Top 7 Castles around Grandchamp-Des-Fontaines

Listed as a Historic Monument, the **Château de la Desnerie** in La Chapelle-sur-Erdre is one of those superb residences that make the Erdre riverbanks famous. Built in the 14th century by a comrade-in-arms of Du Guesclin, then remodeled in the 18th century with a west wing designed by the famous Nantes architect Jean-Baptiste Ceineray, this elegant private estate is not open to visitors. However, it can be discreetly glimpsed through the trees by taking the coastal path or strolling through the **bois de la Desnerie**, a 15-hectare sensitive natural area ideal for a bucolic walk.

The construction of Port Mulon Castle dates back to the 19th century. Of its various owners, it primarily preserves the memory of Prosper Coinquet. Born in 1825 in Nantes, Prosper Coinquet was mayor of Nort-sur-Erdre twice, from 1859 to 1874, and again from 1877 to 1892. He was also a general councilor for the Loire-Inférieure department from 1883 to 1887. This lawyer by training was also a great lover of the arts. He was himself a musician and poet. He composed numerous songs and waltzes that enjoyed considerable regional success. He dedicated one of his waltzes, simply titled "Le port Mulon," to his castle. Prosper Coinquet chaired or was a member of several musical and literary societies. It was therefore only natural that he decided to make the château the setting for evenings dedicated to the arts. Readings and concerts were held in the park or in the reception hall. Nantes artists invited to perform came by way of the Erdre River. The setting, its tranquil riverbank, and its magnificent park wooded with rare species, thus retain the imprint of the music that was performed there until 1892. That year, Prosper Coinquet died at home. Since 2006, music has once again resonated in the park's foliage. Indeed, at the end of June, the venue hosts the La Nuit de L'Erdre festival. Today, the Château de Port Mulon and its park are managed by the municipality of Nort-sur-Erdre. A reception hall can be rented from the town hall, whether for private or professional events. You can also take yoga classes at the château. As for the Nantes Atlantique improvisation league, it has made it its headquarters. Finally, since 2017, the place has become a coworking space whose success continues unabated. As for the park, it's a place where, in addition to enjoying its vast spaces and magnificent trees, you can indulge in an orienteering course. Twenty markers are scattered throughout, and by exploring them, you'll learn much more about the treasures it contains. During your stroll, you'll undoubtedly encounter riders who enjoy riding their horses there. And if, at nightfall, you spot the fluttering shadows of numerous bats, don't be surprised. For several years, the castle and grounds have been havens for these nocturnal animals.

The current château is the work of Jean-Baptiste Ceineray, a renowned Nantes architect, who built it for Martin Boux de Casson, a councilor in the Parliament of Brittany. Construction began in 1753 with the central section and the left pavilion. The château was completed after the Revolution with the construction of the right pavilion in 1805. The park is home to a charming monument erected in the 19th century. It features a pond, overlooked by a grotto and a pink sandstone obelisk (a tribute from Jacques-Olivier Urvoy de Saint-Bedan to his wife, Marie-Pélagie). The building was listed as a historic monument in 1989. Its protected elements include the château's facades and roofs; the stairwell with its wrought iron railing; the Empire salon with its ornate decorations; the steps with its grand staircase; and the ornate garden with two stone lions at the entrance to the verdant hemicycle. In July 2021, a 250m² outbuilding caught fire and was completely destroyed. (The property is private and closed to the public; unauthorized access is prohibited.)

The Plessis estate is mentioned as a seigneury as early as 1260. In 1753, the medieval castle, having become too uncomfortable, was rebuilt and replaced with the one we see today, in the classical style. In 1760, the blessing of the castle chapel took place; it was destroyed during the Revolution. Among the most illustrious occupants of the estate, we can mention: François Dollier de Casson (1636-1701), a cavalry captain and later a priest, who was sent on a mission to Quebec. He drew up part of the plans for the city of Montreal (the city owes its characteristic checkerboard structure to him, long before Philadelphia). In Montreal, a street, several buildings, and a retirement home now bear the name Casson. Jacques-Olivier Urvoy de Saint-Bedan (1780-1858) was mayor of Casson, general councilor, member of parliament for Loire-Inférieure, and city councilor of Nantes. He was an important patron of the arts, notably responsible for the construction of the Sainte-Anne asylum (Hospices of the Little Sisters of the Poor), the church of Casson, the bell tower of the church of Sucé, the Sainte-Anne de Casson chapel, and more. His art collection is now largely on display at the Nantes Art Museum thanks to his generous donation. The estate became the property of the Boux de Casson family. It then passed by inheritance to the Urvoy de Saint-Bedan family and then, through marriage, to the de Bouillé family, who still reside there.

19th century castle overlooking a large 15 hectare park, known for its rare species and for its music festival "La Nuit de l'Erdre". The path along the Erdre can be very muddy in winter. Beyond the place called Les Mares Noires you can continue on a single track that crosses a fairly densely wooded area and/or the more rolling Noe-Guy path.

Beautiful 16th century castle surrounded by a magnificent park. Many paths cross the park and the forest, lending themselves perfectly to a two-wheeled adventure.

The Château de La Desnerie is a magnificent 18th century building. Built in 1743 by the architect Jean-Baptiste Ceineray, it is surrounded by French gardens designed by André Le Nôtre. This historic estate, with its freestone facade and baroque details, offers guided tours and hosts cultural events.

To admire this private castle, simply register at the equestrian center, the first activity on the estate, take the path along the Erdre, or go to the opposite bank, at a place called Gachet. The castle was the stately home of La Chapelle-sur-Erdre at the end of the 13th century. It became the possession of Arthur de Lespervier, great huntsman of the Duke of Brittany who had the castle built at the end of the 15th century in the flamboyant Gothic style of that of Goulaine. It became a Protestant stronghold at the beginning of the 16th century with its new owner, François de la Noue known as Bras de Fer, faithful companion of Henri IV. It was restored in the 19th century by the Poydras de la Lande family.