Around the Zoo | Sud Val de Loire Tourisme

Château de Saint-Aignan

Not to be missed, either before or after the zoo

When you arrive at or leave the ZooParc de Beauval, you can only admire the magnificent panorama of the Chateau de Saint-Aignan and the collegiate church.

Two monuments that make up the identity of the medieval town of Saint-Aignan and a magnificent spot for photos.

The Chateau is the first stage on the discovery circuit of the medieval town of Saint-Aignan. Approaching the avenue des Marronniers, follow the ramparts of the old 9th-century fortress.

It is only after passing through the gate and then the porch that you can admire the Renaissance chateau from the 15th and 16th centuries. A monument entirely built in tuffeau, the stone of Touraine.

Decorated with numerous sculptures and ornamental elements, some of Italian inspiration, others inspired by Loire chateaux such as Azay-le-Rideau, or Blois… An outdoor visit that makes a stop in Saint-Aignan really worthwhile!

Discover Saint-Aignan

Chateau Saint Aignan Sud Valdeloire Loire (5)

Chateau Saint Aignan Sud Valdeloire Loire (4)

15 minutes from the Zoo

Chateau Chemery

A living example of preservation

Chambre Chateau Chemery Sologne Sud Loire

Access to the inner courtyard by the drawbridge takes us straight into the Middle Ages. Then, between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, an ensemble was created, as varied as the building’s role: fortress, Renaissance chateau, simple farmhouse of the chateau of Saint-Aignan, then home of the singer of Alain Souchon.

This chateau, listed as an historic monument, is today looked after carefully by its owners, who continue to invest in restoration and regularly organise voluntary maintenance events.

Discover Chémery

20 minutes from the Zoo

Chateau de Montrichard

A guaranteed sense of the Middle Ages

Built on a hill taken by Foulques Nerra on the Comtes de Blois estate, Montrichard’s imposing keep’s role was to ensure the defence of the Comté d’Anjou and to watch over the crossroads between the ancient Roman road, which ran east/west, and the north/south road towards Compostela.

Retaken by Philippe-Auguste on the Plantagênets in 1188, the Comtes d’Amboise reinforced the fortifications of the keep with three successive surrounding walls between the 11th and 15th centuries.By order of Henri IV, during the troubles of the League, the keep was reduced by twelve feet ‘to the height of infamy’ in revenge.

Discover Montrichard

20 minutes from Zoo – at the gates of the château de Cheverny

Château de Fougères-sur-Bièvre

A fortress in the Loire Valley

Very little altered, this medieval castle will delight purists and those who love fortresses. The rectangular keep, fortified door between two round towers, and covered walkway with machicolations are all elements that characterize this castle located between its larger neighbours of Cheverny and Chaumont-sur-Loire.

Discover Fougères-sur-Bièvre

20 minutes from the Zoo between Saint-Aignan and Loches

Château de Montrésor

over 1000 years of history in south Touraine

Originally a medieval fortress built by Foulques Nerra in 1005, Montresor had one of the very first stone dungeons. In the 16th century, an elegant residence and a chapel were built there. After its partial destruction during the French Revolution, it became the home of a wealthy Polish count who restored it. Today one of the most beautiful chateaux in the Loire, it has not changed in 150 years. Its original furnishings and interiors are an authentic testimony of the past.

Discover Montrésor

15 minutes from the Zoo de Beauval

Château de Selles-sur-Cher

A Sologne château, between tradition and new technology

The chateau de Selles-sur-Cher was one of the largest chateaux in the Loire in the 17th century. Over 1,500m² of the original chateau has been lost over time. Despite this, there are many little treasures to discover as you stroll around the site or with 3D, such as the striking clock (a very unusual clock as it does not have a face or a needle) and the magnificent frescoes on the gilded pavilions…

Discover Selles-sur-Cher

20 minutes from the Zoo de Beauval

Château de Montpoupon

Enter into the intimacy of a home

Overlooking a green valley, this beautifully furnished private chateau in Touraine brings you into the family through a self-guided tour. From the dining room to the King’s bedroom, via the exceptional kitchen equipped with more than 150 copper pieces, this is an amazing and unforgettable visit! Stables and outbuildings feature, in more than 30 rooms, numerous artistic and family collections on the theme of horses, hunting, saddlery, stables…

Discover Montpoupon

20/25 minutes from the Zoo de Beauval – Berry Region

Château de Valencay

The elegance of the Renaissance and classicism

Chateau de Valencay Indre desciptif general et tournage 02-2014 France 2

Sublime architectural harmony between the Renaissance style and the classicism of the 17th and 18th centuries, the Château de Valençay became, in 1803, the property of Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord, Napoleon’s Minister for External Affairs.

With its marble, paintings, works of art and exceptional Empire furniture adorned with gilded bronzes, Valençay embodies a taste and elegance from past centuries that still amaze visitors today. From state rooms to private apartments, these precious collections offer the richest visit of the Loire Chateaux.