Château du Plessis-Bourré Castle
Well-preserved Renaissance château surrounded by a moat
The moated Château du Plessis‑Bourré in the Loire Valley presents intact 15th‑century military architecture and period interiors; visitors come for the moat, turrets and preserved domestic rooms.
Château du Plessis-Bourré at a Glance#
About Château du Plessis-Bourré#
Château du Plessis-Bourré is a late 15th-century fortified château in the Maine-et-Loire department, Pays de la Loire, built for Jean Bourré, a close minister of Louis XI. The château is notable for its intact moat, drawbridge and well-preserved late medieval domestic architecture.
Visitors see the complete defensive envelope including the moat and drawbridge, along with furnished state rooms and period interiors presented in guided tours. The site is valued for the high degree of preservation of its 15th-century plan and features.
Construction took place in the late 1460s to early 1470s and the building has been maintained and restored over time to retain its medieval character and structural elements.
The château is located in the commune of Étriché in Maine-et-Loire, Pays de la Loire.
- Construction dates: Constructed between 1468 and 1472 for Jean Bourré, a senior official under King Louis XI, and notable for its preservation of 15th-century defensive and residential features.
What to See#
- Moat and drawbridge: A complete water-filled moat and working drawbridge survive, framing the château’s compact fortified plan and medieval appearance.
- Interior apartments: Period domestic apartments and decorative interiors that retain substantial original layout and furniture, presented to visitors during guided tours.
How to Get to Château du Plessis-Bourré#
Plessis-Bourré lies near Écouflant and is most convenient by car from Angers (about 25-30 minutes). Local roads D949 and D26 connect the château to the surrounding towns; limited parking is available on site.
Tips for Visiting Château du Plessis-Bourré#
- Plan to arrive mid-morning to enjoy the light on the château's pinkish tuffeau without rush.
- Stand in the reflection pool for the classic postcard view - the Plessis-Bourré silhouette is perfectly mirrored on calm days.
Best Time to Visit Château du Plessis-Bourré#
Spring and summer bring the best light and full access to interiors and grounds.
Weather & Climate near Château du Plessis-Bourré#
Château du Plessis-Bourré's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 25°C. Moderate rainfall (712 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 2° - 8° | 2° | 73 mm | overcast | 92% | 4.2 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.8h |
| February | Acceptable | 2° - 9° | 3° | 64 mm | overcast | 88% | 4.2 m/s | 0.2 low | 10.1h |
| March | Acceptable | 4° - 12° | 6° | 52 mm | overcast | 84% | 4.1 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Good | 5° - 15° | 8° | 51 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 4.0 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 13.5h |
| May | Good | 9° - 19° | 14° | 61 mm | overcast | 78% | 3.7 m/s | 1.3 high | 14.9h |
| June | Excellent | 12° - 22° | 17° | 46 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 3.6 m/s | 1.6 very high | 15.7h |
| July | Excellent | 14° - 25° | 19° | 43 mm | partly cloudy | 72% | 3.6 m/s | 1.6 very high | 15.3h |
| August | Excellent | 13° - 25° | 19° | 42 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 3.4 m/s | 1.3 high | 14.1h |
| September | Very Good | 11° - 22° | 16° | 61 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 3.4 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 12.4h |
| October | Good | 8° - 17° | 12° | 68 mm | overcast | 84% | 3.6 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.7h |
| November | Acceptable | 4° - 12° | 6° | 74 mm | overcast | 90% | 3.7 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.2h |
| December | Poor | 3° - 9° | 3° | 77 mm | overcast | 93% | 4.1 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.3h |