Gizeux Castle

This imposing castle, built in the 14th, 16th, and 18th centuries, is the largest inhabited residence in the Touraine Angevine region . Home to two of the finest galleries in France, the Château de Gizeux is a true treasure of the Loire Valley , both for its rich history and for the numerous activities and events that bring it to life today. The oldest parts of the castle are a reminder that the family of the poet Joachim du Bellay owned Gizeux for 350 years . During these three centuries, the Du Bellay family made numerous alterations to the building, transforming it from medieval austerity to the charm of the Renaissance.

Among the many rooms in the château, two are particularly remarkable: the François I Gallery and the Gallery of the King's Castles . The former, created at the end of Henry IV's reign by Italian artists, features numerous paintings and mythological scenes, remarkably well-preserved and protected during the French Revolution. The Gallery of the King's Castles, a true source of pride for the monument, was created around 1680 and boasts no less than 400 square meters of painted walls showcasing royal castles and charming bucolic scenes.

The visit also offers a glimpse into the heart of the 18th century with the discovery of the Grand Outbuildings and the smaller salons that make up the ground floor of the main house. These rooms feature marquetry furniture and several sets of Louis XV armchairs, listed as historical monuments. The former kitchen with its impressive copper collection, the stables, and the vaulted cellars reveal the inner workings of daily life in a large rural château and the more recent history of this grand family home. The visit concludes with the discovery of the 15th-century chapel, currently undergoing restoration , the Orangery-Tea Room, and the secluded garden hidden within the buildings.

The owners of Château de Gizeux, Géraud and Stéphanie de Laffon, invite you to stay in this unique setting , enjoying gîtes and bed and breakfast rooms furnished with old-world charm and modern comforts. They also bring this precious heritage to life daily through a variety of fun and engaging activities for all ages : self-guided or guided tours, costumed or storytelling, daytime or candlelight tours, escape games, and historical festivals. The numerous workshops offered to children (costumed tours, storytelling and snacks, bread oven demonstrations, heraldry) and the events organized throughout the year ensure that the vibrant atmosphere that has always defined this incredible Château de Gizeux continues to thrive.