At the gates of Nantes, the Château de Goulaine is the residence of the same family for a millenniumThis Renaissance monument on the Loire is also a a precious testament to the architectural richness of the 17th century like its finely decorated rooms. From the 15th century kitchen to the bedroom of King Louis XIV which welcomed the sovereign in 1661, the visit promises a journey into the whirlwind of French history in the footsteps of a prestigious family.
The Goulaine family castle is originally a powerful fortified castle, perfectly protected by its ring of marshes. In the 12th century, the building was located on the Marches of Brittany, the border between the duchy and the kingdom of France. The first in the genealogy of this great family, Jean I de Goulaine, was appointed Captain of the city of Nantes in 1158. The Goulaine family were therefore initially Breton lords, in the service of the Duchy of Brittany. While some vestiges of its fortified past from the 12th century are still visible, theThe medieval building gave way at the end of the 15th century to a magnificent Renaissance main building., perfectly preserved, whose construction was initiated by Christophe II de Goulaine. In 1621, King Louis XIII granted the family the prestigious title of marquisate, a testament to its power and close ties to the throne. A rather rare occurrence, Goulaine has remained tirelessly in the same family, with the exception of a short period between 1788 and 1858, when the château belonged to the Dutch shipowner Deurbroucq..
Goulaine is also inseparable from its LU museum founded in 1999embodying the memory of the biscuit factory founded in 1846 by the Lefèvre-Utile family in Nantes. Located in the former 17th-century stables, 600 objects related to this successful company are on display Furniture, posters, and other advertising materials are included. These collector's items immerse you in the exceptional adventure of Jean-Romain Lefèvre, a talented pastry chef and visionary communicator, and his wife Pauline-Isabelle Utile.
Classified under the heading of historical monuments since 1913 and listed as part of Nantes' historical heritage, the Château de Goulaine is a private and family monument who has seen a succession no less than 30 generations within its wallsAfter 50 years of restoration, it is now open to the public, managed by a family dedicated to showcasing this treasure of Nantes' history. The castle also offers the opportunity to stay in its guest rooms, immersed in history, or to enjoy its reception areas, housed in rooms that have retained their original character.
