Exceptional places / Stately Châteaux / Chateau de Brissac

Chateau de Brissac

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Pays-de-la-Loire

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Chateau de Brissac

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About Chateau de Brissac

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Home to the Dukes of Brissac, the tallest château in France rises with its monumental façades from its vast landscaped park. With seven stories and 204 rooms, this monument truly deserves its nickname, "Giant of the Loire Valley." Acquired in 1502 by René de Cossé, the first Lord of Brissac, it is now the residence of the 13th Duke of Brissac. It remains open to visitors, offering so much to admire: its 16th-century chapel and Belle Époque theater, its dazzling décor featuring gilded ceilings, tapestries, and precious furnishings. Its park offers beautiful viewpoints shaded by centuries-old trees.

Tip for an even more exceptional visit.

For a clever tour of the Château de Brissac, the "Giant of the Loire Valley," the visual trick is to carefully observe the main façade: you'll see a castle within a castle. It's a unique architectural oddity where two massive medieval towers seem to "swallow" a central Renaissance pavilion. The reconstruction project was never completed, and this stark contrast is the best testament to the Cossé-Brissac family's extravagant ambitions. The real secret lies on the top floor: don't miss the Belle Époque Theatre under any circumstances. Created at the end of the 19th century by the Marquise de Brissac, a passionate opera lover, this small, private 200-seat theatre is a jewel of red velvet and gilding, completely unexpected in a fortress. Finally, descend into the still-functioning medieval kitchens and end with the cellars. The château produces its own wine (Rosé d'Anjou). Crossing through the underground passages and ending with a tasting in the vaulted cellars is the most authentic experience of the estate.