The establishment of Château Des Briottieres dates all the way back to the early 15th century, as a demesne held by the Mergot Family. It was an agricultural holding, consisting of five farms, two estates, and the fiefdom of La Chapelle.

Château Des Briottieres passed on to different names over the centuries, first in 1485 when Jean de la Saussaie married Jeanne de Mergot. They sold the estate to Réne de Baif in 1519, who held it until 1546. Maurice Chevallerie was its owner from 1560 until 1574, when Guillaume de Lesrat, the Lieutenant-General du Sénéchal d'Anjou, acquired it. The Lesrats would own the chateau and its lands for several generations, all the way until the French Revolution of 1789.

By 1855, the estate was then owned by the d'Armaillé Family, who boasted a fine collection of antiques and artworks with items dating back to 1460. They sold Château Des Briottieres soon after to Alfred de Mieulle. Jean de Mieulle inherited the estate in 1921, but the German Occupation during the Second World War turned the chateau into a residence for officers. Jean would pass away in 1967, and his wife Geneviève de Mieulle bequeathed the property to their daughter Monique de Valbray in 1969.

The chateau's current owner, Francois de Valbray, inherited the estate from Monique in 1979. He married Hedwige de Craecker in 1984 and later opened the chateau's doors to international travelers as an opulent stay nestled in the Loire Valley.

Design and Architecture

The owners of Château Des Briottieres over the centuries took great care to maintain and preserve the estate. Its original architecture, both exterior and interior, is largely intact. Indoor areas are embellished with opulent period furniture, including antique fixtures and artworks. The various salons of the chateau are uniquely decorated, each reflecting various periods of France's history, creating cozy but posh lounge spaces where guests can enjoy evening apertifs before dinner.

For the guest chambers, the classical rooms are located in the manor. These have been remodeled into comfy apartments, dressed in vivid colors and equipped with precious but sturdy antique furnishings. The former orangery is a separate building that was also converted into lodgings. Rooms in the orangery have a more rustic vibe, featuring firm and beautiful stonework, along with timber supports and ceilings. The most recent addition to the estate's lodgings is the log cabin, situated in the middle of the parkland. Unlike the manor and orangery, the cabin has a more playful aesthetic, inspired by the tropical escapades such as the Swiss Family Robinson.

Dinners at Château Des Briottieres will always be a delightful affair, featuring family recipes handed down over the generations but given a modern twist. For 49 EUR (55 USD), you can treat yourself to a lovely candlelit evening meal set in the chateau's 18th-century banquet hall. Children ages below six can also enjoy their own special course meal for 13 EUR (15 USD).

Although the menu changes depending on the availability of the ingredients, some of the dishes guests can indulge in include sandre fillet with orange sauce, fennel, and potatoes, and thin zucchini lamella. For dessert, enjoy vanilla and cinnamon French toast. Meanwhile, children will have spaghetti carbonara with juice and ice cream or apple compote for dessert. 

The chateau also offers breakfast for 18 EUR (20 USD) for adults and 13 EUR (15 USD) for children, a perfect way to start the day. Breakfast includes a selection of different breads, eggs, homemade yogurt, cheese, crepes, and drinks like orange juice, coffee, tea, or chocolate. The breakfast buffet is served in the dining hall.

The wondrous estate of Château Des Briottieres graced the silver screen of cinema in the 1991 movie Impromptu, which starred Judy Davis and Hugh Grant. Now this beautiful setting can also become the wedding venue of your dreams. You can collaborate with the hosts and their staff, planning out the decor and menu. The chateau itself can accommodate up to 39 staying guests, while the estate grounds can be set up for a large outdoor reception. Requests for professional decorators, planners, and performers can also be made through the hosts.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

The idyllic estate of Château Des Briottieres is both a wonderful playground filled with activities and a sanctuary for recuperating your body and spirit. Go on peaceful walks and hikes around the estate and its surrounding areas. Sporty types can keep their skills sharp by practicing on the tennis court and at the ping pong tables. If your holiday is all about relaxing, make the most of the chateau's outdoor swimming pool and avail yourself of the massage services.

Château Des Briottieres's location also makes it a fantastic base point for exploring the Loire Valley. The commune of Solesmes is home to the Abbaye Saint-Pierre de Solesmes, where Benedictine monks perform magical Gregorian chants. The city of Angers has a deeply rich history, dating back to the Roman Era. It also has numerous landmarks, including Chateau d’Angers, and Cathédrale Saint-Maurice d'Angers. For a change of pace, you should also check out Le Mans, a city made famous by its 24 Hours of Le Mans race.

Other Celebrations

Though Château Des Briottieres is available for privatization for large events, it's still worth getting in touch with the hosts if you'd also like to celebrate a smaller affair. They may be able to accommodate a private birthday or anniversary dinner on the estate grounds or in the banquet hall. You can look into hiring evening entertainment and special services, as the hosts may also be able to refer several local businesses.