Pierrefonds

Ussé

Valençay

Vaux-le-Vicomte

Vitré Castle

That's 18. It's quite hard to decide which eight I should get rid of. It depends on the criteria used to determine beauty. Should it be solely the external architecture, or should we also take the gardens and the interior into account ? What about the natural setting ? Many medieval castles have dramatic settings on top of rocky outcrops or overlooking a river. I wouldn't count that in the beauty of the castle itself though.

Additionally, I only counted here castles that are open to the public. There are plenty of sumptuous castles that are in private hands and completely off-limits. Many others were converted in hotels or are used by wine makers, although I don't think many of them would qualify to make the top 10.

Versailles is truly a palace rather than a castle or château. It is hors catégorie (outside the classification) as one would say in French. The Louvre and Compiègne are also palaces. Perhaps Fontainebleau should also be listed as a palace and removed from the ranking.

I rule out Carcassonne as castle it is a fortified city.

[spongetaro]

I really love Blois Castle with that unique blend of Gothic and Renaissance style.

[Maciamo]

I have made photo lists of the most beautiful French châteaux (Renaissance to 19th century), the most beautiful medieval castles, and the most beautiful fortified cities in France.

I will now add a poll. Please vote for your 5 favourite castles or châteaux. Once there are enough votes, we will see what are the 10 most popular ones. Don't hesitate to suggest castles that are not in the list yet.