The fantastic castles of Loria where you can stay the night

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On its way to the Atlantic, the Loire flows through a landscape

.

Land of numerous castles that belong to aristocratic families and that offer the possibility of making the dream of sleeping in a fortress come true.

And strolling through its gardens, and

who are passionate about each one of its stones... These are some of the most spectacular to live this experience:

The Château de Grand-Lucé

Designed to welcome royalty and illustrious philosophers of the Enlightenment at the end of the 18th century, the Château de Le Grand-Lucé was built by Baron Jacques Pineau de Viennay, a favorite adviser to Louis XV.

Since 2019 it has housed a hotel with

, all decorated with antique furniture reupholstered with striking fabrics by Pierre Frey, Jean-Paul Gaultier and Christian Lacroix.

The atmosphere of these bedrooms, without television or minibar, transports guests to another era.

A journey through time that is only disturbed by the discreet presence of a telephone, a witness to more current times.

Le Grand-Lucé.A.

LYNK

This exceptional place, surrounded by

allows you to enjoy timeless pleasures, such as strolling through the manicured gardens in French and English style dotted with statues given by Louis XV, swimming in the fountain converted into a pool or savoring the specialties galas at the Le Lucé restaurant.

It is also possible to go for a bike or horse ride through the Bercé forest, or to relax in its charming villages, such as

known for its antiques, its workshops and its shops.

Where:

Little known, the Loir Valley, a tributary of the Loire River, offers beautiful surprises 55 minutes from Paris by train.

More information at www.chateaugrandluce.com.fr

The Château de la Flocelliere

The architectural ensemble of the Château de la Flocellière reflects the passing of the centuries.

13th century loopholes, 15th century defensive constructions and high 17th century windows... This castle is one of the few to have been

.

Its magnificent medieval keep and one of its wings of the old orangery dominate several gardens with centuries-old trees, such as the romantic garden or the Italian-style garden.

Dressing table in one of the rooms.

Castle guests can enjoy

accompanied by the famous sweets made by the hostess and sleep under the canopy of a sturdy bed in one of its romantic bedrooms.

The 900-year-old history and secrets of the place impress even the little ones.

Sharing stories in the library, enjoying the

, playing with the property's dogs or discovering the gardens are all part of this family experience.

Exterior of the fortress.P.

HOLLEY

Where:

Located in the heart of the Vendée province, 8 km from Puy du Fou, the Château de la Flocellière is already mentioned in documents from the 11th century.

More information at www.chateaudelaflocelliere.com

Craon's castle

This jewel of classical architecture from the 18th century commissioned by the Marquis of Armaille is in a unique state of preservation.

An

, situated in an extraordinary setting made up of a French-style garden and a huge 47-hectare English-style park where one can come across horses, goats or cows, geese, swans or ducks and, on the edges of the forest, sometimes even with deer.

The gardens also have 19th century greenhouses, a chapel, a laundry room and a vegetable garden.

Canopy alcove.

Inside the castle you can breathe a typical lifestyle of the south of the province of Mayenne.

Surrounded by furniture from the 18th century, in the Louis XVI style, its interior immerses us in an authentic castle worthy of Versailles.

From the entrance hall to the music room, from the dining room to the oval bedroom, Craon Castle is a fine example of aristocratic life in the ancien régime.

Where:

This family-run castle in the province of Mayenne stands on the

.

An hour and a half north of Nantes.

More information at chateaudecraon.fr

The Château de Noirieux

The Château de Noirieux has all the charm of a grand country house.

With its Louis XV-style armchairs, its

another era, its floral tapestries and its huge windows that open onto the garden, one feels almost at home.

In this rural getaway, in addition to the friendliness of the welcome, you can enjoy the absolute tranquility of its natural surroundings with impressive views of the Loir River Valley, a tributary of the Loire.

art deco living room

Inside, the small and large lounge follow one another, before arriving at the elegant black bar and the

The impressive Art Deco staircase leading to the bedrooms from the small living room, designed by Parisian architect Robert Lesage, is a feat of elegance that will soon be 100 years old.

The rooms of the castle are decorated in a classic and elegant style, giving them an air of an old family home in which each room is unique.

Room number 4, located in the corner of the castle, is bright and almost unchanged in its

with which it was designed almost a century ago.

Your spacious bathroom proudly features vintage tile and a stunning claw-foot tub.

The façade of Noirieux.

Where:

With unique views of the Loir valley, it is located just

, an essential stop in the Loire valley.

More information at www.chateaudenoirieux.com

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