Discover Château de Brissac, the giant of the Loire Valley

Just 13 kilometers from Slow Village Les Ponts-de-Cé, the Château de Brissac stands elegantly in the heart of Anjou. Nicknamed the "Giant of the Loire", this monument is as impressive for its height as for its rich history. At the Château, there's no need to rush: you can take your time to stroll around, contemplate and soak it all in.
A perfect getaway for travelers in search of meaning, culture and nature, in the Slow Village spirit of slow tourism.

France's highest castle

At 7 storeys and 48 metres high, Château de Brissac is quite simply the tallest castle in France. Originally built in the 11th century by the Counts of Anjou, it underwent several major transformations, notably during the Renaissance, when it became the property of the powerful de Brissac family. Over the centuries, its walls have witnessed kings, nobles and conflicts, notably during the Wars of Religion, when it was partially destroyed and then rebuilt in a brighter style.

Even today, Château de Brissac belongs to the same lineage: the Duc de Brissac, direct heir, resides there with his family, perpetuating a rare and precious tradition of transmission.

Original architecture combining Gothic and Classical styles

The architectural eclecticism of the Château de Brissac is astonishing. Medieval remains stand side by side with Baroque elements, while the facades reveal an impressive diversity of materials and styles. Inside, you'll discover richly decorated salons, a monumental main gallery, an elegantly vaulted chapel and, above all, a unique Belle Époque theater inspired by the splendors of Italian opera.

Each room seems to tell a story, and it's easy to see why this place inspires so many visitors and designers, in a hushed atmosphere conducive to slow discovery.

Dive into thestory at your own pace

From the very first steps, you'll be struck by the hushed atmosphere of the premises. The guided tour, lasting around an hour, takes you in the footsteps of the Dukes of Brissac through furnished salons, bedrooms with antique tapestries, an intimate chapel and a 200-seat private theater, a 19th-century architectural gem. The guides, many of them local, share anecdotes, hidden details and family tales with passion, offering an experience as authentic as it is rewarding.

Our tip: reserve your visit for the opening or late afternoon, to enjoy a quieter, more intimate atmosphere.

Eco-responsible walk in the landscaped park

Surrounding the château are 70 hectares of parkland, listed for its rich landscaping. Alleys lined with century-old trees invite you to take a stroll, ponds reflect the skies of Anjou, and shady benches guarantee ideal contemplative breaks.

The estate, which is meticulously maintained in an environmentally-friendly way, encourages local biodiversity: you can come across deer, observe migratory birds or simply listen to the rustle of the foliage. A perfect moment to disconnect without a screen, and reconnect with the moment.

Slow tip: pack a gourd and a few local treats for an ethical picnic on the grass or by the water.

Practical information for a successful getaway

Plan your visit to Château de Brissac with peace of mind, thanks to these key facts and figures that will help you make the most of this Loire Valley treasure.

Opening hours & length of visit :

• Open from early April to early November
• Every day, including weekends and public holidays
• Guided tours between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., departing approximately every 30 minutes
• Allow 1h to 1h30 for the inside tour + free time in the park

Rates :

• Adults: €11
• Children (8 to 16): €4
• Free for children under 8

Access from Slow Village Les Ponts-de-Cé :

• By car: 20 minutes via the D748 (free on-site parking)
• By bike: a pleasant 45-minute ride along the green routes (bring water and helmet).

Just 13 km from our open-air hotel, this famous site fits perfectly into a slow tourism approach. Take the time to contemplate, learn and reconnect. The estate, carefully maintained, promotes local biodiversity and offers a respectful approach to heritage and the environment. It's also a living place, still inhabited, where every visit supports active, committed conservation.

For families, it's a rare opportunity to take part in an activity that's both educational and relaxing, in a setting where nature and culture interact harmoniously. Château de Brissac embodies everything Slow Village stands for: simple beauty, transmission and authenticity. An inspiring stopover, to be enjoyed without hurry.

Our tips for making the most of your visit

Here are a few simple tips for a serene, enriching experience that's true to the slow spirit.

• Choose the right time: prefer the morning or late afternoon for a more peaceful visit and pleasant light.
• Book your tickets in advance, especially during school vacations or special events.
• Bring comfortable shoes to make the most of the landscaped grounds and outdoors.
• Bring a water bottle and a local snack for a zero-waste break in the estate's green spaces.
• Take along a notebook or camera to keep track of your discoveries and sketches.
• Come by bike from Slow Village Les Ponts-de-Cé: allow around 45 minutes for a pleasant ride.
• Disconnect as much as possible: the site is best discovered without screens, in slow motion and with attention to detail.

Looking for a different way to experience Anjou? Book your stay at our open-air hotel in Les Ponts-de-Cé and let yourself be carried away by the gentler pace of nature, culture and authenticity.