Top 11 Castles around Orvault
Castles around Orvault offer a glimpse into the region's rich history and architectural heritage. Located near Nantes, this area features several historical châteaux, some of which are private residences while others provide public access to their parks or cultural activities. The landscape combines historical sites with natural settings, including expansive parklands and wooded areas. This blend allows for exploration of both historical structures and outdoor environments.
Best castles around Orvault
- The most popular castles is Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, a castle that has seen its role change over centuries, from a pleasure castle to a defensive one. Its courtyard and ramparts are freely accessible, offering a comprehensive historical experience.
- Another must-see spot is La Gascherie Castle, a castle built at the end of the 15th century in flamboyant Gothic style. While access is restricted as it is a private castle, it can be admired from the opposite bank or by registering at the equestrian center.
- Visitors also love La Desnerie Castle, a castle dating from the 15th century and mainly from the 18th century in its current form. This magnificent 18th-century building is surrounded by French gardens and offers guided tours and cultural events.
- Orvault is known for historical châteaux, neo-Gothic castles, and manors. The area offers a variety of castles to see and explore, ranging from publicly accessible sites to private estates visible from the exterior.
- The castles around Orvault are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 240 upvotes and 270 photos shared.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
Castle of the Dukes of Brittany
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Nowadays, the castle can be visited alone or on a guided tour and the site also houses the Nantes History Museum with more than 30 exhibition rooms to visit and temporary exhibitions.
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La Gascherie Castle
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La Desnerie Castle
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A hiking trail runs along the Erdre, but it is only passable by mountain bike or gravel.
Namely that a more rolling path bypasses the castle to the west and crosses the wood of Desnerie to the south.
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Château de la Juliennais
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Very pleasant setting, with woods, a pond and horses that you can often come across on the paths.
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Nantes: City Highlights
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Today we start our "Castles of the Loire Tour" ( Loire Valley Tour ) in the birthplace of Jules Verne in Nantes. In 1828 the writer saw the light of day here.
In 80 days he went around the world; we will remain many worlds away from that with our bikes. Hoping for favorable westerly winds, we work our way east; towards the source. In Sully-sur-Loire, but no later than in Gien, we plan to say goodbye to the Loire Valley.
The sections ahead of us from Nantes via Angers, Saumur, Chinon, Tours and Blois to Orléans are a small part of the Eurovelo 6 from the Atlantic to Constanta in Romania on the Black Sea and are additionally from Tours to Orléans a fraction of the Eurovelo 3 pilgrimage route from Trondheim in Norway to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
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The castle is open during daytime and the inner yard and ramparts can be visited for free.
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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.
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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.
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Great castle/castle. You can walk around the castle walls for free - all the way around - and get a great overview of the new and old town. Great facility.
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The first traces of the construction of the Château de la Juliennais date back to the 15th century. On the other hand, the building in its present form dates from 1860. Located on the GR 3, the castle and its surroundings offer a very pleasant setting, with woods, a pond and horses.
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Perhaps the most beautiful castle in the Erdre valley.
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Castle dating from the 15th century and in its current form mainly from the 18th century. A hiking trail runs along the Erdre, but it is only passable by mountain bike or gravel. Namely that a more rolling path bypasses the castle to the west and crosses the wood of Desnerie to the south.
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The Loire Valley Tour Today we start our "Castles of the Loire Tour" ( Loire Valley Tour ) in the birthplace of Jules Verne in Nantes. In 1828 the writer saw the light of day here. In 80 days he went around the world; we will remain many worlds away from that with our bikes. Hoping for favorable westerly winds, we work our way east; towards the source. In Sully-sur-Loire, but no later than in Gien, we plan to say goodbye to the Loire Valley. The sections ahead of us from Nantes via Angers, Saumur, Chinon, Tours and Blois to Orléans are a small part of the Eurovelo 6 from the Atlantic to Constanta in Romania on the Black Sea and are additionally from Tours to Orléans a fraction of the Eurovelo 3 pilgrimage route from Trondheim in Norway to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which castles near Orvault offer public access to their grounds or interiors?
