Situated just a few kilometers from the river, this is the most westerly of the Loire châteaux. It's also one of the most sumptuous! You'll be amazed by the riches it contains. Enhanced by Renaissance architecture, mysterious furniture stands alongside thousands of antique books. Read our article to find out all about the estate's secrets and get ready to visit Château de Serrant!
Discover our useful tips in pictures to help you prepare for your visit and have a wonderful time.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Why visit Château de Serrant?
Is the castle worth it? Our opinion:
Yes, we can confirm that. The castle is well worth a visit! This estate with its prestigious past will transport you back in time to the history of France. You'll plunge into the intimacy ofillustrious characters and walk in the footsteps of emperors and princes. The Château de Serrant is also astonishing in its magnificence. Set in the middle of an immense park, it stands out not only for its imposing stature, but also for its luxurious interiors. Its refined decor and exceptional library impressed us. It's one of the most beautiful châteaux in the Loire Valley!
Why is the castle famous?
Still a princely property today, the château owes its renown to its rich history. Over the centuries, the site has played host to great aristocrats. The Queen of England, the French emperor Napoleon I and his companion Joséphine de Beauharnais, and their nephew Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte have all left their mark on Château de Serrant. We were able to visit the rooms they stayed in!
The château is also renowned for the treasures it contains. They have been protected as Historic Monuments since 2001. Unveiling an extraordinary array of furniture and objets d'art, the site also houses one of the country's largest libraries of antiquarian works. We were overwhelmed by the abundance of this collection!
This is one of the must-see castles around Angers.
WHERE TO STAY IN Angers
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Downtown, to enjoy the city, its restaurants and beautiful architecture.
Hôtel L'Oisellerie - see photos and availability
Hotel 21, Foch - prices, pictures and availability
In the surrounding countryside, for greater peace and quiet
Hotel Château des Forges - see photos and availability
Our favorite moments
Château de Serrant boasts a remarkable cultural and architectural heritage. Here's what struck us most:
- The priceless library: protected by a sumptuous décor, the library contains over 12,000 period books, which we were eager to leaf through!
- The chapel: designed by the architect of the Hall of Mirrors at the Château de Versailles, it houses the impressive mausoleum of the Marquis de Vaubrun. We were touched by the solemn yet artistic atmosphere of the place.
- The grand staircase: a majestic testimony to the spirit of the Renaissance, this stone staircase is crowned with sumptuous sculpted coffers. You won't forget to look up and admire them!
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History in brief
Having shaped the estate and its walls, the history of Château de Serrant is as rich as it is interesting.
- Middle Ages: The castle, not yet a castle, was a fortress. At the time, the fief was part of the Champtocé commune. Witness to this medieval past, the moat still surrounds the dwelling.
- Renaissance: In the 16th century, Péan de Brie, heir to the fortress, planned to rebuild it in the Renaissance style, calling on the famous Anjou architect Jean Delespine. Ruined within a few years, he had to sell the estate at the end of the 16th century.
- Classicism: Guillaume de Bautru acquires the château. In 1636, the Academician and State Councillor decided to complete his predecessor's work according to the original plans. The central body was completed, and the north tower and grand staircase were joined by the south tower, two wings and two pavilions. At the end of the 17th century, the Marquise de Vaubrun, whose maiden name was Marguerite-Thérèse de Bautru, had the imposing chapel added in memory of her husband who had died in battle.
- Contemporary period: Of Irish origin, the Walsh family bought the estate at the end of the 18th century and restored it to its former glory. They invited illustrious figures from French history, including Emperor Napoleon I and his companion Josephine de Beauharnais. In 1820, they created a huge English-style park. In 1830, Valentine-Eugénie Walsh de Serrant married the Duc de la Trémoïlle. Heir to the Duchâtel collection, the latter brings together precious books and works of art with the château's existing fine collection. During the 20th century, the estate passed to the Ligne-de-Trémoïlle family, then through another marriage to the Princess and Prince de Mérode, the current owners of the estate.
Access and map: Serrant's Castle, Saint-Georges-sur-Loire
Where is the castle?
- In the commune of Saint-Georges-sur-Loire
- Driving time from Angers: 25min
- Driving time from Tours: 1h30
- Driving time from Nantes: 1h20
Journey times are indicative. They may fluctuate according to traffic conditions. Here's a map to help you find your way. Serrant is number 8.
