The best walks and hikes around Gizeux

majestic castle

The Château de Gizeux dates back to the Middle Ages and was remodeled over the centuries, particularly during the Renaissance and the 18th century. Located in the commune of Gizeux, within the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Natural Park, on the borders of the former province of Anjou, it is one of the Loire Valley châteaux. Its façades stretch over 250 meters, making it the longest château in the Angevin region of Touraine.

Very beautiful castle in Touraine

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Home to two of the most beautiful galleries in France, the Château de Gizeux is a true treasure of the Loire Valley with its rich history and thanks to all the activities and events that bring it to life today. The oldest parts of the castle recall the family of the poet Joachim du Bellay, owner of Gizeux for 350 years. During these more than three centuries, the Du Bellays made numerous modifications to the building, changing it from medieval austerity to Renaissance charm. Among the numerous rooms of the castle, two of them are particularly remarkable: the François I gallery and the gallery of the King's castles. The first, produced at the end of the reign of Henri IV, was imagined by Italian artists at the request of Marie d'Yvetot, wife of Martin du Bellay. She therefore had the so-called “Francois I” gallery decorated with numerous remarkably preserved paintings and mythological scenes. The gallery of the King's castles, the true pride of the Château de Gizeux, was created around 1680. No less than 400m² of murals honor the royal castles of Chambord, Vincennes, Fontainebleau and Versailles. . These prestigious historical monuments are complemented by charming rural and bucolic scenes, emblematic of rural life of the time. A visit to the Château de Gizeux also allows you to immerse yourself in the heart of the 18th century with the discovery of the main building and the small lounges that make it up. Marquetry furniture and Louis XV armchairs decorate these elegant rooms, the furniture of which is classified as a Historic Monument. The kitchen to be discovered during the visit was functional until the 1970s, thus constituting a precious testimony to castle life in the 20th century. A wood stove is still present there, as is a large series of coppers including a turbotière, a jam basin and various dishes and pans. More recent history also draws visitors to the cellars, since they served as a hiding place for resistance fighters during the Second World War, even though the Germans occupied the castle. There is also the castle's first central heating installed in the 19th century, a guarantee of modernity for the time. In addition to the 15th century chapel and the incredible 18th century stables, the owners of the Château de Gizeux, Géraud and Stéphanie de Laffon, also offer to stay in this idyllic setting while enjoying the guest rooms furnished in the charm of the old and with modern comfort. They also bring this precious heritage to life on a daily basis through multiple fun and attractive activities for young and old: free or guided tours, costumed or narrated, by day or by candlelight. The numerous workshops offered to children (gardening, storytelling and snacks, bread oven, coat of arms) today bring all the life that has always defined this incredible Gizeux castle.

The Courcy forest is home to unique flora and its sandy paths give it a moorland feel. There is a quantity of broom and heather and an abundance of small game. Not far from Brain-sur-Allonnes, the forest is home to medieval and Gallo-Roman ruins, easily accessible by an interpretation trail.

Pond in the middle of the park. Rich fauna and flora.

Lake Mousseaux (198 ha), property of the Entente Interdépartementale de l'Authion (Maine-et-Loire, Indre-et-Loire), has a rather wild character (it is also classified as a site of European interest for birds) with its gently sloping banks lined with abundant flora. Here is a small wooden hut which serves as a viewing platform. Most of the time you can see birds that live in swampy areas. Binoculars are recommended.