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Château de la Mercerie: The Versailles of the Charente

Discover Château de la Mercerie, the 'Versailles of the Charente,' a unique blend of architectural styles and a testament to familial ambition.

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Château de la Mercerie, located in Magnac-Lavalette-Villars, is a neo-Gothic manor house transformed into an Italian Renaissance-style château by two brothers in the 20th century. Often called the "Versailles of the Charente," its impressive 220-meter facade and eclectic architectural styles blend neo-Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements.

A brief summary to Château de la Mercerie

  • Monday 2:30 pm-5:15 pm
  • Tuesday 2:30 pm-5:15 pm
  • Wednesday 2:30 pm-5:15 pm
  • Thursday 2:30 pm-5:15 pm
  • Friday 2:30 pm-5:15 pm
  • Sunday 2:30 pm-5:15 pm

Local tips

  • Visit from April to November when the château is open to the public.
  • Check the official website or Facebook page for exceptional closing days or special events.
  • Consider taking a guided tour in French or a self-guided tour in English using your smartphone.
  • Explore the gardens, including the rose garden and arboretum.
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Getting There

  • Car

    Château de la Mercerie is located in Magnac-Lavalette-Villars, approximately 25 minutes south of Angoulême. From Angoulême, take the D81 towards Magnac-Lavalette-Villars. Free parking is available for cars and light tourist vehicles. Camper vans are also allowed to park overnight. Note that the parking area does not have specific infrastructure for camper vans. The nearest camping car area with full facilities is located in Villebois-Lavalette, which is 5 minutes away.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available from Angoulême to Château de la Mercerie. The ride takes approximately 26 minutes and costs between €45 and €55. Taxis are also available in Magnac-Lavalette-Villars.

Unlock the Best of Château de la Mercerie

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Discover more about Château de la Mercerie

Château de la Mercerie, situated in the commune of Magnac-Lavalette-Villars in the Charente department, is a testament to architectural ambition and familial legacy. The château, nicknamed the "Versailles charentais" , began its transformation in 1924 when brothers Raymond and Alphonse Réthoré acquired the 19th-century neo-Gothic manor. Their vision was to create a vast edifice in the Italian Renaissance style, reflecting their family's prestige. The Réthoré brothers, with Alphonse as the self-taught architect and Raymond financing the project, embarked on an ambitious construction that lasted until 1975. The result is an impressive 220-meter-long facade, showcasing a blend of architectural styles. Inside, the château boasts a rich collection of art, furniture, and decorations acquired by the brothers during their travels. After falling into neglect following the brothers' deaths, the Château de la Mercerie has been undergoing restoration since 2011, led by the commune of Magnac-Lavalette-Villars and the Association du Château de la Mercerie. Today, visitors can explore the château's interior, including the Azulejos gallery, admire the architecture, and stroll through the gardens. Guided tours are available in French, and self-guided tours with QR codes are available in English.

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