A castle whose central structure dates back to the 16th century, with a few additions in the 18th and 19th century: bell-shaped towers, a small italian style chapel and an english park with 100 year old cedar, oak, laricio pine, and lime trees. The Comte Alec de Brosses, whose family has ruled this paradise since 1745, took over the family estate at the beginning of 2000 and gave up a career in finance to look after it all year round.

Four guest rooms and a country cottage from ancient times await the tourists passing through. A trip which might be extended if one shares the owner's enthusiasm for nature. His passion for plants led him to create an impressive arboretum where he planted 470 different species.

He is also the initiator of the « Rendez-vous d'Ailly» that is held every October on his property. A creativity in constant turmoil that can also be found in the famous Cornouilles jam made from berries that taste like gooseberry and grenadine, resemble small cherries, grow in the park of the castle and adorn the breakfast table of the castle when not being served with game and cheese. Eden's garden can be found at the doorstep of Roanne.

Contact and information: www.ailly.com
Château d'Ailly 42120 Parigny
Tél + 33 (0)477 62 00 39
Photo: Château d'Ailly

Guest rooms with les Gîtes de France Loire: http://www.gites-de-france-loire.com/

Suggested activities around the castle:

The room: would you like Renaissance, medieval or 18th century? The five guest rooms of the Château de Chalmazel recount the milestones in the history of the building which was constructed in 1231 by Arnaud de Marcilly, a vassal of the Count of Forez. An eagle's nest perched upon the Montagnes du soir, it was originally designed to control the upper valley of Lignon and monitor the neighbouring Lordship.

Elements from these epic times still remain: a round walkway with machicolations, murder-holes in some of the towers as well as the base of the walls. Also, traces of Renaissance on the facade and in the inner courtyard, which contains italian style galleries and a lovely little chapel.

For Isabelle Suguenot, an the architect with a passion for buildings, it was love at first sight in early 2000. Restored and dolled up, this fortress offers visitors the allure of history which can be found in the rooms as well as in the small arched lounge, the library and even on plates of dishes from medieval times. A feast for lovers of old stones.

Contact and information:  www.chateaudechalmazel.com 
Isabelle Suguenot
Le Château
42920 Chalmazel
Tel + 33 (0)477 248 809
Photo: Château Chalmazel
Guest rooms with les Gîtes de France Loire: http://www.gites-de-france-loire.com/

Another fairy-tale castle. A hunting lodge in the 15th century, it acquired its turrets, facade and its slightly roguish charm at the end of the 18th century. Today, Anny and Alain make a living from accommodating tourists. Six rooms named after writers, a reading room and a beautiful library attest to the owners' passion for literature.

The table d'hôte laden with regional produce and gourmet cookery classes given by Jean-Jacques Bornes, Meilleur Ouvrier de France, ensure that the local food is not forgotten.  A stroll in the park before returning to chemin de Saint-Jacques de Compostelle, a dip in the pool or exercising in the fitness center located on the ground floor of the castle: this very cozy place is also the ideal starting point of a visit to the region.

Contact et informations: http://www.chateaudelamotte.net  
42640 Noailly
Tél + 33 (0)477 666 460
Photo: Château de la Motte

Guest rooms with les Gîtes de France Loire: http://www.gites-de-france-loire.com/

Suggested activities around the castle: