Chateau Des Dynasties

About this property

To stay in this remarkable château in the Loire Valley is a truly unique experience. It has been passed down the generations and remained in the same family since it was built in the mid-19th century and has recently been listed as a Monument Historique and Patrimoine du Val de Loire.

The château was born by the coming together of two dynasties - a famous Parisian royalist architect of the "noble suburb" of Saint-Germain and the Dukes of Plaisance who had an important presence in government at the time. The present owner is deeply proud of his heritage and has opened the château’s doors so guests can experience a stay in this magnificent building. He also lives in a small part of the castle and can offer private tours including the historically classified grand salon and original kitchens.

You can feel the historical ambience across the rooms open to guests at Château Des Dynasties with its salons and impressive dining room furnished with period pieces, bathed in light from the large windows and grandeur from the wonderful sense of height. Head up the magnificent spiral staircase to the sumptuous bedrooms with pretty French fabrics, all overlooking the glorious park. Across the interior you get a glimpse of what life would have been like for French noble families in the 19th century during the Second Empire.

The surrounding land has also been in the same family since the 12th century and in 1867 it was landscaped into the wonderful English-style park you see today, also recently classified as a Monument Historique. Take long walks through the 60-hectare grounds, take a boat out on the fishing lake or simply enjoy a relaxing lunch in the afternoon sunshine out in the gardens.

Within a ten-minute drive you can reach the banks of the Loire in the lovely town of Chalonnes-sur-Loire where you can dine in one of the riverside restaurants, explore the old town or hire canoes along the river. The town is surrounded by glorious vineyards; wine-lovers note that tours and tastings can be arranged for you to sample some of the excellent crus of the area such as Coteaux du Layon, Savennières, Vins de Loire.

Other wonderful days out include a visit to the interesting town of Cholet (33km) with cycling trails, hikes and watersports at nearby Lac de Ribou or watching a fascinating historical re-enactment at Puy de Fou, an hour away by car.  To the north, the university town of Angers has a vibrant café scene in the narrow lanes of the old quarter whilst historic Saumur, with its famous equestrian school, Cadre Noir, is also a wonderful city to see.

Here in the Loire Valley there is history and beauty all around you whether you are exploring the captivating region or re-living part of the château’s glorious past. 

Château Des Dynasties is set in an incredible 60-acre park of beautiful countryside, perfect for long walks and there is a small lake for boating and fishing. The grounds were originally landscaped in 1867 as an ‘English style’ private park and they are now classed as a historic monument alongside the château.

The château is just outside a small village with a bakery and tennis club whilst there are some good restaurants within a short drive in Chalonnes-sur-Loire along the banks of the river. Here you can also visit the old town, hire canoes along the river or rent a bike and pick up one of the wonderful cycling routes along the Loire River (including the Loire à Vélo). Kids and adults alike will love the little road train in July and August which visits the old town, river and even goes out to the surrounding vineyards!

This region is of course known for its fantastic vineyards and private tours can be arranged to discover the various ‘crus’ (Coteaux du Layon, Savennières, Vins de Loire). There are also some wonderful boat trips along with river with wine-tasting involved!

Just to the south the town of Cholet (33km) has a fascinating history connected to the French Revolution and textile industry which can be learnt about in the town’s excellent museums and discover the pre-historic megaliths dotted around the town. 

Just south of Cholet, families should also seek out the Puy de Fou (58km) a park with impressive historical re-enactment shows whilst train lovers young and old should visit the heritage railway at Chemin de Fer de la Vendée (44km).

Heading north, cross the Loire River and you’ll reach the city of Angers (33km) on the River Maine with its magnificent 13th century castle and vibrant cultural and student vibe. Explore the narrow cobbled streets of the old town, full of cafes and restaurants and visit the largest tapestry in the world.

Horse lovers should also head to Saumur (59km) with its famous equestrian school, Cadre Noir. Here you can also visit the fairy-tale château, take a boat up the Loire river, hire canoes or sample some of the region’s sparkling wine. Combine with a visit to the remarkable Fontevraud Abbey (70km) or the fascinating Troglodyte caves in Rochemenier (40km).

For those with an urge to explore even further afield, it’s about two hours by car to Tours (135km), perhaps one of the best known cities in the Loire Valley and a wonderful place to visit not only for its fascinating history but also high-end gastronomy with some amazing markets across the city. You could combine with a visit to one of the famous castles in this part of the valley including Château de Villandry (115km), Château Royal d'Amboise (168km) and Château de Chenonceau (162km). 

Accommodation

Château Interior* 

*please note that only one part of this very grand family Château is available for guests, the remaining areas are part of the family residence

Ground Floor
- Grand entrance
- Living room with TV and DVD player
- Second living room
- Dining room
- Kitchen, well-equipped including dishwasher, oven, espresso machine, kettle and microwave
- Double bedroom (bed 1.6mx2m) and bathroom

First Floor
- 2 x double bedrooms (beds 1.6mx2m) and bathrooms
- Double bedroom (bed 1.4mx2m) and bathroom

Second Floor
- Twin bedroom with bathroom
- 2 x double bedrooms (beds 1.6mx2m)  with bathrooms
- 2 x  children’s bedrooms each with a single bed
Outside Grounds
- Al-fresco dining table in the gardens
- BBQ available
- Croquet
- Pétanque
- 60 hectares of parkland
- Small lake suitable for fishing and boating
- Private parking

Facilities
- Central heating
- Wi-Fi
- Satellite TV and DVD player
- Croquet
- Pétanque
- Childrens books and DVDs
- Baby bath
- Board games
- 3 Bikes
- Washing machine and dryer available for guests use