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  Château de Challain
49400 Challain-la-Potherie
Cynthia Nicholson
Phone:  33.2.41.92.74.26
Fax:      33.2.41.61.54.25
Email: chateauchallain@aol.com
Internet: http://www.chateauchallain.com

Languages:    English 
Credit cards:  none accepted
 
  • Département: Maine-et-Loire (49) 
  • Château de Challain
     
      Spectacular! There is probably no better word than 'spectacular'  to describe this utterly French, delightfully romantic château ideally located in the Western Loire. Known as the “Petit Chambord”, Challain was built as a private residence 1854. Neogothic in design, the château reveals the lifestyle of the nineteenth century while providing guests with all modern amenities ~ certainly the best of both worlds!   Its American owners have decorated it in luxurious style in keeping with its history and charm,  and they have created incredibly beautiful rooms for the enjoyment of their guests.    Not only is it a truly exquisite chambres d'hôtes, but it hosts gala events throughout the year.  Guests truly experience a fairy tale ambiance when they step through the entry way and back into the days of royal gatherings and an elegant way of life. 

    Each magnificent guest room offers robes, slippers, a hairdryer, and en suite bathroom.  Each is uniquely decorated, furnished with antiques and opening onto views of the lush green park surrounding the château.  The Tower Suite is a room of silk, a king size canopy bed and a fireplace filled with candles; The Madame Rochefoucauld Suite boasts a hand-painted ceiling dating back to the year the chateau was completed and the view from the window of the south lawn and two-hectare lake is wonderful; The Romance Suite includes a large silk bed and its own salon for quiet meals, and guests can enjoy a luxurious bath in the antique clawfoot tub surrounded by fresh flowers; authentic furnishings fill the Royal Suite ~ a handcarved oak bed that is fourteen feet tall! 

    Dinner is offered at the château, including wine, to complete one's total immersion into nineteenth century château life.   Each evening meal at Chateau de Challain is memorable with fine cuisine prepared by the château's on-site chef, trained at the Culinary Institute of America.  A full wine cellar, fresh regional produce and great culinary expertise promise a dining experience presenting the best the Loire Valley has to offer.  Breakfast in the morning is, of course, included in room rates.  With reservations made the day before, guests can also enjoy a mid-day meal at Château de Challain. 

    If you yearn to marry in a French château, it would be a wise decision to choose Château de Challain.  A magic atmosphere awaits the bride and groom, and guests will find the château a delightful gathering place.    A chapel in town, within walking distance,  or the private chapel at the château, with its marvelous hand-painted gold ceiling, are available for the marriage ceremony ~ or a garden wedding can be held in the new gazebo.   Small receptions with cocktails, a four-course meal including champagne and regional wines and service can be arranged; plans must be made directly with the owner.  Inquire about larger functions as well. 

    The Chateau de Challain is located only thirty minutes outside the town of Angers, and only one hour from Charles de Gaulle International Airport by TGV.  It is situated at the edge of a charming Loire village, making it all the more appealing for guests who like to take strolls and experience local life.  A stay at the château permits easy access to the many sights in the region ~ the grand châteaux of the Loire, visits to incredible restaurants in the towns and cities along the river, tours of the Loire's fine vineyards ~ and it is the perfect locale for those interested in the history of royal France.  Do consider a stay at Château de Challain  ~ go back in time and enjoy the elegance and enchantment of 1800s France in a fairy tale château.

     
      Suites:  6 ~  Romance Suite € 300 per night; Madame Rochefoucauld € 250 per night; Tower Suite € 250 per night; Toile Suite € 250 per night; Empress Suite € 250 per night; Kings Suite (Kings Room double bed and Princess Room double and two twin beds) € 350 for 2 people, € 450 for up to 6 people per night.  All suites have en suite bathrooms.
    Guest Rooms: Napoleon Chambre, 1 double and 1 single with bath down the hall; Amboise Chambre, 1 double and 1 single and crib, bath down the hall.  Request prices when booking.
    Breakfast included in room rates, served from 7 to 10 AM
    Dinner: by advanced reservation is € 75 per person, wine included.  Fine restaurants from 8 to 30 kilometers from château.
    Rent the whole Château: [sleeps up to 28 people] € 4800 for 2 nights, € 6800 for 3 nights, and € 8000 for 4 nights. For one week, the cost is € 12,000.
    Weddings:  The château will accommodate guests in 6 suites, 2 doubles and an apartment sleeping 5.  All details of the wedding can be arranged by the château owner.  Please contact au Château or the owner directly for details.
    Entire château is non-smoking.

    Open all year.
    On the grounds: Park and gardens, marriages and group events. Gazebo for garden weddings. Games room.
    Vicinity:  Horseback riding, golf course (20 kilometers away), Angers (Château d'Angers with its gardens, museum, tapestries), Nantes (Château du Ducs de Bretagne, Musée des Beaux-Arts, Jardin des Plantes, Musée Dobrée, and  Île de Versailles where you will find the Maison de l'Erdre and Jardin Japonais),  Loire Valley grand châteaux such as Saumur and Chinon, Fontevraud Abbaye, vineyards of the Touraine and Loire.  La Mine Bleue (the 'ardoise' or slate mines that provide the lovely roof tiles of the region) is open to tourists and is only a few kilometers north of the château.

      Directions:

    From Paris or Angers,  autoroute A 11 to exit 18 onto the D963 direction Candé.  At Candé's third roundabout (traffic circle, le giratoire) take the right onto the D6 direction Challain-la-Potherie.  Look for château on the right just before the village.

    From Nantes, take the A 11 direction Angers, to exit 20 onto the D923 direction Candé to the third roundabout and onto the D6 as above.

    Airport - Nantes (55 minutes) 72 kilometers
    Railway Station - Angers, 47 kilometers
    Car Rental Angers (click here)

    France
    Michelin Map to Châteausmcastle1

                                               CLICK ON PHOTOS BELOW TO ENLARGE & READ MORE!
     
      Romance Suite
    Romance Suite
      Suite Madame Rochefoucauld
    Rochefoucauld
      Tower Suite

    Tower Suite

      Chapel
    Weddings
      Château Gardens
    Gardens

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