Description:  For entertainment value this unusual chateau is often viewed as one of the best in the region, although to gain the most from the tour (which is guided) a knowledge of French is helpful. This is a castle within a castle with an incredible system of underground tunnels and passages to explore, and probably get lost in – hence the need for a guide!! Altogether there are over 1 km of tunnels housing all manner of interest, including the largest underground bakery in France, an ice-house and part of the tour is a Son et Lumière show on the bare rock of one of the underground caves.

Location: On D93 in Brézé village 11km S of Saumur.

General Info: 49260 Brézé. Open 1 March – mid November (please check exact dates on the official website).

Website: http://www.chateaudebreze.com

Our recommendation: It is possible to visit the chateau as well, but this is not as interesting as the fortress and you may be pushing things a bit if you have youngish children in tow! Maybe keep any spare time to do a spot of wine tasting in the chateau wine cellars.

 

Here’s more information to make the most of your visit to the Loire Valley: