Château de Brissac (XVIIth century) / Brissac-Quincé
Standing higher than all other royal castles, Brissac well deserves its nickname of “Giant of the Loire valley”. Acquired in 1502 by René de Cossé, the first lord of Brissac, it is today the residence of the 13th duke of Brissac. Its park contains some magnificent spots in the shade of centuries old trees. Visitors can admire the castle’s spectacular decorations, and the breathtaking Belle Epoque operatic theatre is not to be missed.
Château de Montgeoffroy (XVIIIth century) / Mazé
The Château de Montgeoffroy is truly one of the greatest architectural masterpieces of the 18th century. Its many delights include a majestic approach to the château, typical gardens of the 18th century, an outstanding furniture collection, magnificent interior decoration and a remarkable kitchen with over 260 items of copperware.
Château du Plessis-Bourré (XVth century) / Ecuillé
Le Plessis-Bourré is a near-perfect 15thcentury castle, complete with moat, a double drawbridge, fortified gates, big towers, tuffeau stone. No wonder it has been used as a set for many French films! Inside what is still a home are richly furnished rooms, including the intriguing Salle des Gardes, with its painted ceiling that was supposedly designed by an alchemist…
Château de Serrant (XVI-XVIIIth century) / Saint-Georges-sur-Loire
The Château de Serrant is 5 km from the river and the most westerly situated château of the Loire. Its splendid architecture and extraordinary furnishings delight visitors by both their abundance and prestige. Guests are immersed in authenticity by the kitchens ready to be fired up and the exceptional library containing 12,000 books, as well as the ebony cabinet with a multitude of secret drawers.
Château and gardens of Montriou (XVth - XIXth century) / Feneu
Surrounding the castle (XV-XIXth centuries) and the chapel (XVth century - classified as historic building), verdant grounds and gardens can be admired, especially the lovely vegetable garden and the very original Garden of the Princess, the last garden devoted to the cultivation of cucurbitaceous plants.
Château du Plessis-Macé (XVth century) / Le Plessis-Macé
Plessis Macé castle was built as a black shale fortress during the 13th century but transformed into a splendid country home during the 15th century. The castle is in a flamboyant gothic style. The tuffeau stone balcony and chapel, which contains a rare gothic tribune, are the most impressive parts. Today’s visitors can clearly appreciate the contrast between the elegant stately residence and the remains of the medieval fortress.
Musée - Château de Villevêque (XVth century) /Villevêque
The Villevêque Castle, a fortress built during the 12th century, lost its defensive character in the mid 15th century and became a very pleasant residence. Daniel Duclaux, a rich industrialist and enlightened art lover lived there from 1981. He bequeathed it to the city of Angers in 2003, along with a valuable collection of art from Europe from the 12th to the 16th centuries, and a library of extremely important volumes.
Château à Motte de la Haie Joulain / Saint-Sylvain d'Anjou
Built out of earth and wood, the motte and bailey castle is the ancestor of the stone fortress. The Haie Joulain site represents a fortified stronghold around the year 1000. The raised earth mound is topped with a keep and the courtyard contains dwellings and farm buildings.