Serrant Castle

During a unique stay at the Château des Forges near Angers, discover another building with charming architecture and a fascinating history: a masterpiece of Renaissance style, the Château de Serrant welcomes you to Saint-Georges-sur-Loire for self-guided or guided tours. Get ready to step back in time at an estate that has stood the test of time, still owned by the royal family to this day. On a lovely day out, take a stroll through its gardens and explore the surrounding area, from the banks of the Loire to the medieval streets of Angers town centre.

The history and architecture of Serrant Castle

A historic castle

Room by room, a tour of Serrant Castle will take you from the Middle Ages right up to the 20th century, as you discover its illustrious occupants and visitors, its architectural alterations, its successive decorations through changing fashions and eras, and the modern comforts that have ensured it remains a princely residence to this day. Originally a medieval fortress before being rebuilt in the Renaissance style by Péan de Brie, Lord of Serrant, the château was significantly enlarged during the 17th century. In the 18th century, whilst owned by an old Irish family in exile, the château weathered the Revolutionary period unscathed. During this period, its walls witnessed visits from Napoleon I and Josephine, the Duchess of Berry, Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte and Archduchess Marie-Christine of Austria, sister of Marie Antoinette.

The Gardens of Serrant Castle

Around 1820, the Walsh family of Serrant created an English-style park covering several hundred hectares at the foot of the castle, featuring romantic ponds and remarkable views of the building. It is home to several outbuildings to explore during your visit, including the château’s orangery, the dovecote and the stables. The elegant Promenade de la Duchesse winds its way through the park, leading from one surprise to the next, amongst groves of exotic trees, pond banks and shaded avenues.

Architectural features, rooms and works of art at the château

Serrant Castle is renowned for its exceptional collection of furniture and works of art, listed as a Historic Monument and one of the largest in France. A self-guided tour of the interiors allows you to explore more than 15 rooms, including a sumptuous reception room adorned with a multitude of works of art: paintings, sculptures and tapestries. You will also have the opportunity to admire the spacious kitchens and their impressive collection of 200 copper pots and pans. Among the architectural treasures of the Château de Serrant are a monumental Renaissance staircase with sculpted ceilings and the Versaillaise Chapel, a 17th-century masterpiece of extraordinary proportions.

Visit the Château de Serrant

Guided tours

Choosing a guided tour of Serrant Castle in Saint-Georges-sur-Loire offers the opportunity to explore the building’s delicate and well-preserved areas, such as the incredible library containing 12,000 antique volumes, the Duchess’s bedroom and her elegant dressing room, as well as the Empire-style bedroom, which bears witness to the stay of Napoleon I and Joséphine de Beauharnais at Serrant Castle. Offered at a very attractive price (an extra 4 euros per adult and free for children), the guided tour makes exploring the château and its history even more fascinating.

Events organised at the château

In addition to self-guided or guided tours, the Château de Serrant organises themed tours focusing, for example, on the decorative arts and furniture. The site also hosts rallies for classic car clubs. In the grounds, the Orangery offers a catering service for group lunches (minimum 20 people). Numerous events also take place throughout the year at the château in Saint-Georges-sur-Loire: a murder mystery party, a classical music festival, an unusual behind-the-scenes tour of the château, an escape game, or even a treasure hunt.

Plan your visit whilst staying at the Château des Forges hotel

The ideal destination for a themed break exploring castles in Maine-et-Loire, the Château des Forges hotel in Angers is a charming, relaxing and refined retreat. Discover our rooms and book an idyllic break in unspoilt surroundings, just a few minutes from Angers Castle and only 20 km from Serrant Castle, another prestigious historic building in the Angers region. Around the château, there are many other tourist activities to enjoy after your visit: canoeing on the Loire, a visit to the Kangaroo Garden, exploring the vineyards, or a day out at Terra Botanica.

The Loire Valley is renowned for its castles as for its exceptional wines. Among the heritage sites not to be missed during your stay in Maine-et-Loire, the Château de Serrant in Saint-Georges-sur-Loire is one of the most impressive of its kind, both for its 16th-century architecture and for the rich décor of every room it houses. Book your guided tour and savour the beauty of each room: the orangery, the library and the reception hall. An exceptional venue in Anjou, the Château de Serrant also hosts wedding receptions and other private events.