The castle of Montreuil-Bellay
The Montreuil-Bellay castle-fortress is of particular interest because this colossus is still furnished and inhabited, and we have the chance to visit its private apartments.
(Tour duration: approximately 45 minutes)
This majestic, impregnable castle couldn't even be conquered by the formidable Plantagenet, Duke of Normandy and Count of Anjou. But we are luckier: the fortress-castle of Montreuil-Bellay opens its gates and lowers its drawbridge to welcome us.
We will follow in the footsteps of the kings of France and discover objects that belonged to its illustrious inhabitants: the wedding chest of Queen Margot, the weapons of General Mouton, aide-de-camp to Napoleon Bonaparte, the secretary of the Baroness de Montreuil-Bellay and a true masterpiece: the Mazarin desk, made by André-Charles Boulle, the great "jeweler of furniture".
As is often the case, this castle is a true blend of prestigious French styles, ranging from medieval to Renaissance and Baroque. Do you love French Gothic? We're in luck: we'll be able to admire the majestic 15th-century Notre-Dame chapel, a pure example of the Angevin Gothic style, rare in this region.
Finally, upon leaving the castle, you will have the opportunity to taste and purchase the wine produced on the Montreuil-Bellay estate.
Le Castellane, culinary excellence in the heart of the Château du Prieuré.
Within the majestic Château Le Prieuré, perched on the heights overlooking the Loire, the restaurant Le Castellane invites you on a true gastronomic escape. Here, the cuisine is resolutely modern and creative, showcasing seasonal and local produce.
As soon as you step through the dining room doors, the decor imposes its solemn and sumptuous character. You are immediately immersed in the elegance of another era, where the Empire style mingles with the memory of Napoleon III. Portraits of Bonaparte, gilding, and rich fabrics create a setting worthy of the grandest receptions of yesteryear.
And for lovers of wide open spaces, the terrace reveals a breathtaking panorama of the Loire, offering an idyllic setting for an outdoor meal, lulled by the murmur of the river.
An experience where refinement blends with history, for a timeless interlude…
The Château de Serrant
The Château de Serrant: a preserved jewel of French history
Nestled in the heart of the verdant Loire valleys, surrounded by its moat and English-style landscaped park, the Château de Serrant stands majestically, a timeless witness to history. Located just a few kilometers from Angers, it is one of the rare private residences still inhabited, while also being open to visitors eager to delve into its fascinating past.
From a medieval fortress to a Renaissance gem
As is often the case in this region steeped in history, Serrant's roots lie in the Middle Ages. It was once a robust schist fortress, whose moat still remains today. But it was in the 16th century that the de Brie family undertook the transformation of the castle into an elegant Renaissance residence. The architect Jean Delespine, a renowned talent in Anjou, designed a superb double flight of stone coffered staircases, a true architectural feat.
Unfortunately, the ambitions of the de Brie family were thwarted by financial difficulties and the vagaries of history. At the end of the 16th century, construction was halted, leaving the castle unfinished.
The century of Bouthout: a brilliant revival
The story takes on a new life in the 20th century, when in 1636, Guillaume de Bouthrout, a loyal supporter of Louis XIII, acquired Serrant. A visionary, he revived the construction work and, in his pursuit of authenticity, meticulously adhered to the original plans. It was also under his guidance that a magnificent library was created, destined to house a collection that would, over the centuries, reach the prodigious sum of 000 volumes.
Serrant's prestige grew to the point of hosting, in 1661, an illustrious guest: Louis XIV himself, a rare recognition for a private castle.
From marquises to princes: the splendor and elegance of the 18th and 19th centuries
In the 18th century, Serrant passed into the hands of a wealthy Irish family, the Walsh family. These prominent shipowners brought a touch of British refinement to the property: the estate was adorned with a magnificent English-style park, the interiors were redesigned, precious stained-glass windows were installed, and the furnishings were enriched with sumptuous pieces. In 1808, another distinguished visitor, Napoleon I, marveled at the grand staircase. To mark this imperial visit, a dedicated room was created, where a remarkable desk by Mansonnier still stands today.
The 19th century marked a new era with the arrival of the La Trémoille family, and then, through marriage, the princely Ligne family. In 1894, Duke Louis-Charles de La Trémoille entrusted the architect Lucien Magne with the task of modernizing the château: electricity, heating, elevator… Serrant embraced modernity while preserving its historical character.
Serrant in the 20th century: a preserved witness
On the eve of the Second World War, the Duchess of La Trémoille established Serrant as a safe haven for works of art from the national collections. A discreet but essential role in the preservation of heritage.
The last Duke of La Trémoille, Louis-Jean-Marie, died prematurely in 1933 without a direct heir. His sister, Charlotte de La Trémoille, wife of Prince Henri-Floran de Ligne, then inherited the estate. The de Ligne dynasty has since ensured the continuity and upkeep of the château.
In the 1980s, Serrant became a true local icon: his elegant profile even appeared on the postmarks of the town of Saint-Georges-sur-Loire!
A castle still alive in the 21st century
Even today, Serrant remains a private property, inhabited by the de Mérode-de Ligne family. In 2005, Princess Edwige de Ligne-La Trémoille, heiress to the estate, moved there with her husband, Prince Charles-Guillaume de Mérode. Together, they continue the work of their ancestors, focusing on both restoration and cultural development.
And Serrant is not just an open-air museum! Since 2010, its park has been alive every year with the rhythm of the "Kandorya" live-action role-playing festival, where knights, mages and fantastic creatures meet in a magical medieval atmosphere.
Why visit Serrant Castle?
• An architectural gem: one of the best-preserved private castles in France.
• A bibliophile's treasure: an exceptional collection of 20,000 books.
• A staircase fit for kings: admired by Louis XIV and Napoleon I.
• A living history: a castle that has survived the centuries thanks to the commitment of its owners.
• A timeless site: where every room, every corridor still whispers the echoes of a prestigious past.
Serrant is not just a castle. It is an invitation to travel back in time, to follow in the footsteps of kings, dukes and princesses, to immerse oneself in a story that continues to be written, day after day.