Vestiges de la Citadelle de Champtoceaux

In the 15th century, Champtoceaux was known as Châteauceaux. It was a very large fortress overlooking the Loire between Angers and Nantes. The medieval ruins offer a pleasant and romantic setting for a signposted walk with historical evocations and views over the Loire.

From the 2 entrance towers of Champtoceaux's old fortified citadel, take the Chemin du Voinard and climb up to the remains to learn more about the town's prestigious past.

The ancient fortified town of Châteauceaux was destroyed in 1420 by the Duke of Brittany, Jean V. What remains are the 2 entrance towers and the ruins of the old stronghold. At the time, the citadel was 2.5 times the size of the citadel at Carcassonne.

Nestling in a verdant setting, the ruins reveal the importance of the fortress in the Middle Ages. A wonderful walk in a rich and mysterious place.
This fortified city covered 30 hectares. Only the seigniorial part is accessible today: the keep, St Peter's chapel, the cistern, a vaulted cellar and the drawbridge.
Above all, the remains of the Citadel offer a magnificent view over the Loire and the valley.

The tumultuous history of this site is linked to that of the various fortresses in the Marches de Bretagne and the kingdom of France. Seven large open books will help you discover the different aspects of this history.

Not far from here, continue your walk along the banks of the Loire to the remains of the old hanging mill.