Chateau des Grotteaux

The Grotteaux is not a chateau to be visited like a museum. It is a chateau that is lived in and all the objects around you have a personal significance – it might be the memory of a loved one, of a journey, of a day spent in Paris, a moment shared, or of an enjoyable read.

The living rooms and bedrooms have been restored and decorated to create a welcoming, authentic, comfortable, warm, soft, elegant, harmonious, surprising, luxurious, original, restful, simple, useful and voluptuous atmosphere!

A place filled with history
In the park, on the right bank of the Cosson, the standing stone of the Grotteaux is proof of a very ancient human presence. The present chateau was built in 1620 by Guillaume Ribier on even older foundations which can be seen in the quite beautiful vaulted cellars.

King Louis XIII particularly appreciated this high-ranking magistrate and member of parliament from Blois. On three occasions he offered him a role as minister, most notably on one occasion when he came to the Grotteaux with Cardinal Richelieu on his return from the siege of La Rochelle in 1628.

The backdrop for Guillaume Ribier’s fabulous library.
But Guillaume Ribier always refused these offers, preferring to concentrate on his local duties and the quiet life at the Grotteaux, where he could pursue his two great passions: writing (notably his ‘Memoirs of State’) and his collection of books.

Guillaume Ribier was the instigator of the reconciliation between King Louis XIII and his mother Marie de Médicis. He met her very regularly during her exile in Blois.

The Emperor’s trees
In 1760 the Lenfernat family, then owners of the Grotteaux, extended the accommodation by adding a pavilion onto the existing building.

For a short period after the French Revolution, Charles-Joseph Bagieu, then Paymaster General of the French Army, a friend of Napoleon Bonaparte, and a passionate botanist, built the orangery.

The Emperor arranged for seeds and plants, brought back by a botanical expedition to Louisiana, to be sent to him and asked him to acclimatise them in the park of the Chateau des Grotteaux.

This is why we can still admire along the riverbanks the most beautiful of all Autumnal trees – the bald cypress. The chateau has been listed in the inventory of historical monuments since 1954 and its park since 1997.

The spirit of the Grotteaux

As soon as you pass under the great gateway you immediately feel protected by the high walls. As you come round the drive, more often than not surprising bobbing roe deer, you will discover the Grotteaux , sober and majestic in its verdant setting on the banks of the River Cosson.

As you read the Latin quotations that greet you over the front doors you realise that they are an invitation to feel well in this place (TECUM HABITA) and to do whatever your fancy takes. (ARBITRII HIC TIBI IVRA IVI).

When you read the saying CARPE DIEM on the face of the sundial you realise that you are being politely requested to make the most of the moment. When you read PERENNET UT AMNES on the facade overlooking the Cosson you realise that the chateau will last there as long as there is a river.

When you walk into the great drawing room and are greeted by Guillaume Ribier, whose portrait hangs over the fireplace, you will be amazed by the interior decorations and curious to translate the numerous Latin maxims that he has left for us there.

And so you will be profoundly touched by the beauty, the simplicity, and above all the serenity of the place, Guillaume Ribier’s personal paradise, dedicated to peace and intelligence.

The Rooms
The Grotteaux is not a chateau to be visited like a museum. It is a chateau that is lived in and all the objects around you have a personal significance – it might be the memory of a loved one, of a journey, of a day spent in Paris, a moment shared, or of an enjoyable read.

The living rooms and bedrooms have been restored and decorated to create a welcoming, authentic, comfortable, warm, soft, elegant, harmonious, surprising, luxurious, original, restful, simple, useful and voluptuous atmosphere!

A piece of cloth, an object or a painting are the inspiration for the choice of colours and materials. The bedding, the focal point of the bedroom, has been chosen minutely carefully to provide the most restful experience.

Magazines, novels and art books have been carefully selected and are available in the great drawing room and in the bedrooms. A continental breakfast is served in the dining room and hot drinks are also available to help yourselves all day long.

