Visits, animations, festivities… welcome to the castle of Gizeux.
At the confluence of Touraine and Anjou, in a beautiful green setting, the 250 meters long facades of the castle of Gizeux stretch out in the sun. One would think it is all in length, but in reality it is deep, alive, and reveals jewels for the eyes of young and old… Zoom on the largest inhabited residence of Touraine Angevine!
Guided tours and youth activities every day
Open from Easter to All Saints’ Day, the Château de Gizeux is famous for its spectacular 17th century mural paintings, and for having been the home of great noble families over the centuries: the Du Bellay and the Contades. During the summer vacations, it is open every day from 10 am to 7 pm, for self-guided, guided (in July and August, daily at 10am, 11.15am, 2pm, 3.15pm, 4.30pm and 5.45pm) or audio-guided visits. You will enjoy at your own pace the François I Gallery and the Châteaux du Roy Gallery, the intimate salons and the large 18th century outbuildings, as well as the gardens and the forest park.
For the youngest, many activities are organized, including a costumed visit every day at 3 pm. Princess or knight, the choice is theirs! From Monday to Friday at 4:30 pm, children from 4 to 12 years old are invited to take part in an educational workshop (reservations recommended).
The little ones are invited to become budding detectives, to go through the treasure hunt “On the steps of Mistipouf”. A series of enigmas to solve during the interior visit, accompanied by their parents, to discover the castle and its history in a playful way!
The Châteaux du Roy Gallery
Costume tours
Beautiful furnishings
A green setting for a day in the fresh air
The domain of the Château de Gizeux is located in the heart of the Loire-Anjou-Touraine regional nature park. During a day at the castle, take advantage of the Orangery’s tea room and a picnic area on the Great Terrace. You will have the opportunity to have fun with your family with the large wooden games: Mölkky, giant suspense, English billiards, power 4 and a huge chess game will delight young and old!
At any time of the day, families can also go on an adventure by following the treasure hunt, set up in the stables and in the forest park. The 4-12 year olds are invited to look for clues to find the code of the treasure chest and win the reward!
Candlelight tours and wine tasting
During the summer, original and unusual visits also allow you to rediscover Gizeux. Thus, every Tuesday evening at 9pm, from July 11th to August 22rd 2023, take part in the nightly candlelight tours! By candlelight, stroll through the corridors and galleries, and meet the former owners of the place… All the inhabitants of the castle dress up to welcome you, and the visit ends with a wine tasting in the cellars. A unique and theatrical visit, to see the life of the castle in a new light!
If you prefer to visit during the day, please note that every day in July and August, the 11am guided tour ends with a tasting of Bourgueil and Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil wines in the cellars. The château is thus reconnecting with its history: wine was produced here until the end of the 19th century, and vines were replanted in the spring of 2021.
Also read: B&B at the castle of Gizeux
On August 15th at the Château de Gizeux, dive into history!
On Tuesday, August 15, 2023, join the “Dive into History” festival for its fourth edition. Arts and crafts, artists, local producers, fencers, dancers and volunteers, all in costume, will gather at the castle to relive the atmosphere of the 18th century.
Installed in the salons, the outbuildings and the various courtyards, they will help you discover and share their know-how throughout this exceptional day. Numerous activities will punctuate this great festival: cloak and dagger duels, egg painting demonstration, presentation of XVIIIth century camps, discovery of the animals of the educational farm, dressage shows, stilt walkers, … without forgetting the various “taverns” for eating! The historical day ends with a half-hour sceno-historical show, featuring more than 100 volunteers.
Sleeping at Château de Gizeux
For several years now, 4 guest rooms (and a table d’hôtes!) and 1 flat (gîte) have been delighting visitors from all over the world, who come to experience life at a château in a peaceful, privileged setting. In 2023, a tree house completes this range of unusual holidays.
As well as visiting the castle and the surrounding area (2 cycle routes, 27 and 36 km long, pass in front of the castle, a short 4 km footpath), holidaymakers can also take advantage of the heated swimming pool from May to September!
The tree house
The heated swimming pool
A guest room in the Château de Gizeux
More information on www.chateaudegizeux.com
You can also find the Château de Gizeux on Facebook and Instagram!