Discover the Château de la Tourlandry, located in the heart of the Mauges region, and its history from the 19th century to the present day.
The castle traces its origins back to the High Middle Ages, under the First King of the Franks Clovis, when the first knight Landry chose the estate to establish a watchtower on the highest point of Anjou. This tower gave the castle its name, and later that of the village of "La Tourlandry".
The castle's fame is due in particular to Geoffroy de la Tour Landry, who wrote the European bestseller "L'enseignement de mes filles" (also known as the Livre du chevalier de la Tour Landry), but also to Napoleon III's (1808 - 1873) repeated visits to the castle. His visits are evidenced by the presence of three redwood trees donated by the Emperor in memory of his visit, as well as a painting by Lorenzo di Credi still bearing the words "gift of Napoleon III to the Château de La Tourlandry". The Duchess of Berry also visited Château de la Tourlandry in 1828 and 1832.
The current Second Empire château is the successor to the previous châteaux built since the 11th century. Its two turrets and 15th-century dovecote are reminders of the period of the Chevalier de La Tourlandry.
Abandoned between 1980 and 2015, the château underwent a veritable renaissance in 2016. A built and natural heritage project was launched, with the aim of bringing the site out of disuse and making it self-sufficient so that it lasts over time.
Since 2019, the castle has been a tourist site open to the public. Elegantly renovated, the château, its permapark and its vegetable garden invite you to escape to the heart of the Second Empire.
A self-guided tour of the parks and gardens or a lecture tour are available on site:
> Self-guided tour of the parks and gardens "History and built heritage trail":
Take advantage of the 3 hectares of parkland and gardens at Château de la Tourlandry by following the "history and built heritage" trail. On your way, stop off at the foot of the 15th-century dovecote or discover the 19th-century Botanical Explorations Alley among the various points of interest indicated on your map. You can also complete your discovery by following the "plant heritage and life sciences" trail - you're free to follow the paths that inspire you!
> Conference visit - "The chosen history of science and technology from the 19th century to the present day":
Following in the footsteps of Napoleon III, discover the impact of developments in science and technology under the Second Empire and more broadly in the 19th century, including the first major World Fairs of the period. This tour of the château's restored rooms features men and women who were symbolic of the period: Napoleon III, Empress Eugénie, Jules Verne and many others... A fascinating conference tour, approved by the Fondation Napoléon as part of "2023, the Year of Napoleon III" to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the death of the first President of the Republic and last Emperor of the French.
Guided tours by prior arrangement, maximum 25 people.