Suite Du Cardinal
In the entrance is a ‘Bird and Thistle’ print by Brunschwig. The grace and softness of these birds and palm leaves have been the guide to the decoration of this very harmonious suite.

Nature is omnipresent in this bedroom thanks to its double aspect over the park and the Cosson. The sofa in the salon can be turned into a very comfortable bed for two people.

A hidden door leads to a charming bathroom decorated with Briare enamel work. The bedroom has its own large shower room. There is a separate lavatory to be found near the door.

Chambre De Poseidon
Poseidon and Hestia, painted in grey in the 17th century have been restored and they gaze down on this bedroom with its muted tones provided by the natural linen finish to the walls.

Calming views of the Cosson and the Cheverny vines are to be had through the GP Baker curtains. A skylight lights the large Italian shower which is made from Briare enamel work. There is a separate lavatory.

Chambre De Zeus
The gods of Olympus, Zeus, Athena, Apollo and Artemis were painted in grey on the walls of this bedroom in th 17th century and provide the backdrop of its exceptional décor. All the furniture is very charming, whether it be the Louis XVI canapé, the Louis XV chest of drawers or the davenport desk.

The views over the Cosson and the slopes of vines of Cheverny only serve to accentuate the majesty that emanates from this bedroom. The bathroom, which benefits from the same view, is light and spacious. There is a separate lavatory.

Weddings and family reunions
The Grotteaux is a magical place to organise those important moments in life which will leave unforgettable memories. The chateau and its thirty-three hectare walled park, both of which are listed on the inventory of historical monuments, and its river all provide a unique setting.

The tennis court and swimming pool will allow you to relax and get everything ready in the run up to the big day. The orangery, which can welcome 150 guests, can be extended by the addition of a marquee. Each wedding or family reunion is a bespoke event and will be priced according to what kind of organisation is required.

Conferences
The Grotteaux is the perfect place for a works conference, perhaps to reinforce a team spirit, put a new strategy in place or organise a meeting of the sales team.

Although the Grotteaux is only one hour and a half hours from Paris, you will all find yourselves able to have a complete break from your normal routines and a rest from the rush of the city.

You may want to benefit from Gaël du Halgouet’s experience in organising meetings and brainstorming sessions. Alternatively he would be available to help you train your sales team.

Work sessions can be followed by sport (tennis, swimming, cycling) and cultural visits with a private guide to the most beautiful of the Chateaus of the Loire, all of them close by to the Grotteaux.

Adventure sports can also be organised: you might want to fly over chateaus in a microlight, a biplane or a hot air balloon. A bespoke quotation can be provided for each conference, depending on your requirements.

Filming and photo shoots
The unusual atmosphere of the Grotteaux is perfectly suited to film and documentary work. Producers particularly appreciate the high walls surrounding the park which keep all uninvited interest and distractions at bay.

The exteriors and the beautiful rooms of the chateau can be hired for photo shoots. Your products will be greatly enhanced by the fresh, new internal decorations. For such projects sole usage of the chateau can be organised.

Sample the life of the chateau in the chateau!
This is really a quite unique concept in France: we live in an adjoining pavilion and the use of the chateau is dedicated to our guests! So, your continental breakfast is served in the great dining room.

Whether it is warmed by the tiled wood burning stove in the winter or bathed in bright sunshine that streams through its four tall windows in the summer, the great drawing room is available to you whenever you wish to read or to relax.

Pianists can play the grand piano, built by Gaveau, one of the most prestigious French makers and a native of the region. You can help yourself to tea or coffee and make yourself comfortable on the sofas. Art books and books about the region and its numerous chateaux are available for you to peruse.

Plough up and down the pool like an Olympian or just have a leisurely swim!
Settled harmoniously into the surroundings, the swimming pool is a convivial place to meet. Built on the site of old orchard the pool is a real suntrap.

The pool surrounds are made of natural stone, and the turquoise water is as limpid as the most beautiful of lagoons. The size of the pool (19 by 8 metres) leaves plenty of room to swim lengths … or just simply to laze around. A powerful heat pump keeps the water at a most agreeable temperature.

