Thanks to the rich history of its lands, the Loire Atlantique is still home to many castles belonging to aristocratic families, offering the possibility of realizing every child’s dream: sleeping in a castle. This thrilling experience takes guests on a journey through time, allowing them to disconnect from their reality and the world’s current events, and to take time for themselves by walking through the gardens. A unique opportunity to share the daily life of a castle in the company of guests who are passionate about each of its stones and the characters who have marked its history. It is a true invitation to be carried away by the inspiring experience of spending a night in a place that has survived the passage of centuries.
The Castle of Grand-Lucé – A journey through time with a touch of haute couture
Little known, the Loir Valley, a tributary of the Loire, offers beautiful surprises and an authentic way of life influenced by the arrival of the nobility attracted by the incredible landscapes that surround it.
Intended to host royalty and illustrious philosophers of the Enlightenment at the end of the 18th century, the prestigious Grand-Lucé castle was built by Baron Jacques Pineau de Viennay, privileged advisor to Louis XV. Since 2019, it has been home to a hotel with 17 refined rooms and suites, all decorated with antique furniture reupholstered with striking fabrics by Pierre Frey, Jean-Paul Gaultier and Christian Lacroix. The ambience of these rooms, without television or minibar, transports guests to another era. A journey back in time that only the discreet presence of a telephone disturbs, witness of a more contemporary era.
Surrounded by a forest and a lake, this exceptional site offers timeless pleasures such as strolling in the French and English gardens maintained and dotted with statues donated by Louis XV, swimming in the fountain-pool or enjoying Gallic specialties at the restaurant Le Lucé.
This neoclassical jewel located in the Loir valley, near Le Mans, offers an exceptional setting, ideal for a luxurious break in the middle of nature. From there, you can enjoy pleasant bike or horse rides in the Bercé forest, or take advantage of charming villages, such as Le Chartre-sur-le-Loir, known for its antiques, workshops and stores.
Located in the heart of the Vendée, 8 km from the Puy du Fou, the castle of La Flocellière is already mentioned in documents dating from the 11th century. Viscount Patrice Vignial, a history lover, fascinates his guests by telling them the history of his castle.
The architectural ensemble of the castle of La Flocellière reflects the passage of centuries. Embrasures of the 13th century, defensive constructions of the 15th century and high windows of the 17th century… The castle of La Flocellière is one of the rare castles inhabited for nearly 1,000 years. Its magnificent medieval keep and one of the wings of the old Orangery overlook several gardens with century-old trees, such as the romantic garden or the Italian garden.
You have the possibility to come as a couple to the Château de la Flocellière to live a unique experience, to fulfill your desire to share the secrets of a real castle, far from the big cities. To enjoy a place where you can create memories while sipping tea with the famous cakes of the hostess, and to end the day by enjoying the comfort of one of the rooms, under the canopy of a solid bed. Its 900 year old history and secrets will impress even the youngest visitors.
Sharing stories in the library, enjoying the pool in the summer, playing with the property’s dogs or exploring the gardens are all part of this family experience. The rooms, suites and larger accommodations surround all guests with magic, and when they leave, they take with them unforgettable memories.
The Castle of Craon – The little Versailles of the Mayenne
This family castle in the province of Mayenne, which reflects the neoclassical architecture of the 18th century, stands on the hill of Guinefol. Built to be seen from afar, the Château de Craon is in an exceptional state of preservation.
This jewel of 18th century classical architecture, commissioned by the Marquis of Armaillé, is in a unique state of preservation. A real castle in the countryside, it is located in an extraordinary setting consisting of a French garden and an immense English park of 47 hectares where you can meet horses, goats or cows, geese, swans or ducks and, at the edge of the forest, sometimes even deer. The gardens also include 19th century greenhouses, a chapel, a wash house and an orchard.
Inside the castle, you can breathe in the typical southern Mayenne lifestyle. Surrounded by Louis XVI furniture from the 18th century, the interior is a real castle worthy of Versailles. From the entrance hall to the music room, through the dining room or the oval room, the castle of Craon is a beautiful example of the aristocratic life of the old regime.
To continue the experience, the hosts offer six rooms filled with stories about the illustrious guests who slept within its walls. Located in the central part of the castle, they offer a magnificent view of the formal garden and the surrounding countryside. Both elements contribute to the unique feeling of calm and serenity. The period furniture and French fabrics enhance the experience of a journey back in time.
Castle of Noirieux – The charm of a large country house
In the heart of 9 hectares, the Château de Noirieux offers a unique view of the Loir Valley. This haven of tranquility, refinement and intimacy is located only 20 km from Angers, an essential stopover in the Loire Valley.
The Château de Noirieux has all the charm of a large country house. With its Louis XV style armchairs, its grand piano from another era, its flowery tapestries and its huge windows overlooking the garden, one feels almost at home. In this rural escape, in addition to the friendliness of the welcome, you can enjoy the absolute tranquility of its natural setting with breathtaking views of the Loir Valley, a tributary of the Loire.
Inside, the small and large lounge follow one another, before leading to the elegant black bar and the gourmet restaurant. The impressive Art Deco staircase that leads to the rooms from the petit salon, designed by the Parisian architect Robert Lesage, is a feat of elegance that will soon be 100 years old.
The chateau’s rooms are decorated in a classic and elegant style, giving them the feel of an old family home in which each room is unique. Room number 4, located in a corner of the castle, is bright and has retained almost unchanged the Art Deco style in which it was designed almost a century ago. Its spacious bathroom proudly displays period tiles and an imposing clawfoot tub. A trip to another era that you will never forget.
