Last of the great Loire châteaux as you descend the royal river, Serrant is a a privately owned and inhabited monument, a testament to history but also a lively place where numerous activities take place each year. It features a a collection of particularly precious and varied objects and furniturestarting with its Bookcases which keeps between its solid oak shelves some absolutely remarkable works: one can discover there for example the first complete edition of the Encyclopedia of Diderot and d'Alembert, or the Fables of La Fontaine illustrated by Oudry.
Whether you choose a self-guided or guided tour, everyone can appreciate this castle in Anjou. wonderful rooms that preserve the memory of the passage of illustrious figuresThe Empire room recalls the arrival of Napoleon and Josephine Bonaparte in 1808, while the prestigious Duchess's room evokes the visit of the Queen Mother of England in 1981.
The castle of Serrant is built from the 16th century onwards by the Brie family who called upon Jean Delespine, an architect from Angers specializing in the Renaissance. Unfortunately, financial difficulties led to the work being stopped and the sale of the château. It is finally bought back in 1636 by Guillaume Bautru who continued the construction of the building, meticulously respecting the original plans. He also founded the castle's library, which was tirelessly enriched by successive owners. Construction continued throughout the 17th century, led by his children and grandchildren. Among other things, a majestic chapel was added, the result of the combined work of the renowned Versailles artists Hardouin-Mansart, Le Brun, and Coysevox. The castle was finally completed around 1720., two centuries after the start of the work.
In 1749, the estate was sold fully furnished to a family of Irish origin, the Walsh family. They, soon ennobled as Counts of Serrant, preserved the château during the French Revolution. In 1820, Théobald Walsh de Serrant created the current English-style park. Through his marriage to Valentine Walsh, the Duke of La Trémoïlle inherited the château. His son undertook significant renovations in the 1890s: a new layout for the rooms and the installation of modern amenities. The interior decoration was redesigned, but the original furnishings were retained.
Today, Serrant is still inhabited by the descendants of the La Trémoïlle family. who continue to work to preserve this exceptional heritage. The current owners redouble their efforts each year to share their jewel with visitors of all ages, through lively, narrated, or theatrical tours, both day and night, general or more specialized (on decorative arts and furniture, for example). Children can also enjoy the traditional events that have become must-sees at the Château de Serrant: role-playing game festival, treasure hunt, Easter egg hunt, and Halloween.
- Continue your exploration of the Loire Valley with the circuit Discovering the castles near Angers which includes the Château de Serrant.
