Château de Brézé: A Subterranean Secret

Explore a Renaissance château with a fascinating underground fortress in the Loire Valley, boasting deep dry moats and centuries of winemaking tradition.

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Château de Brézé

Discover the Château de Brézé, a Loire Valley gem renowned for its unique underground fortress. Unlike typical castles, Brézé boasts an extensive network of troglodytic cellars, galleries, and even a former silkworm farm, carved deep into the region's signature 'tuffeau' stone. Explore the impressive dry moats, among the deepest in Europe, and wander through the Renaissance-era chateau above ground, complete with furnished apartments reflecting centuries of noble residence. With a blend of architectural styles and fascinating history, Château de Brézé offers an unforgettable glimpse into French nobility and subterranean ingenuity. Don't miss the chance to sample the estate's organic wines, a tradition dating back centuries, completing a truly immersive experience.

A brief summary to Château de Brézé

Bellevigne-les-Chateaux, 20 Rue de l'Amiral Maillé Brézé, Bellevigne-les-Châteaux, 49260, FR
+33241516015
Visit website

Monday 10 am-6 pm
Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
Thursday 10 am-6 pm
Friday 10 am-6 pm
Saturday 10 am-6 pm
Sunday 10 am-6 pm

Local tips

Wear comfortable shoes and bring a light jacket, as the underground temperature is a constant 12°C (54°F) year-round.
Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore both the above-ground château and the extensive underground network.
Consider a guided tour to learn more about the château's history and the secrets of its subterranean passages.
Sample the estate's organic wines at the tasting room to experience the region's viticultural heritage.
Check the château's website for seasonal events, such as historical reenactments or wine festivals, to enhance your visit.

Getting There

Driving

If arriving by car from Saumur (approximately 10km), take the D93 towards Chacé/Varrains. The château is located in the heart of Brézé village. Free parking is available in a large lot on Rue de l'Amiral Maillé Brézé, directly in front of the château. Note that overnight parking is not permitted.
Public Transport

From Saumur, take the Ogalo bus line C towards Brézé/Montreuil-Bellay. The bus stops at 'Château – Brézé', which is a short walk to the entrance. Check the Ogalo website for the most up-to-date schedules. A single ticket costs approximately €2.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis or ride-sharing services are available from Saumur. A taxi ride to Château de Brézé will cost approximately €20-€30, depending on traffic and the specific service.

