Château du Plessis-Bourré

The basics

Visitors to the castle not only get to admire the formidable exteriors, but can explore inside on a guided or self-guided tour. See the grand Guard Room with its renowned alchemist-themed ceiling paintings, admire the views from the Parapet Walk, and peek inside the chapel, library, and bedrooms. After exploring the castle dungeons, head outside to stroll through the landscaped parklands and see the drawbridges in action.

Things to know before you go

• If you’re looking for a unique place to stay, the château also has traditional cottages and wagons set on the castle grounds.

• The château has free parking, restrooms, and a snack shop selling cold drinks and ice cream in the summer months.

• There is an admission fee to visit the castle, and guided tours are also available in multiple languages. Entrance is free for Angers City Pass holders.

• The ground floor and the cour d'honneur are accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, but seeing the rest of the castle means climbing the original stairways.

How to get there

The Château du Plessis-Bourré is located in the western Loire Valley, about 12 miles (20 kilometers) north of Angers, or about a 30-minute drive. There’s no public transportation from Angers, so you will need your own car or to join a tour. From Paris, you can reach Angers by TGV train, a 90-minute trip.

When to get there

The château is open to visitors from late February through the end of November, but opening hours vary throughout the year. It’s open daily from morning to early evening in July and August, with guided tours every hour from mid-morning to late afternoon, and the same hours from Tuesday to Sunday in April-June and September. During the low-season months, it's open Tuesday to Sunday in the late afternoon only. The castle also hosts several seasonal events, such as summer knight tournaments, evening theater performances, and Halloween and Easter tours.

Exploring the lesser-known Loire Valley châteaux

Chenonceau, Chambord, and Cheverny aren’t the only châteaux in the Loire Valley— there are also dozens of private châteaux to discover. The Château du Plessis-Bourré is one of five around Angers, and a discounted five-castle pass is available. Visit the 18th-century Château de Serrant with its impressive library, the picturesque Château du Lude with its garden maze and escape game, the luxurious Château de Montgeoffroy, and the Château de Brissac, France’s highest château at seven floors.