Machines de l’île
When we first visited Nantes during one of our family holidays, we were blown away by the beauty and creativity on the island of the machines. All based on the amazing stories of Jules Verne. Our children loved the museum where they could touch and play, they loved the gigantic elephant walking the streets, spraying them with fresh water in the hot summer. We are sure that you will share this experience back home.
Location: Location: Parc des Chantiers in Nantes. Opening hours from 10:00 – 17:00 (in the summer until 19:00).
Suprising Nantes
Let Nantes surprise you. The 6th largest city in France, but different from any other French city. Known for its creativity, home of Jules Vernes. The inhabitants are relatively young, the city seems occupied by students. That’s why you will discover a terras on nearly every corner, cozy bars and restaurants abundantly. But also a gym in an old warehouse, hidden shops or just strolling along the river Loire. Watch the many creative signs above most shop doors. Visit the big castle, probably the only castle in the world with a giant slide for kids. Nantes center is 24km from our Château.
Follow the green line
Our shoes have been following the green line for many kilometers since some years. And most of our guests have done the same. An artistic and poetic trial right throughout the city. Not to be missed. From classic sites to unknown treasures, from a historic alleyway to a contemporary piece of architecture, from a surprising view onto the city to a sunset on the Loire banks. We will not spoil more, you have to see it for yourself. Afterward, you hopefully agree with us, that every city should have a green line.
Puy du Fou
We cannot convince you enough to visit Puy du Fou. Voted as best Themepark in the word, twice! And as former neighbors of Disneyland Paris, we know a bit about Parks. This Park will amaze you, make you speechless. Just 40km from our Chateau, a drive through the country side. At the Chateau we can explain you how to benefit the maximum for this Park, go well prepared and come home to the Chateau with a big smile…guaranteed!. Open from April to November. You can already download the APP, which offers real time audio in your own language during the shows.
Amazing Clisson
When we got the keys of the Castle, we didn’t know that we were living just 8km away from this beautiful town, a small pearl. Also called the Dolce Vita of the West. Like if you would walk in Toscany. Visit the traditional market on Friday morning, take a canoe and follow the river through town, have a drink at the cozy terrace of La Cascade, visit the old castle (once the enemy of our Chateau) and have superb dining at the river facing the castle.
Endless beaches, seafish and surf
We love the beach, love to surf and love to pick oysters and seashells from the banks. When we have some time off at the Chateau, you can find us on the beach as well. Go early in the morning, as most tourists arrive end of day. If you want to learn to surf, we can advise you the best school (also in English). Take a knife with you, and go hunting for oysters. Or just stroll the endless beaches. Based on your taste, we can advise you the best spot, and parking is always free and close to the beach. When you return to the Castle, we look forward to hear your stories.
Walking trails around the Château
Discover here the walking trails auround Montaigu-Vendée
Dsicover here the walking trails around Clisson
And more walks in and around Clisson
Passage du Gois
The island of Noirmoutier can only be accessed by a modern bridge, or …. you can take the “passage”. According to CCN, it is in the top 10 of most dangerous roads in the world. But don’t worry, this is very overrated and perfectly safe when you follow the hours when the passage is open to pass. When we drove it, it was surreal. On your car GPS it looks like you drive on the bottom of the ocean, but truth is, this 4km road is dry when the tide is low (1,5 hour before until 1,5 hour after low tide). You will not be the only one, you can just park your car and have a walk on the bottom of the ocean.
Blackbeard castle, Château de Tiffauges
Around the year 1400, the notorious Blackbeard lived in this castle, 20km from our Château and open from April till September. Have a tour and let your kids be astonished by the many medieval war machines. This castle offers a lot of activities for kids during the summer season, unfortunately only in French. Just have a look at our neighbor’s Château, Blackbeard.
♬ Bicycle, bicycle…all I want to do is… ♬
Cycle the Vendee region, with 1800km of bicycle tracks. Enjoy the landscape of this beautiful region at your own pace. Take a picknick with you and choose your own view.
Take the wine route
Starting in Clisson (11km from our Château), this 118-kilometer enotourist circuit will take you between vineyards, rivers and medieval sites … Venture into the grape varieties of Melon de Bourgogne or Folle Blanche, to taste Muscadet, the region’s flagship wine.