In the series of France’s most unusual châteaux, we’ve already mentioned Chenonceau, Fougeret and Cheverny. Today, we’re staying in the same region, and turning our attention to Brézé, a curious but majestic edifice located 10 kilometers north of Saumur. Neo-Gothic in style, it boasts a number of distinctive features, including a network of troglodyte underground passages!
The incredible Château de Brézé and its troglodyte underground network
With 11 centuries of history, unique collections and a network of underground passages, the Château de Brézé has all the attributes that make it such an unusual building. Located in the heart of the Loire Valley, this Renaissance-style château is not at first sight extravagant or outlandish. Built from the 11th century onwards, it is one of the few of its kind to include an entire troglodyte section.
Over almost 4 kilometers of gallery, it’s a veritable “castle beneath a castle” that lies deep beneath the surface. The Brézé dry moat is quite simply the deepest moat in Europe. In this underground network, you’ll find the seigneurial residence, kitchens, cellars, stables and even a silkworm farm.
A curiosity well worth the detour, but the “aerial” part of the château is not without interest. Composed of three U-shaped wings, the Renaissance and neo-Gothic building is a Unesco World Heritage Site, and therefore in no way inferior to its famous neighbors. With its grand gallery lined with mullioned windows, richly decorated apartments and small gargoyles, the château is packed with features that make it a pleasure to visit.
While you’re there, be sure to sample the house wine, available in the château boutique. Otherwise, throughout the year, numerous events punctuate the seasons. For example, medieval jousting takes place in spring, while spooky characters haunt the area during Halloween. Finally, at Christmas, a farmers’ market takes place, offering everyone the opportunity to shop for the best.
So, there are a thousand reasons to visit this château, which is unlike any other, and the curiosities of Château de Brézé make it a must-see among the Loire Valley estates.
Château de Brézé – Bellevigne-les-Chateaux, 20 Rue de l’Amiral Maillé Brézé, 49260