Several castles near Orvault provide public access. The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany in Nantes offers free access to its courtyard and ramparts, and houses the Nantes History Museum. The Château de la Tour in Orvault has a 125-hectare park with centennial trees and orientation courses, which is open to the public. Additionally, the Château de la Gobinière now serves as a cultural hub, hosting art exhibitions open to the public during exhibition periods. La Desnerie Castle also offers guided tours and cultural events.
Are there any family-friendly castles to visit near Orvault?
Yes, several castles are suitable for families. The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany is family-friendly, with free access to its courtyard and ramparts, and a museum. The Château de la Tour in Orvault is excellent for families, offering an expansive park with marked orientation courses for exploration. La Desnerie Castle is also listed as family-friendly and hosts cultural events.
What historical features can I explore at the Château de la Tour in Orvault?
The Château de la Tour, with origins from 1450, showcases a blend of older architecture and neo-Gothic renovations from the late 19th century. You can explore its exterior buildings and the surrounding park. A notable feature is its small Gothic chapel with a 16th-century stained-glass window, classified as a historical monument, which is considered a rare example of art in Loire-Atlantique.
What kind of cultural activities are available at the Château de la Gobinière?
The Château de la Gobinière has been transformed into a vibrant cultural center. It houses municipal sports and cultural services and regularly hosts magnificent temporary art exhibitions. The exhibition room is open to the public on weekdays and Sundays during exhibition periods, making it a hub for local arts and culture.
Can I visit the Château du Loret near Orvault?
The Château du Loret is a private property and is not open for public visits. However, its neo-Gothic architecture, rebuilt around 1850, can be admired from the exterior. It is situated on a wooded site overlooking a beautiful body of water, offering scenic views even from a distance.
Are there any castles near Orvault that are good for a day trip?
For a day trip, the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany in Nantes is highly recommended. It offers a comprehensive historical experience with free access to its courtyard and ramparts, and a museum. The Château de la Tour in Orvault is also ideal for a day out, with its extensive public park and recreational opportunities.
What natural features can I enjoy around the castles near Orvault?
Many castles in the Orvault area are set within beautiful natural surroundings. The Château de la Tour boasts 125 hectares of parkland with centennial beech and oak trees, perfect for walks and picnics. The Château du Loret is situated on a wooded site overlooking a body of water. The area around Château de la Juliennais also offers a pleasant setting with woods, a pond, and often horses on the paths.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The region around Orvault offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, such as the 'Wooden bridge over the Cens – Château de la Tour loop from Orvault' or the 'Château de la Tour loop from Orvault'. For cycling, options include the 'Pont Général-de-la-Motte-Rouge – Cens Trail in Orvault loop from Orvault'. Gravel biking routes like the 'Cens Trail in Orvault – La Chézine loop from Nantes Métropole' are also available. You can explore more routes on the hiking, cycling, and gravel biking guide pages for Orvault.
Are there opportunities for circular walks around castles near Orvault?
Yes, the area provides several options for circular walks. The Château de la Tour's 125-hectare park is ideal for walks. You can find specific routes like the 'Château de la Tour loop from Orvault' which is an easy 4.5 km hike. For more options, check the hiking guide for Orvault.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles around Orvault?
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany is popular for its rich history and accessible ramparts. The scenic settings of castles like La Gascherie Castle along the Erdre river, and the pleasant surroundings of Château de la Juliennais with its woods and pond, are also highly valued. The community has shared over 270 photos and given more than 240 upvotes for these sites.
Are there any castles near Orvault that focus on wine or oenotourism?
While slightly outside Orvault proper, the Château de la Frémoire in Vertou is known for promoting Muscadet wines. It offers wine tastings, a restaurant, and various oenotouristic experiences in a bucolic setting, making it an interesting destination for wine enthusiasts.
What is the best season to visit castles near Orvault?
The best season to visit castles near Orvault is generally from spring to early autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is pleasant for exploring castle grounds and parks, and many cultural events or exhibitions are likely to be running. The expansive parks, like that of the Château de la Tour, are particularly enjoyable in warmer weather.
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