Châteaus and beautiful manors

An invitation to reflect

Today, châteaus and impressive manors are not the fortresses or guarded dwellings they once were. They are welcoming places that make people dream and some of them are open to the public. Here is our selection of enjoyable culture and heritage walks, suitable for families.

Château de Loriol

Location: Confrançon

This castle has been in the same family since the 14th century. You might think this a luxury? Not at all. The family legacy brings with it significant responsibility. Seven centuries and twenty-one generations of Loriol’s. But what a treasure this castle is, with the red brick keep, square tower and four floors to explore (private castle, visible only from the outside).

Chateau De Loriol Confrancon©marine Laubriat Office De Tourisme 2016 (8)

Chateau De Loriol Confrancon©marine Laubriat Office De Tourisme 2016 (36)

Chateau De Loriol Confrancon©marine Laubriat Office De Tourisme 2016 (82)

Château De Fleyriat ©benoit Collaudin (78)

Château de Fleyriat

Location: Viriat

At the entrance to Bourg-en-Bresse, far from prying eyes, behind the towering castle walls, Mr. Le Bihan, the owner, takes visitors on a tour of his estate (the castle remains closed to the public). 40 hectares of land with an orange grove, stables, dovecote, wash-house and lots more treasures to discover (the castle can only be viewed by the public from the outside).

Location: Certines

Mr. and Mrs Chomel de Varagnes open the doors of their castle to the public, at the end of a shaded alleyway, in a vast courtyard full of trees. The owners are history buffs and enjoy telling the public all about the constrained life in a castle, behind closed doors. Come to our “Heritage and drawing at the Château de Genoud” workshop on the 17th, 21st and 28th July. Guided by illustrator Alice Somhusbands, children can learn to draw the castle from the lush-green courtyard.

Château de Domsure

Location: Domsure

Experience life as the lord or lady of the castle for a weekend in the village of Domsure, in the peaceful French countryside. The southern wing has been renovated into a very charming holiday gîte. Go through the main gate and up the grand staircase to reach the apartments.

Location: Bourg-en-Bresse

How can we not mention this beautiful estate hidden in vast grounds, at the entrance to Bourg-en-Bresse. The owner Friedrich von Kirchbach goes all out every year to organise a varied programme of events, including a “sensory” walk, concerts, a tour with an ornithologist, tours of the underground galleries, Christmas market and so much more. An absolute must-see in the area!