Château de Serrant

Saint-Georges-sur-Loire, France

The Château de Serrant is a Renaissance château built on the foundations of a medieval fortress. From the 14th century the castle was held by the Brie family. Charles de Brie was inspired to start modernisation early in the 16th century, but lack of funds meant the project was halted with only the North Tower completed.

Ownership of the castle then changed hands several times before Guillaume de Bautru, a State Councillor, purchased the property in 1636. de Bautru restarted the construction that had been halted over a century earlier. By using Charles de Brie's original plans and the same russet schist and white tuffeau stone, de Bautru ensured that there was a continuity of design. The central halls, two wings and the South Tower were added, with Jules Hardouin Mansart completing the work of de Bautru by building the chapel.

In 1749, the estate was sold by the last surviving descendant of the de Bautru family and was bought by Antoine Walsh, a shipowner whose family were exiled Jacobites. As well as redecorating the interior of the castle, the Walsh family built an English style park, pavilions, and a monumental gate complete with the family crest. The château eventually passed out of the hands of the Walsh family in 1830 when Valentine Walsh de Serrant married the Duc de La Trémoïlle. La Trémoïlle assigned Luciene Magne the task of restoring the castle and several features, including parapets and cornices, were added. The La Trémoïlle family still own the château, but in the 20th century it has been modernised with cellars and the introduction of electricity.

The castle is notable for the library, stocked with 12,000 books; the vaulted halls, originally home to the kitchens; and Napoleon's bedroom, which was never used by the Emperor as he stayed at the castle for only two hours.

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Details

Founded: 16th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in France

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Larah Oh (4 years ago)
Lovely interior dining and reception Rooms, bedrooms and staff Quarters. Loved the hot air heating and the beautiful fireplaces. Grand furniture. English guide via podcasts well made
Marek Pýcha (4 years ago)
Nice but it you have to pay even for gardens entry.
Fran Gleed (4 years ago)
Fantastic place - beautiful rooms and very realistic, not touristy. And they even allow dogs in the chateau! Thank you!
kuchinskiy illia (4 years ago)
Fairy land with it own soul))
A. Barroca (5 years ago)
Charming castle, with beautiful green surroundings. Be sure to take the guided tour as there are 3 extra rooms not included in the free tour (the library is a must see and only included in the guided tour).
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