Local Loire Chateaux
The Loire is over 630 miles long which makes it difficult to find a place from which you can easily see both the western and eastern chateaux. However the Loire of the Chateaux is general agreed to stretch from Angers in the west to Orleans in the East. From Le Clos des Guyons every chateaux from Angers to Tours are within easy travelling distance and even the ones further to the East are an easy day out. Below we have selected a few which we think should not be missed and which can truly be termed our local chateaux.. The times given are by car taking the most direct route.
Angers Chateau
A feudal fortress dating back to the IV cent. and Foulgues Nerra, 1st. Duke of Anjou. A mass of granite and sandstone towering over its moat. The removal of the "witches hats" from the 17 towers by Henri III in 1585 only serves to reinforce the sheer power of this edifice. Houses the greatest of french tapestries, the remaining 100 meters of La tapisserie de l'Apocalypse, featuring "La Grande Prostitute"! 40mins.
Chateau de Brissac
The highest chateau in the Loire at 37 meters. A unique combination of styles with a new! chateau being imposed on the much older one in the 1600's. This was after the purchase by René Cosse in 1502 and his descendants still live there to this day. One of the greatest domains still in private hands. 25 mins.
Royal Abbey of Fontevraud
Not actually a Chateau but one of Europe's greatest religious constructions covering an area of 14 hectares. Constructed between the XIIth. and XVIIIth. centauries it has a huge XIIth. century kitchen, the only one in still in existence. Traditionally headed by an woman, most of Royal blood, there were 36 consecutive abbesses until the French revolution put an end to it. In 1804 Napoleon made it a prison in which function it continued until 1964. Now, painstakingly restored, it can be seen in all its glory. Impressive crypt which houses the tombs of Henry II of England, his wife, the formidable Eleanor of Aquitaine and his two sons; John and of course Richard I, the Lionheart. Has a program of atmospheric concerts which take place in its ancient cloisters. 20 mins.
Chateau de Saumur
A true fairy tale chateau perched on its hill overlooking the old town. It has fantastic views over the Loire both to the west and as far east as Chinon. Much of the battlements have been restored since a catastrophic collapse in 2001. Gradually reopening and has many exhibitions which reflect both the scholarly and military history of Saumur and, in particular its position as the major equestrian town in France, both civil and military. 15 mins.
Chateau de Brezé
One of the most curious chateau in the Loire with as much of it underground as there is on top! Kids tend to love it. Wine estate making award winning Saumur-Champigny.
Chateau de Montreuil-Bellay
Only 5 minutes down the road this huge ancient fortress contains a colleigiate church still used for masses. Great views over flower gardens and across the river Thouet. The chateau is still in private hands and lived in. Active wine making estate making many unusual wines outside the Saumur appellation. Dating back to 1025 the chateau is famed for the richness of its furniture and decorations.