How to get there?
The quickest and most comfortable way to reach Domaine de Serrant is by car. Saint-Georges-sur-Loire is served by the A11 and A85 freeways and the D723. Your GPS may tend to take you down farm tracks. Stay on the départementale 723, which is the only road leading to the château. Would you like to rent a car to visit other tourist attractions in the area? Here's our advice.
Château de Serrant can also be reached by bus from Angers. From the bus station, take lines 422 (Beaupréau-en-Mauges stop) or 410 (Mauges-sur-Loire stop). Once you've reached the stop, it's a good half-hour's walk to the castle. You can consult the timetable here.
Cycling is a great way to get around the region. Château de Serrant is also on the route of the Loire by bike. Read our article on the subject!
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Loire
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars - one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a fairly compact car (many villages have narrowed the road).
- Think aboutfull insurance (parking in big cities is really tight).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Parking
Château de Serrant has its own parking lot. The large, free parking area at the entrance to the estate can accommodate cars, coaches, motorhomes, bikes and mountain bikes.
Useful tips: duration, schedules, eating...
Best time to visit
Apart from a few months' closure in winter, the château can be visited at any time of year. In summer and during school vacations, visitor numbers are higher, but the visit remains enjoyable. Prefer weekdays or even mornings for more exclusive discoveries.
Length of visit and main difficulties
Allow 1h30 to 2h to discover the Domaine de Serrant. The park is open to all. Unfortunately, the château's staircase entrance means it is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Advice on how to visit
If you've chosen to take the guided tour, plan your exploration around it. Allow some time before or after to explore the rest of the estate. We chose to come an hour early and start with the self-guided tour. A real appetizer, this first discovery of the site allowed us to soak up the splendor of the château!
After a quick stop at reception to collect our tickets, we entered the chapel and admired the marvels it houses. Then we ventured into the château and took the grand staircase. He led us from lounge to lounge, each more luxurious than the last. Our visit continued in the basement , where the kitchen and refectory gave us an insight into everyday domestic life. We then met up with the guide. His fascinating explanations transported us into the majestic world of the prestigious rooms and the extraordinary library. Finally, our journey into the estate's glorious past ended with a long walk in the park.
Visiting with children
Château de Serrant is a great place to visit with children. Its large park is ideal for long runs or family picnics. The site also provides educational leaflets for younger visitors. Events are also organized throughout the year. Escape Games and Halloween courses for young and old alike! Click here to read the latest château news.
Schedules and rates
The château is open from April to November. The premises are not heated in the cold season, so remember to bundle up! Don't arrive too late, as the last entrance is at 5.15pm.
Here are the timetables for each period:
- April, October and November: Wednesday to Sunday, 9:45 am to 6 pm. Guided tours: 10:30, 11:30, 14:15, 15:15 and 16:15.
- June to September: daily, 9:45 a.m. to 6 p.m. Guided tours: 10.15am, 11.15am, 12.15pm, 2.15pm, 3.15pm and 4.15pm.
Prices are as follows:
- Adult admission: €7
- Reduced rate (student, unemployed...): €7.50
- Price 8-15 years: €5.50
- Free for children under 7
- Guided tour: +4€ for adults, free for children
Those with an Angers City Pass can access the guided and self-guided tours directly. Read more about this post here. For details of prices and opening times, visit the château's website here.
Guided tours
Guided tours of the castle are the real highlight of the visit. We highly recommend them! They'll open the doors to the château's treasures, giving you access to the Empire Room, the breathtaking library and the Duchess's bedroom. Visits may be cancelled to accommodate children's groups or events. Book in advance and keep an eye out for updates on the château's official website here.
Catering
Château de Serrant has a sales outlet for drinks and snacks. Cool off and nibble chips or cookies on the store's terrace. We found the viewpoint charming! You can also choose the shade of the park's tall trees. The château has a large picnic area.
Looking for a real gourmet break? There's no shortage of good restaurants in the area. Here are our restaurant tips:
- Only a few minutes away by car, the gourmet restaurant l'Hoirie will seduce you with its elegant and daring dishes.
- Head to the banks of the river and enjoy a delicious meal at the Auberge de la Loire. Refinement and creativity on the menu! It's a 15-minute drive to Mauges-sur-Loire.