Discover more about Château de Brézé

Château de Brézé, nestled in the heart of the Loire Valley, presents a captivating blend of Renaissance grandeur and subterranean mystery. While its elegant façade and furnished apartments whisper tales of noble life, it's the extensive network of underground passages that truly sets this château apart. Attested since 1063, Brézé evolved from a simple wooden fort into a formidable stone castle, strategically positioned overlooking the village. The de Brézé family, custodians for over 700 years, transformed it from a defensive structure into a comfortable residence, leaving an indelible mark on its architecture and legacy. The château's origins trace back to the 11th century when a wooden fort was erected to defend the surrounding lands. Over the centuries, this fort evolved into a stone castle, strategically positioned on a rocky outcrop overlooking the village of Brézé. The 13th century marked the arrival of the de Brézé family, who would become the chateau's custodians for over seven centuries. Under their stewardship, Château de Brézé transitioned from a purely defensive structure to a comfortable residence. The 15th century marked a period of significant architectural changes. The donjon, the central tower, was expanded and adorned with elegant windows, reflecting the emerging Renaissance style. Courtyards were added, and the living quarters were enhanced for comfort and beauty. What distinguishes Château de Brézé is its remarkable underground fortress, a sprawling network of troglodytic cellars and passages carved directly into the 'tuffeau' stone. These subterranean chambers, initially created for defense and storage, evolved to include kitchens, stables, a silkworm farm, and immense wine presses. Descend into this hidden world and explore the former seigneurial residence, a patrol path, a drawbridge mechanism, and cellars that once housed the château's harvests. The underground temperature remains a constant 12°C (54°F) year-round, offering a cool respite during warmer months. Above ground, the château showcases a blend of architectural styles, reflecting the tastes and influences of its various owners. The Renaissance-era façade, a testament to the Maillé-Brézé family's vision in the 16th century, exudes elegance and sophistication. Later additions in the neo-Gothic style, commissioned by the Dreux-Brézé family in the 19th century, add a touch of romanticism to the overall design. The private apartments of the Colbert family are also worth a visit with the dining room housing a magnificent collection of weapons as well as the bedrooms of the Marquis and Marquise de Dreux-Brézé. Beyond its architectural and historical significance, Château de Brézé boasts a rich viticultural heritage. The estate's vineyards, cultivated for centuries, produce organic wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Loire Valley. Visitors can sample these wines during their visit, gaining insight into the region's winemaking traditions. The domain of Brézé became famous for its white wine, particularly appreciated by King René, marking the beginning of a long wine-making tradition that continues with passion today. Today, Château de Brézé remains a private property, owned by the Colbert family, descendants of Louis XIV's famous minister, Jean-Baptiste Colbert. Their passion for preserving this historical treasure ensures that future generations can continue to explore its hidden depths and admire its architectural splendor. The last of the Dreux-Brézé, the late Marquise Charlotte de Dreux-Brézé, married Count Bernard de Colbert in 1959 (descendant of Jean-Baptiste Colbert, minister of Louis XIV). Today their son and his wife Karine have taken over the property. A visit to Château de Brézé is an immersive experience, offering a glimpse into the lives of French nobility and the ingenuity of medieval engineers. Whether you're exploring the underground fortress, admiring the Renaissance architecture, or sampling the estate's organic wines, Château de Brézé promises an unforgettable journey through history and culture.

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Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Château de Brézé: A Subterranean Secret

A brief summary to Château de Brézé

Local tips

Getting There

Driving

Public Transport

Taxi/Ride-Share

Unlock the Best of Château de Brézé

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Château de Brézé

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Château d'Oiron

Château de ussé

Château de Sonnay

Château de Glénay

Fontaine Souterraine

Château de Coussay

Marguerite d'Anjou Statue De Paul Belmondo

Logis Barrault

Place Sainte-Croix

Abbaye Toussaint d'Angers

Palais Episcopal

Office de Tourisme - Destination Angers

Made In Angers

Cité médiévale

Ancienne ville d'Angers, Angers

Unmissable attractions to see

Château De Parnay

Château de Parnay - Caveau de dégustation

GRATIEN & MEYER

Château de Montreuil-Bellay

Château de Saumur

Musée du Cheval

Loire Evasion

Confluence de la Loire et de la Vienne

Château du Petit Thouars

Musée du Champignon

Rochemenier Village Troglodytique

VIGNOBLE DE LA JARNOTERIE

Maison des Vins de Bourgueil

CAVE OF COUNTRY BOURGUEIL

Forteresse Royale de Chinon

Essential places to dine

LOIRE GOURMANDE SAS

Les Dames De La Loire

Le Castellane Restaurant - Younan Collection

Restaurant du Château de Rochecotte

Reflets de Loire

Auberge Pom'Poire

Loire&Sens au Fief de la Thioire

La Table de la Bergerie

Mémé dans les orties

CHEZ PAUL

Le Mail Restaurant - Cuisine Bistronomique - Angers

Restaurant Envol

Le 15 Gourmand

Restaurant La Boucherie

Le Boudoir

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Musée "Aux Anciens Commerces"

La Galerie - Espace Anjou

Loire Créateurs LA BOUTIQUE - Articles de Créateurs

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La Fée Maraboutée

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Palais des Thés

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Magasins Galeries Lafayette

Kawaii KILO SHOP

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Nature and Discoveries

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Le Falstaff

Ginkgo Bar

Matt Murphy's