It is a faithful representation of the châteaux of the Loire. Built as close as possible to the riverbank, it’s built of tufa stone and surrounded by nature, offering the curious a unique panorama.
All the more visible and admirable for the fact that there’s a special viewing point on the left bank (accessible by car in both directions). Cyclo-tourists can also take full advantage of the Châteaux de la Loire à Vélo itinerary 12 .
Château de Ménars lies between Blois and Mer, in the heart of the countryside. A secluded residence designed by Marquis Jean-Jacques Charron, president of the chamber of parliament of Paris and Colbert’s brother-in-law in the 17th century. In the 18th century, the château was embellished by the Marquise de Pompadour from 1760 onwards.
Ange-Jacques Gabriel, architect to the King of France, carried out the Marquise’s work. He applied a Classical style, as was fashionable at the Petit Trianon. By the 20th century, the château had grown to 12,000m² in 62 rooms, as recorded in a bill of sale.
The gardens were not to be outdone: from the outset, a French-style structure was laid out around the château, with water features, a canal, ornamental parterres (boulingrins) and double avenues of elm trees. These were extended by successive owners, notably with an English garden and a sculpture installation. The total area covers 40 hectares.
As the château has always found an owner, either to house his family or private art collections, it has never been open to the public, only a few times on special days. So you’ll always find a local to tell you about his or her visit, or that of a family member, eyes sparkling with the privilege of strolling through the château or its gardens. The castle has retained all its mystery to this day.