- In Saint-Melaine-sur-Aubance, about 30 minutes from the château, let yourself be tempted by the warm atmosphere of Le Petit Manoir. We loved their authentic and tasty cuisine!
You can also head for Angers (25min) and indulge yourself at one of our good addresses: see our favorite restaurants.
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Composite architecture
A late Renaissance style
Château de Serrant is distinguished by its typical 16th-century Renaissance style. But we were astonished to learn that this architectural direction only took shape in the 17th century. Construction of the château began around 1540 and was completed a century later. The estate's owner, Péan de Brie, dreamed of rebuilding his château in the spirit of the Renaissance. But ruined, he had to put an end to the work, leaving the next owner with an unfinished site: the staircase, the north tower and part of the dwelling. Guillaume de Bautru, State Councillor and Academician, took over the work around 1640, deciding to continue with the original project. The architectural program is followed with such care that we didn't detect the subterfuge!
The chateau's exterior facades captivate with their lavish decorations and the lines of their balconies. We admired the large windows, the curve of the domes and the slate turrets. Also characteristic of Renaissance art, the grand staircase is remarkable. Divided into two ascents, it is dominated by a magnificent ceiling. We were captivated by the finesse and geometry of the flower-patterned pedestals .
The astonishing chapel
We were surprised by the unusual dimensions of the château's chapel. His Versailles style didn't leave us indifferent either! Very imposing for a provincial château, the building is also famous for its architect. It was designed by the famous J. Hardouin-Mansart, who created the sublime Hall of Mirrors at the Château de Versailles. With its carved stone ceiling and walls adorned with marble columns, this chapel is today one of the finest examples of 17th-century funerary art. It also houses an exceptional tribute.
Why such a construction? Let us tell you the story. In the 17th century, Madeleine de Bautru, heiress to the Domaine de Serrant, married the Marquis de Vaubrun. He was killed during the Dutch War in 1675. For the love of her late husband, the Marquise commissioned a mausoleum so monumental that it didn't fit into the existing small chapel. The construction of a larger building was therefore undertaken, dedicated to St. Michael, the present-day chapel. We were impressed by this monument and by the magnificent tomb, which we'll tell you more about later!
The outbuildings and the estate
A few steps from the main building, the orangery extends majestically into the park. Now transformed into a vast reception hall, it hosts weddings and seminars all year round. It's an eye-catcher with its large green windows and stone walls. We were also impressed by the dovecote. Round and imposing, it was home to travelling birds, ancient winged messengers.
Surrounding the château and its outbuildings, the park provides shade and greenery over hundreds of hectares. Redesigned in the 19th century, it was transformed into an English-style park. We followed in the footsteps of illustrious figures as we strolled along the Promenade de la Duchesse. The romantic water features and groves of exotic trees charmed us with their bucolic hues. You can also take advantage of the various viewpoints that magnify the castle's silhouette.
Princely interiors
From luxurious living rooms to royal bedrooms
As we discovered the dining room, we witnessed the castle's past splendor. Flanders tapestries with mythological scenes adorn the walls, alongside superb Empire furniture. On its lion's legs, the table, which could seat up to 25 guests, is decorated with candlesticks stamped by Thomire, Emperor Napoleon I's favorite bronzemaker. Crowned heads such as the Queen of England have dined there!
Comfortable and grandiose, the grand salon houses works of art collected over generations. We were able to admire some magnificent 16th-century tapestries. Next to the majestic Renaissance-style fireplace, two statues by the famous artist of Louis XIV, Antoine Coysevox, caught our eye with their finesse.
We then discovered a succession of rooms, tastefully decorated by the Duc de la Trémoïlle. The Louis XV-style bedroom, fully restored in 2022, features family portraits, precious objects and furniture: a 17th-century secretary and armchairs, a collection of magnifying glasses and microscopic objects.
The rooms of the Princess and Prince of Taranto also impressed us with their luxury. Precious draperies and exceptional furniture give these apartments a cosy, comfortable atmosphere. The children's bedroom features antique toys and cribs. We were transported into this old family life.
Backstage at the château
Behind this luxury lay a whole domestic life, which the tour now highlights. For example, you can discover the small chambermaid's room adjoining the bedroom of the Princess of Taranto. The contrast is one of sobriety. The butler's office also reflects the importance of domesticity. The collection of keys and bells amused us.
