Did you know that the Mayenne department is home to an impressive number of châteaux, 279 to be exact! That’s one chateau for every 18.5km². Most are privately owned, but many are open to the public. So there’s no shortage of châteaux to visit in the Mayenne!
The Château de Lassay:
One of the most iconic châteaux in Mayenne is the Château de Lassay. This stunning fortress boasts a fascinating history dating back to the 15th century. With its magnificent towers and turrets, the château stands as a testament to the region’s medieval heritage.
Château de Mayenne:
From its ancient Roman foundations to the medieval and Renaissance elements, this château is a living encyclopaedia of the department’s history.
The Château de Craon:
A blend of Renaissance and classical styles and nicknamed “le petit Versailles de la Mayenne”, the château of Craon was built in 1776.
Château de Sainte-Suzanne:
Château de Sainte-Suzanne is a fortified castle dating back to the 11th century. Besieged by William the Conqueror from 1083 to 1086, it was the only stronghold that the Conqueror was unable to take.
Châteaux Festivals and Events:
Throughout the year, Mayenne comes alive with vibrant festivals and events centred around its châteaux. The Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days) allow visitors to explore many châteaux that are not usually open to the public. These events celebrate the preservation of Mayenne’s architectural heritage and its importance in French history. This year the Heritage Days are Saturday Sep 16th – Sunday Sep 17th, 2023. A date for your diary if you are looking for châteaux to visit in the Mayenne!
Below is a small selection of privately owned châteaux that you may like to visit. For more information about other châteaux and manor houses in the department, visit: https://chateaux-jardins-mayenne.fr/
You can also find château events on our What’s On page: www.mayenne53.com/whats-on/
Château de la Grande Courbe
Address: La Grande Courbe, 53150 Brée
Telephone: 02 43 90 04 10
E-mail: deverguy@yahoo.fr
Opening days and times
10am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm every day except Tuesday from 1 to 31 July and from 14 to 30 September. Guided tours for groups all year round by appointment
Free admission
Château Hauterives
Photo par Matton Patrick — Travail personnel, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=42023982
Address: Allée d’Hauterives, 53210 Argentré
Telephone: 06 26 22 49 51
E-mail: chateauhauterives@orange.fr
Opening days and times: Open from 12pm to 6pm, 1 May to 30 September.
Also open on European Heritage Days, and public holidays.
Admission: Free for children under 12, 6€ per adult
Château de Varennes l’Enfant
Address: Château de Varennes l’Enfant, Épineux-le-Seguin, 53340, Val-du-Maine
Telephone number: 0243984344
E-mail: xavier.d-albaret@orange.fr
Opening days and times
10am to 12pm and 2pm to 7pm from 1 July to 4 August and from 20 August to 31 August
Self-guided tour of the exterior except on Tuesdays when there is a guided tour at 3pm.
Admission: Self-guided tour: €2 Guided tour: €4 Children under 16: Free
Jardins et château des Arcis
Address: Château des Arcis, 53170 Meslay-du-Maine
Telephone number: 0688682321 E-mail: chateaudesarcis@gmail.com
Opening days and times
Les Arcis is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays:
– From 29 April to 17 May, from 17 July to 15 August inclusive, from 1 to 18 September from 1pm to 7pm.
– Thursday 18 May to 16 July inclusive, 10.30am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 6pm
Guided tours for groups by appointment
Prices: 6€ per person, 4€ for children aged 6 to 12 (with free mystery trail booklet)
Free for children under 6 (a game trail on the theme of garden animals is available for 3-6 year olds: €2)
Le Puy Château & gardens
Address: Château le Puy, 53170 Ruillé-Froid-Fond
Accueil
Telephone: 02 43 07 74 56 E-mail: marc.meslay@hotmail.fr
Opening days and times: 12pm to 6pm from 15 July to 31 August
Prices: 2€ per person, Free for children under 16
Château de la Rongère
Address: Château de la Rongère, 53360 Saint-Sulpice
Telephone: 07 56 96 41 05 E-mail: contact.larongere@gmail.com
Opening times: 11am to 6pm from 1 June to 30 September
Admission: 4€ for adults, 2€ for children under the age of 18, Free for children under 12
Château de Magnanne
Address: Château de Magnanne, 53200 Ménil
Telephone number: 06 79 39 45 13
Opening times: 2pm to 6pm, Thursday to Sunday, 21 April to 19 September (except 8 to 21 July)
Admission: Free
Visiting conditions: A picnic room and sanitary facilities are available. A baby-changing table and microwave oven are also available. Children are the sole responsibility of the adults accompanying them. Beware of the presence of water: moats and ponds, strict supervisionrequired.
Dogs are not allowed. Guided tours for groups (minimum 10 people) by appointment.
Accommodation on site in a gîte by prior arrangement.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, architecture aficionado, garden lover or random wanderer seeking new experiences, there’s no shortage of châteaux to visit in the Mayenne. Of course, many people will want to stop off at probably the most famous château: Châteaux de la Motte Husson (Martigné-sur-Mayenne), home to the Strawbridge family as featured in Channel 4’s Escape to the Château TV series. But wherever you are in the Mayenne, it’s sure that there’s a château nearby to visit!