Battle it out on the court or just have some fun hitting a few balls!
Out of sight but not far at all from the chateau, the hard tennis court, built in 2016 with a fast-drying surface, means that you can play even if the weather conditions are not ideal. Both racquets and balls are available.

Take a boat trip on the Cosson or fish from the banks!
The Cosson rises in the Sologne and flows past some of the most beautiful chateaus: La Ferté Saint Aubin, Le Lude and above all the grandiose Chateau de Chambord.

The luxurious vegetation, the white sandbanks and the many little islands give the river much charm. It is a living place, inhabited with a large number of different species: beavers, otters, king fishers, ducks etc. When the water levels are sufficiently high, a romantic river trip is a must!

The Cosson is very well-stocked with fish. On a sunny day in summer you will carp that grow well over eight kilos, but there are also pike, pikeperch, perch and many other freshwater species.

You love fishing but you forgot your rod? Don’t worry – we will lend you the equipment necessary to go after some underwater carnivores!

A walk or a quiet meditation in the forest!
Watch the animals of the forest, pick mushrooms, admire the rare species of plants – a walk in the park and the woods is a most enjoyable pastime. When the weather is wet we can lend you some boots.

Set your own pace on the surrounding cycle paths!
The Region, in conjunction with the organisation ‘la Loire en vélo’, has mapped out a large number of different cycle routes through the chateau country.

As you ride down a forest path from the vineyards of Cheverny, how much more enjoyable it is to discover the majestic Chateau of Chambord, at your own pace, away from the noise and bustle.

Bicycles will be available so that you may make the most of the Grotteaux’s unique position in the middle of the ‘Golden Triangle’ – the chateaus of Blois, Chambord and Cheverny are all very easily reached by bicycle.

A unique place in the world thanks to our English friends.
After comprehensively defeating him at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, the English forced the King of France to seek refuge in the Loire Valley. Had it not been for the Hundred Years’ War, the valley would no doubt have not become the cradle of that artistic revolution that was the Renaissance.

At the Grotteaux you will find yourself at the very heart of the Loire Valley, classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESC0. It is made such a unique place by the sheer concentration of architectural masterpieces along the banks of the last wild river in Europe.

We strongly recommend a visit of at least one week in order to have the time to discover our region (the main chateaus, the Loire and a number of characterful towns.)

Chambord: one king’s dream
A 30 minutes bicycle ride away you will be astonished by the silhouette of Chambord, the work of the 25 year old King Francis I.

Chambord is a dream on a massive scale: more than 400 rooms, 80 staircases, including one in the form of a double-helix attributed to the Italian genius Leonardo da Vinci, 365 chimneys, a lantern-tower 32 metres tall, a forested park of 5000 hectares surrounded by a 33 km wall. A whole day, at least, is required to visit Chambord.

Unmissable chateaus near the Grotteaux
Blois (accessible by bicycle) with its four facades from different epochs. Cheverny (accessible by bicycle) a symbol of living the French way of life. Chenonceau (55 mins) the ladies’ chateau which you can explore by canoe.

Chaumont (30 mins) where you will find one of the most beautiful views of the Loire and incredible gardens which are brought back to life every year. (from April to October). Amboise and the Clos Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci’s last home.

Lesser-known wonders Chateau Gaillard
Chateau Gaillard was built by King Charles VIII on his return from the first Italian campaign. In order for him to be able to recreate ‘a paradise on earth’ in Amboise such as he had seen in the Kingdom of Naples at the Royal Palace of Poggio Reale, he brought back 22 Italian artists with him.

Dom Pacello, horticultural architect to 3 kings of France, planted the first orange trees here and created the ‘Reine Claude’ greengage fruit which he dedicated to the queen, wife of King Francis I. This hidden treasure, forgotten for decades and recently restored, should most definitely be explored

Chateau of Villesavin
King Francis I nominated his friend Jean Le Breton governor of works and finances at the Chateau of Chambord. In 1520, in order to help in his tasks, the king gave him some land at Villesavin and a workforce to build a chateau.

