Pays de la Loire

Castles in Pays de la Loire

Loire Valley Castles and Manors

This collection showcases the architectural evolution of the Loire Valley and surrounding departments, featuring a range of defensive medieval fortresses and elegant Renaissance estates. Highlights include the 10th-century Carolingian residence at Mayenne, the unique riverbed construction of the Flamboyant Gothic Château de Montsoreau, and the historic Laval Castle. These sites represent centuries of regional history, from early feudal foundations to the refined manor houses and seigneurial estates of the Sarthe and Mayenne landscapes.

Loire Valley Castles and Manors — Map

A

Château de Montsoreau

Renaissance and Flamboyant Gothic castle built directly on a riverbed that functions as a contemporary art museum. It houses the world's largest collection of works by the Art & Language movement and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

B

Château d'Aché

A historic regional heritage site located in the northern reaches of the region.

Romain Bréget / CC BY-SA 3.0

C

Laval Castle

The Laval Castle is a castle in Laval, in the French department of Mayenne. Its foundation in the 10th century allowed the birth of the city.

POHU Gilles / CC BY-SA 4.0

D

Hauterive Castle

Hauterive Castle is a castle located in Argentré, within the department of Mayenne.

Symac / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Château de Mayenne

A rare 10th-century Carolingian residence built during the reign of Charles the Simple, later transformed into a medieval fortress and prison.

Thibaultmaurel / CC BY-SA 4.0

F

Château du Bois-Guignot

A private historic estate and castle located in the commune of Bécon-les-Granits.

MontdErve / Public domain

G

Seigneurie de la Grande Courbe

A fortified manor house and seigneurial estate dating back to the 13th and 15th centuries, located near the village of Brée.

Siren-Com / Public domain

H

Château de Chèreperrine

An 18th-century classical-style chateau situated in the Origny-le-Roux commune, featuring a traditional park and outbuildings.

Yann Gwilhoù / CC BY-SA 4.0

I

Château de la Cour

A historic residence located at the entrance of the Ampoigné commune, situated just east of the village church.

Gentil Hibou / CC BY-SA 3.0

J

Château de Montmirail

A private historic monument in the Sarthe department, known for its commanding position overlooking the Perche Sarthois region.

Chateau de la Rairie / CC BY-SA 4.0

K

Château de la Rairie

An 18th-century manor house located in the commune of Pont-Saint-Martin, south of Nantes.

Simon de l'Ouest / CC BY-SA 4.0

L

Château de Courceriers

A medieval castle site that was extensively rebuilt in the 16th century, located in Saint-Thomas-de-Courceriers.

M

Château de Fresnay

The Château de Fresnay or Frênay is a French castle, 1.2 km to the north of Le Bourgneuf-la-Forêt in Mayenne.

N

Château des Linières

A 17th-century castle located near the village of Ballée, featuring classic architectural lines and surrounding parkland.

O

Château de Château-Gontier

The remains of a medieval fortress overlooking the Mayenne river, which served as a key defensive point for the town of Château-Gontier.

P

Château de Bouillé-Théval (ancien)

A historic castle site located in the commune of Montguillon, representing the regional architectural heritage of the Maine-et-Loire.

Q

Manoir de la Danière

A traditional manor house located in the commune of Amné, showcasing regional architectural styles.

R

Château du Bois du Maine

A historic residence situated on the south bank of the Mayenne River within the commune of Rennes-en-Grenouilles.

S

Château de Poligny

A rural estate in Forcé consisting of a traditional farmhouse and a 19th-century master's residence.

Other Lists

Pays de la Loire's Essential Treasures French Religious Heritage Loire Valley Heritage Treasures Lighthouses and Viewpoints Parks and Gardens Regional French Flavors Unique Architectural Heritage