Top 7 Castles around Champéon
Best castles around Champéon offer a journey through centuries of history, with 7 distinct castles to explore. The region features a variety of historical sites, from well-preserved medieval fortresses to significant ruins. These structures provide insight into the architectural and cultural heritage of the area. Visitors can discover different periods of construction and historical events associated with each site.
Best castles around Champéon
- The most popular castles is Lassey Castle, a castle whose current form dates from the 15th…
Last updated: June 29, 2026
Lassey Castle
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Bois Thibault Castle
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Château de Mayenne
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Château de La Cour
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Lassay-Les-Châteaux
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Tips from the Community
This castle was built in the 10th century. Half a century later, the castle became a garrison castle. 400 years later, it served as a prison in the 18th century. In the middle of town, the castle gardens are worth wandering through for a quiet moment.
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The Chateau du Bois Thibault, a 15th century castle, was occupied by a company of Scottish soldiers in response to the occupation of the nearby Chateau de Lassay by the English during the Hundred Years' War. The castle is open to the public and the Cultural Association of Lassay-les-Châteaux offers guided tours.
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Chateau de Lassay is a 15th century castle whose predecessor was built in the 12th century and its end was due to the fact that the lord of the castle was a supporter of England and the castle was sacked by the French during the Hundred Years War.
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Built on the site of a former Carolingian residence of the 10th century, the castle, which dominates the old town, is the emblematic monument of Mayenne. Most of the visible elements date from the 13th century, in particular the dwelling and the circular keep. It houses the city museum, which exhibits objects from daily life in the Middle Ages. Medieval board games, including chess pieces and a backgammon board, are among the best-preserved pieces in the world.
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In the 12th century, the seigneury of Grazay was a vassal fief of the barony of Mayenne and belonged to the Courceriers. The castle appears to be a pleasure abode rather than a defensive fortress. The house consists of a hexagonal tower on the facade dated 1577, a covered wooden gallery between the tower and the pavilion and to the north a chapel with a beautiful dome roof. He kept the seigneury of the parish until the end of the 18th century in the Bazogers family. Château de la Cour 53440 Grazay, private property, cannot be visited, visible from the road to Marcillé la Ville. Source: http://www.chateau-fort-manoir-chateau.eu/
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Small character town with its castles, rose garden, beautiful square and charming little streets ... perfect for a break
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The castle dominates the village and the pond. It has been classified as a Historic Monument since 1862. Built in its current form in 1458, it retains its eight towers, its curtain walls, its exceptional barbican with three firing stages and its two drawbridges still in operation. It constitutes a remarkable example by its homogeneity and its state of conservation of French military architecture of the Middle Ages. Source: http://www.lassay-les-chateaux.fr/decouverte/patitage/chateau-de-lassay/
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It was built on an old feudal castle disappeared after the Hundred Years War and rests on a mound. It was one of the most important castles in the Barony of Mayenne. Owned by the De Logé family, then by the Du Bellay family, that of the famous poet Joachim, the château was then passed on to the descendants of the De Tournely family and inhabited until 1830 by Elisabeth De Tournely. After his death, he knew other owners and was finally abandoned by the last, Parisian antique dealers. If only vestiges remain today, they have nevertheless been classified as a historic monument since 1925. The town acquired the site in 1988 and numerous volunteer projects were undertaken to clean up and then restore the castle. The castle is regularly the scene of animations and in particular of the treasure hunt organized each year by the Cultural Association of Lassay-les-Châteaux. Source: http://www.lassay-les-chateaux.fr/decouverte/patitage/chateau-de-bois-thibault/
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most historically significant castles around Champéon?
The region boasts several castles with rich histories. Lassey Castle, dating from the 15th century, is a classified Historic Monument known for its well-preserved military architecture. Bois Thibault Castle, also from the 15th century, played a role in the Hundred Years' War and is built on an old feudal mound. Additionally, Château de Mayenne, originally from the 10th century, has served as a garrison and a prison, now housing a museum.
Are there family-friendly castles to visit near Champéon?
Yes, several castles are suitable for families. Bois Thibault Castle is categorized as family-friendly and is known for organizing animations like treasure hunts. Château de Mayenne also offers a family-friendly experience with its museum exhibiting medieval daily life. The town of Lassay-Les-Châteaux itself is considered family-friendly, offering a charming setting to explore.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Champéon?
The best time to visit is generally from spring to early autumn (April to September). During these months, the weather is usually pleasant for exploring, and many castles, like Lassey Castle, extend their opening hours. Summer (July-August) often sees the longest opening times, with some castles open daily.
Can I visit castles around Champéon in winter?
Visiting in winter is possible, but opening hours are significantly reduced. For example, Lassey Castle typically closes for much of the winter, reopening for specific holidays like All Saints. It's essential to check the individual castle's schedule before planning a winter visit, as many may be closed or have very limited access.
Are there any castles that offer guided tours?
Bois Thibault Castle is open to the public and offers guided tours through the Cultural Association of Lassay-les-Châteaux. For other castles, it's advisable to check their official websites or contact them directly for information on tour availability.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the castles?
The area around Champéon offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, such as the 'Bois Thibault Castle – Lassey Castle loop from Lassay-les-Châteaux'. There are also cycling routes like the 'Lassay Castles Loop', and running trails available, allowing you to combine castle visits with active exploration of the surrounding nature.
Are there any castles that are visible from the road but are private?
Yes, Château de La Cour in Grazay is a private property and cannot be visited internally, but its distinctive hexagonal tower and chapel with a dome roof are visible from the road to Marcillé la Ville. It offers a glimpse of historical architecture even without public access.
Which castles offer good viewpoints or scenic surroundings?
Lassey Castle is noted for dominating the village and a nearby pond, offering picturesque views. Château de Mayenne is built on a site overlooking the old town, providing scenic vistas. The castle gardens there are also worth exploring for a quiet moment.
What do visitors appreciate most about the castles around Champéon?
Visitors frequently appreciate the historical depth and preservation of the castles. The komoot community has given these sites 59 upvotes and shared 26 photos, highlighting their visual appeal and the journey through centuries of history they offer. The variety, from well-preserved fortresses to significant ruins, is also a key draw.
Is parking available at the castles?
While specific parking details for each castle are not provided, most historical sites in rural areas typically have designated parking areas nearby or within walking distance. For popular sites like Lassey Castle or Château de Mayenne, you can expect visitor parking. It's always a good idea to check the castle's official website for the most current parking information before your visit.
Are there any castles that are considered 'hidden gems' or less commonly known?
While the guide focuses on prominent castles, Château de La Cour, though private, offers a unique architectural style as a 'pleasure abode' rather than a defensive fortress, making it an interesting sight for those seeking something different, even if only from the road. Its less public nature might appeal to those looking for a less crowded experience.
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