• Château de la Ménaudière

    The Château de la Ménaudière estate in the heart of the Loire Valley Castles

Privatisation of a family castle
in Chissay-en-Touraine

The Château de la Ménaudière invites you to put down your luggage and enjoy a relaxing stay in the heart of nature, in an exceptional place.

The Château de la Ménaudière, a haven of peace and freedom!

One of the authentic Castle of the Loir-et-Cher (41), the Château de la Ménaudière estate is located in Chissay-en-Touraine in a 26-hectare valley spread over a clearing of hundred-year-old oaks.

Put your bags down, settle in and enjoy the place to recharge your batteries during your stay.

A green setting, a welcoming team and a quality service for a relaxing and soothing break.

 

The estate

Entirely renovated as a family castle, the estate consists of a Castle, a Gatehouse and a Round Tower that can accommodate up to 54 people in 27 rooms.

The main Courtyard, bordered by a dry moat, is planted with 4 magnificent plane trees surrounding the fountain.

Whether you are staying in the Castle or in its outbuildings, greenery and nature appear at the windows.

The main Courtyard

Our facilities for a better stay at Château de la Ménaudière

To bring together your family and friends or your colleagues in an exceptional setting, the Château de la Ménaudière offers its guests the following facilities

  • A park in the middle of nature,
  • Two fully equipped lodges
  • An outdoor swimming pool with solarium
  • A tennis court
  • A bicycle room.
  • A heliport
  • A helipad for hot air balloon take-off
  • A large private car park for buses and cars
  • A seminar room with wifi
  • A reception room.

The history of the Ménaudière

Formerly
The site of La Ménaudière was called La Kaërie.

From 1443 to 1650, the Domain of the Kaërie was owned by the Briconnet family. Jean Briconnet was secretary to the King under Charles VII and Louis XI, receiver of finances and first Mayor of Tours. He was a pious and good man, nicknamed "the Father of the Poor". On the tip of the Kaërie rock, a medieval building already existed in the Middle Ages. It is likely that the thick foundations supporting the two square towers, the porch and the entrance buildings date from this period.

Over the course of two centuries, the Briconnets made numerous changes to the buildings. After the demolition of the old building, they built the Castle and a chapel. The defence ditches were dug. It should be noted that one of the heirs, Catherine Briconnet, nicknamed "the Builder" was the wife of Thomas Bohier, builder of the first buildings of the Château de Chenonceau.

Domain of the Kaërie

In 1650, the estate became the property of Michel Gaillard, Lord of la Ménaudière.

From that time onwards, the name of la Kaërie disappeared. This family owned it until 1770.

In 1770, the Marquis de l'Escure, Marshal of Camp in the King's years, bought la Ménaudière.

Vineyard

In 1788, the estate was sold to Baron de Préaux, husband of Julie Le Vayer.

When they died, the Domain de la Ménaudière went to their nephew, Mr De Ferrière.

In the last century, this family carried out numerous works. Under the Castle, cellars were dug into the rock, and a vineyard was planted on the slopes. The Castle was restored. Stables were built in the meadow.

The estate

It was in 1961 that the last heir,
the Marquis De Ferrière Le Vayer,

decided to sell the Ménaudière property and its dilapidated Castle to the Mutuelle Générale de l'Enseignement.

The present day
What remains of this beautiful ensemble that has defied the centuries?

A large avenue lined with old oak trees leads to the main entrance buildings. In the centre, a square building that housed the drawbridge retains the defensive machicolations.

The chapel was located on the first floor. On either side, two small square Towers probably completed the surrounding wall.

Outside, a beautiful Round Tower with a pepperpot roof has replaced the old dovecote. A wooden bridge crosses the moat and leads to the Roman porch which opens into the Court of Honour in front of the Castle.

Machicolations for defence

This is a beautiful, classical and sober Renaissance building,

The facades are pierced with mullioned windows and the roof is lightened by a row of dormer windows and high chimneys. The large dining room on the ground floor features a magnificent 18th century ceiling with painted joists as well as a monumental fireplace sculpted with the arms of the De Ferrière Le Vayer family.

Perfectly restored in the style of the "Bâtiments de France", this complex is now converted into a three-star hotel. It now welcomes guests wishing to relax in the refined setting of a real Castle.

Rear view of the Château de la Ménaudière
Monumental fireplace

Book your stay!

To enjoy a pleasant moment in a Renaissance Castle near Tours and Amboise, don't hesitate to book on 02 54 71 23 45 or via the online form!