What originally stood in the grounds of Château de la Ballue was a fortified estate of the Chesnel Family, a noble house serving the Dukes of Brittany. They held this territory for centuries, providing a bulwark against the Kingdom of France during the Middle Ages. Brittany eventually became part of France through political machinations, and by 1615, the Chesnels sold the estate to the noble Gilles de Ruellan.

A man of considerable wealth, Gilles de Ruellan made his fortune as an arms dealer during the numerous wars of France and its neighboring kingdoms. His purchase of the estate was part of his plans to cement his legitimacy as part of the aristocracy. He renovated the chateau, integrating parts of the original castle instead of replacing them. The main structure was finished by 1620, but during this transitional period between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance Era, he transformed the grounds into a place that reflects the changing times and bold new ideas. He grew fruits and exotic plants, including oranges, which were native to Asia.

By the time of the French Revolution and Republic, Ruellan's descendants opted to emigrate to less hostile lands, and the estate was entrusted to its steward, Colin de la Contrie. A fierce supporter of the anti-revolutionary cause, he made the chateau a hideout for the Chouan conspirators. It was because of this that novelists like Alfred de Musset and Honoré de Balzac would visit the estate and find inspiration for their works.

After being seized by the government, the chateau was sold to René-Mathurin Laumailler, an industrialist who turned it into Brittany's largest glassworks from 1820 until 1866. The next significant chapter of the chateau's story was in 1939, during World War II, when the castle became a refuge for Catholic and Jewish girls, as well as for students of Moka College from Saint-Malo.

The estate languished in peacetime, neglected until in 1973 it was rescued by Madame Claude Arthaud, a modern adventurer and high society figure. With her wealth and influence, she restored the manor and gardens, as well as campaigned for its recognition as a national historic monument. Madame Arthaud would hand over the estate to new owners in 1989, and from there, the estate once again kept changing hands for over a decade.

The current owners of Château de la Ballue are Marie-Françoise Mathiot-Mathon and her family, who bought it in 2005. Since then, the matriarch has been hard at work in maintaining and improving the garden's beauty. In 2012, the estate was given an award by the European Boxwood and Topiary Society in recognition of its well-kept topiaries. It also won 2nd place in the 2022 European Garden Awards, in the Restoration, Enhancement or Development of a Historic Park or Garden category.

Design and Architecture

Recognized as one of Europe's most beautiful gardens, Château de la Ballue takes diligent care of its estate grounds. Just as its architecture and gardens inspired creative minds of previous eras, the owners loved for the chateau to impress today's creative minds. The extensive garden's grounds feature many sections; visitors may find themselves lost in the hedge mazes, while influencers will hang out for selfies at the groves and tree-lined tunnels.

As for the manor, the interiors feature eclectic blends of contemporary and classical aesthetics. The salon and dining room have retained their opulent design, featuring detailed walls and ceilings now decorated with modern fixtures. The five guestrooms available each have a unique theme and name, represented by vivid colors that create relaxing or invigorating atmospheres. The period furniture includes treasured antiques, carefully maintained by the owners. The chateau's decor looks straight out of a period drama, made more immersive by heavy drapes, canopy beds, intricate woodwork, and beautiful fireplaces.

Since Château de la Ballue operates as a bed & breakfast, you can look forward to a hearty and energizing morning meal to start your day. Start the day with a fine selection of continental items, particularly freshly baked breads and pastries, seasonal fruits, and tasty beverages. There's also a buffet option if you'd prefer something more substantial.

Though Château de la Ballue does not have a full restaurant, the tea room is a cozy garden sanctuary open seasonally from April until mid-November. Here you can sip relaxing teas while treating yourself to sweet and tart French treats. There's also a small shop next to the tea room selling souvenirs such as scented candles, marmalades and jams, and postcards.

Château de la Ballue, being an attraction of its own, has plenty of wonderful experiences to offer. Foremost is its famous gardens, which have been restored from the estate's original Renaissance-era garden. The modern-day Jardins de la Ballue features numerous groves of exotic and native plants, carefully maintained topiaries, and picturesque botanical artistry that visitors can leisurely explore and immerse themselves in. Also at Château de la Ballue are lovely spa facilities that offer balneotherapies; guests can relax and unwind after a day trip by soaking in the whirlpool tub or detoxing in the sauna.

The region around is filled with historic communes and landmarks, including medieval towns with well-preserved chateaux and churches. Mont Saint-Michel is one of the most famous locations in France; a picture-perfect fortified island commune known for being only accessible during low tide, until the modern era when they built walkways over the water. The town of Combourg and its Château de Combourg are well-traveled because of its beautiful castle that overlooks a peaceful lake. Château de Bonnefontaine is another such castle that is cared for by its town and known for its impressive towers.