Secret castlesmust-sees in Touraine
Montbazon Fortress: a plunge into the heart of the Middle Ages
What would you say to total immersion in the skin of a medieval knight? When the weather’s fine, take a trip back in time to the Middle Ages at the fortress of Montbazon, with its ancient crafts workshops, live shows, entertaining guide and not forgetting the gourmet tavern and its fouées. In winter, the fortress is transformed into Santa’s village!
Château de Civray: a charming property full of character.
Offering two guest rooms not far from its illustrious neighbour at Chenonceaux, Château de Civray is also open to visitors from April to October. While you can visit freely in the mornings, in the afternoons it’s best to take a guided tour to discover the 4 hectares of landscaped grounds and the ground floor of the château, with its refined furnishings.
Famille lors d'un atelier à la Forteresse de Montbazon
Domaine de Candé à MontsChâteau de Jallanges: Renaissance mysteries
Château de Jallanges, in the Vouvray vineyards, was built on the initiative of Louis XI, for his silversmiths. A few centuries later, in 1986, its young owner Stéphane Ferry-Balain set himself the challenge of bringing these old stones back to life. Gîtes, guest rooms, a spa, a reception area, events, an escape game and, of course, a tour of the site have all been brought back to life, as you stroll through a garden with over 219 varieties of rose. Are you a family with children aged 4 to 12? Come and enjoy the new“challenge castle” trail!
Domaine de Candé: the secrets of a royal wedding
In Monts, the Domaine de Candé holds the secrets of the historic wedding of Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson. With its Art Deco interiors and technological innovations from the 1930s – radios, electrical appliances and modern bathrooms – this château offers an unusual visit to Touraine. Extend your visit by taking one of the two walks criss-crossing the 230 hectares of the estate, or plan a picnic in this privileged landscaped setting. The on-site shop offers jarred dishes, drinks and cakes, as well as outdoor games for hire (skittles, croquet, etc.).
Secrets of HistoryLittle-known castles and anecdotes
Bridoré Castle
When history flirts with mystery
Château de Bridoré is a rare gem for mystery lovers. Built at the time of the medieval wars, it hides underground galleries and secret passages. Legend has it that the lords hid a treasure there… Dare you set off in search of it, armed only with a torch and a guide full of historical anecdotes? An adventure to thrill young and old alike.
Château de Bridoré
Château de GizeuxGizeux Castle
The art of medieval frescoes
In the Touraine region of Angers, the Château de Gizeux boasts a spectacular gallery of 17th-century murals. The restoration of this and other parts of the château is the fruit of the energy of the de Laffon family, who also organise family events throughout the year. The castle’s furnishings make for a very interesting guided tour. Extend the experience by staying overnight in one of the castle’s guest rooms, cabane or loft, complete with swimming pool!
Château de la Guerche
Medieval fortress
Château de la Guerche, with its towers and ramparts, is a veritable medieval fortress on the banks of the Creuse. Built to defend the region, the guides will take you back to the time of the knights. The architecture is partly “defensive”, the castle being located on the border between two eras: those of the Capetians and the Plantagenets!