An essential but hidden room, the kitchen is a vestige of the ancient medieval fortress. Covering more than 140m2 in the basement, a brigade of a dozen people worked there. We appreciated the 200 copper pans that color the room with their brilliant red, as well as the large central stove.
Next door, the servants' dining room had a surprise in store for us. A fresco painted by a German officer when the château was occupied during the Second World War hangs over the room, which used to seat over 40 people.
Also worth a visit:
- The antechamber with its Louis XIII and Louis XIV furniture
- The curious bathroom in the Prince of Taranto's bedroom
- The château's bakery and laundry
Real treasures
The library and other exceptional rooms
The guided tour opened the doors to the château's most prestigious rooms. We were impressed by the library, the most beautiful we've ever seen! Comprising over 12,000 antiquarian works, it is one of the largest private libraries in France. In a luxurious and comfortable setting, it houses exceptional editions such as L'Encyclopédie by the Enlightenment writer Diderot, the Fables by Jean de la Fontaine and engravings by Piranesi, the famous 18th-century Italian artist. Most of the books were collected by the Bautru family.
Another exceptional room, the Empire Room, fascinated us. Reminiscent of the visit of Emperor Napoleon 1st and his companion Josephine de Beauharnais, the room features sublime furniture in the First Empire style. The curves of the arched bed echo the molded vaults of the ceiling. We were also struck by the beauty of the gold objects and delicate portraits.
The Duchesse de la Trémoïlle's bedroom evokes the splendor of the Belle Époque. Bright and elegant, it houses a unique dressing room. We were transported into the intimacy of this great lady as we admired her hair and toiletries.
A unique collection of furniture and precious objects
Listed as a Historic Monument since 2001, the château's collection includes a wealth of furniture and works of art. We were particularly impressed by two exceptional pieces.
The mausoleum of the Marquis de Vaubrun, enthroned in the center of the chapel, is in our opinion one of the finest works of art to be found in the château. Designed by Charles Lebrun and realized by Antoine Coysevox, two artists of the Sun King, the nickname given to King Louis XIV, it depicts the marquis in antique clothes and the grieving marquise. All marble and gilding, the tomb is monumental. Designed at the request of the Marquise de Vaubrun, it symbolizes the grandeur of her grief. We were touched by this magnificently embodied devotion.
On display in the grand salon, the ebony cabinet caught our eye. This exceptionally well-preserved piece of furniture, dating from 1640, is the fruit of the fabulous work of 17th-century cabinetmakers. It can only be opened during guided tours for conservation reasons, but you'll be captivated by its finesse. The finely carved doors with their mythological decor open onto a surprising miniature theater. Mirrors, coral and ivory combine with great delicacy. A true work of art, it was part of Louise de Bazinière's dowry when she married Guillaume de Bautru.
Frequently asked questions
What tourist attractions are close to Château de Serrant?
The castle is close to many tourist attractions. Here are some of them:
- Le jardin des plantes d'Angers: stroll through the streams and statues of this 18th-century botanical garden and observe the various species it shelters.
- Le Circuit du Fouilloux: go hiking in the Bois du Fouilloux and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature!
- Musée Jean Lurçat et de la Tapisserie Contemporaine: you'll love this magnificent museum, which houses a collection of contemporary tapestries in a jewel of medieval architecture!
Is it worth taking the guided tour?
The answer is yes! The guided tour will reveal the château's finest treasures: a remarkable library of over 12,000 antique books, two rooms of unparalleled refinement, and the interior of a superb cabinet. We loved it!
Can we get married at Château de Serrant?
Yes, it is possible to get married at Château de Serrant! One part of the estate, the Orangerie, is available for private parties. We spotted it on our walk through the park. The building is superb. Every year, many weddings are celebrated within these walls. The estate also hosts private business events, seminars and receptions. Click here if you're interested.
What events does Château de Serrant host?
Life at Château de Serrant is lively all year round! The estate organizes themed events throughout the year. You'll be able to enjoy the mysterious atmosphere of the site on Halloween, as well as during the Nuit des Châteaux. The château is also planning Escape Games and a Murder-Party inspired by crime novels. Once a year, you can also admire the magnificent classic cars put on display for all to see by local clubs. Here's all the latest news from the château.
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