This recently-renovated Château combines medieval history with Renaissance splendour.
The castle's fortress dates from the 13th century and was built on the site of an older fortress. Inside the courtyard, two lodgings were created: the feudal lodge in the 13th century and the Renaissance lodge in the 15th century. The keep disappeared during the Renaissance to be replaced by a main building. The castle therefore has two parts, one medieval and the other pre-Renaissance.
The Renaissance building was completed by 1515. Leaning against the surrounding wall, it is built at right angles to the wall only. Its façade facing out to the courtyard has two wings arranged on either side of the tower of honour with an octagonal layout which houses the staircase. The Italian influence is clearly demonstrated by the imperial domed roof, which supports an abundance of carved decoration.
This rural moated castle is surrounded by fields and woodlands, creating a romantic backdrop for photos and a serene and relaxed ambience for your event. The water gardens date from the end of the 16th century, when the two Renaissance pavilions were built to mark the entrance to the gardens. The garden has evolved over the centuries as fashions have changed, but it has always kept its core structure. Abandoned following the Revolution, the castle was restored around 1855 and the grounds were transformed into a landscaped park. In 1985, contemporary gardens were created around the Renaissance water gardens and the old structure was restored.
Water is omnipresent in the castle grounds where it plays an essential role. The remarkable and very elaborate hydraulic system inherited from the Middle Ages is still in use, and weirs and shovels regulate the flow of water throughout its course. Many ornamental trees planted in the middle of the last century are still visible today in the park, which has many and beautiful species of trees such as cypress trees planted on the edge of moats and canals, century-old oaks and gigantic plane trees. This creation of the contemporary gardens gave the castle an environment it was truly worthy of, enhancing the contrast between the long perspectives of the canals and the closed gardens.
For your wedding day you are able to hire one of the beautiful reception rooms including the Salle des Archers, the gardens, the interior courtyard or choose to privatise the entire Château for your special day.
The Salle des Archers, is a vaulted room dating from the 17th century; it is located on the left when entering the courtyard, opposite the façade of the Logis Renaissance, and is illuminated in the evening. Its surface area is approximately 207 m2,and is partly covered with a level carpet, the other part has a wooden floor of 5m X 8m to serve as a dance floor. This room can accommodate up to 200 seated guests and is available to hire from 1650 euros.
The price includes the rental of the "la Salle des archers" which is the main room where the event can take place, "la Salle des équipages" where the caterer can work, "la Sellerie" which can be used by the children or can be used as a cloakroom and finally an open-air cocktail party in the chateau courtyard.
Several other options are also available including the possibility to reserve an additional space for a marquee or platform in the castle's courtyard or in the park as well as lighting installations and a guided tour of the castle for your guests. Marquees has to be rented externally by the couple. Couples will have to rent tables and chairs from an external provider because we rent bare rooms. You will also have to use a caterer because we do not offer a catering service.
Accommodation for you and your guests of the highest standard. There are five guest suites and four lodgings available (which are air conditioned), sleeping 52 guests in total and there is also a restaurant on site for you and your guests to enjoy throughout your stay.
- La Conciergerie: (6 beds) For people who aspire to calm and who wish to discover our beautiful region, for those who wish to meet up with friends or family, the Château offers its first gîte. An elegant house, located in the park, with its private garden and breathtaking view of the castle.
- Gîte du Grenier à Blé: (1 bed) A double room in a duplex apartment, located in one of the towers of the castle ramparts, with a view of the park, the moat and the interior courtyard… a true haven of peace.
- Le Gîte de la Grange: (8 beds) The barn is a cottage located in the outbuildings of the castle and dates from the 17th century.
- Gîte de la capitainerie : (14 beds) Beautiful venue for couples or families with breathtaking views.
The team at the Château will be on hand to help throughout the planning process and have an excellent network of local suppliers to make your day just perfect.
Nearest airport: Tours and Paris. Private planes can get to Bourges.
Photo Credit: Maëlle Le Moign and Arielle de la Tour d'Auvergne
Centre is where fairy tale weddings come true. If you are a bride to be and you have had the dream of being a princess on the big day then nothing will be more fitting than this region.