The impressive château at Brissac-Quincé is the tallest in France.

The Dukes of Brissac have owned it since 1502 and the 13th Duke of Brissac is still in residence. Considered by purists to be distasteful because of the way it was renovated it in the 17th Century, others will find the elaborate exterior and the bronze statue of Mercury, which adds 4 metres to the height of central pavilion, both intriguing and enchanting.

The Dukes maintained the property until 1792, when it was ransacked during the Revolution and was laid to waste for over 50 years until a restoration programme began in 1844. The castle rises over seven storeys and has some fantastic grounds. A walk alongside the 300 metres of unusual underground river makes for a unique, if chilly experience.

In the main gallery is a portrait of Veuve Cliquot, one of France’s first female business gurus, who owned the famous Cliquot Champagne business. At her feet is her great grand-daughter, Anne de Mortemart, who is noted for becoming the Duchess of Uzé and is notorious for being the first woman to get her driving license and later to be fined for speeding!
If you want to experience first-hand what it is to be royalty, you can stay in one of the exclusive guest rooms (for a reasonable fee, of course!)

Sam's Scoop

For a truly memorable experience, I recommend a wine-tasting session. The château has a history of over 500 years of wine-growing and produces 3 different AOC red and rosé wines.