This soon became known as ‘the cabin on the Chambord building site’ and although there is a difference of 100 years between the two of them the Chateau de Villesavin is reminiscent of that of the Grotteaux. Situated near the Chateau of Chambord, it is the ideal destination for a bicycle ride.

We are offering a free guided tour of either the Chateau de Gaillard or the Chateau of Villesavin to any of our guests who reserve through our official website at the Chateau des Grotteaux.

Lots of other chateaus are open to be visited near the Grotteaux: Beauregard (and its unique portrait gallery), Chemery, Fougères-sur-Bièvre, Montpoupon, Montrésor (and its village, classified as one of the most beautiful in France), Talcy, Troussay (the smallest of all the Loire Valley chateaus) etc…

The Loire
On foot, by bicycle, in a boat or by canoe, you will be amazed by the soft, changing light of the wild river. We would like to suggest a very pretty bicycle ride around the Grotteaux.

You will discover the lanes and old houses of Saint Dyé, one of the most beautiful villages of the region, whose port served as a route to deliver the materials needed for the construction of Chambord.

You will be able to admire the Chateau of Ménars, which belonged to Madame de Pompadour, mistress of King Louis XV. Having crossed the river by boat at Monlivault, you will be able to investigate Cour sur Loire with its magnificent old houses and its chateau.

Zoo de Beauval
This zoo, situated 50 mins from the Grotteaux, is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world and is an unmissable attraction. You will need at least a day to make the most of the various different shows, to see the giant pandas, hippopotamuses under water, white tigers and some 6000 other animals.

Like Kings
On your birthday or on your first trip to France or the region, you will want to make your stay at the Grotteaux unforgettable. We will do our best to meet all your requirements, so that you can experience your stay just like kings!

Golf
The Cheverny golf course, near the Grotteaux, on the old hunting grounds of the Chateau of Cheverny, is an 18 hole course, highly reputed for its countryside.

Eat in a gastronomic restaurant
We are lucky to have six Michelin-starred restaurants in the area. We can give you advice and book your table.

Champagne au Château
You would like to surprise your companion. We can put a bottle of Champagne on the fridge or take care of a bouquet of flowers, or …

Relaxing holiday
By reservation we can organise the services of a masseur, a beautician and a yoga teacher who can come and look after you at the Grotteaux.

Flight in a hot air balloon
Most of our local hot air balloons are of a manageable size (a maximum of 7 or 8 passengers per flight). You will get a chance to discover the hidden treasures of the Loire Valley, the wildness of the river and the unbelievable fauna of the Sologne.

If you so wish, the balloon can take off from within the grounds of the Grotteaux. It is very important to book several weeks in advance and to remember that, for safety reasons, flights can be cancelled if the weather in inclement.

Arrive by helicopter after you touch down in Paris.
A helicopter will be waiting for you at the heliport of Issy les Molineaux and 50 minutes later you will touch down of the helipad of the Chateau des Grotteaux.

Fly over the Chateau of Chambord.
You will take off from the Chateau des Grotteaux for a 20 minute flight over the park and Chateau of Chambord.

Boating
Take a trip down the Loire in a traditional vessel with a guide who will explain the flora and fauna of this magnificent river.

Visit Chateaus with a privat guide
We have guides available who speak English, Russian, German etc. and they will share their passion for the historical monument or town that you have chosen.

Witness the stags rutting at the Chateau of Chambord.
From mid-September to mid-October is the season of love for the King of the Forest. At dawn or dusk, amongst the animals, you will be able to witness this magnificent, timeless spectacle in the forest of Chambord. The battles can be extremely violent as the stags fight to keep or conquer the hinds.

Spend a day in Paris
Only an hour and twenty minutes from the train station at Blois, you can make the most of a day out in the capital before heading back home again to the serenity of the Grotteaux.

Website: www.chateau-grotteaux.com

Rooms: 5

Price: from 249 EUR per night