Photos courtesy of Château de la Ballue
Gilles Ruellan built this castle in 1620. Born to innkeepers, he found his fortune by joining Henri de Navarre’s Protestant forces during the French Wars of Religion. Wildly successful, Henri, who was now king, rewarded him handsomely, granting him the position of tax collector. With this sinecure, he became wealthy enough to build three grand castles in the area, including the Château de la Ballue.
The castle was also a major site for the Breton Royalist insurgency, also known as the Chouannerie, during the French Revolution when Brittany lost much of its special autonomous privileges.
Guests over the years who have stayed at the Château de la Ballue include Balzac, Victor Hugo, Musset, and Chateaubriand.
Pamela’s Perspective
The château is well situated to visit the eastern sites of Brittany, such as St. Malo, Mont St. Michel, and Dinan.
This is a bed and breakfast property. Inquire in advance if you’re interested in an informal evening supper.
Château de la Ballue
A 17th-century castle
Contact
35560 Bazouges-la-Pérouse
Tel: ++33 (0) 2 99 97 47 86
Hotel website
Reserve with Booking.com
Fast facts
4 rooms and 1 suite
Double rooms: from 230–250 euros
Suites: from 305 euros
Breakfast is extra.
Open: all year
Getting there
Bazouges-la-Pérouse is about halfway between Mont-St-Michel and Rennes. From N175, at Tremblay/Antrain, look for the signs for La Ballue. From A84, take sortie 31 in the direction of Antrain, follow signs for Dol de Bretagne, and then La Ballue signs. Nearest train station is at Combourg (14 km).
What to do
On site: sauna
Nearby: horseback riding; golf;
Mont-St-Michel; Cancale
If you wish an intimate experience on a grand estate, the Château de la Ballue makes an wonderful choice. You’re far enough out in the country to enjoy the peace and quiet, but close enough to the bustling great attractions of St. Malo and Mont St. Michel.
The most striking feature of the château is its renowned Mannerist gardens, filled with topiary, sculptures, gorgeous walkways, and even a maze garden.
Interiors are elegant and in perfect taste. Inviting fireplaces invite you to linger in the drawing rooms, library and music room. Contemporary artwork grace the walls.
Guest rooms are spacious, furnished with antiques, and have views over the gardens and countryside. The romantic Victor Hugo room features a king-sized canopy bed and wood floors topped by an Oriental carpet. The Diane room has the same as well as 18th-century paneling. The Suite de France, fit for royalty, also has an adjoining room that’s perfect for families.
As elegant as the rest of the château, the breakfast room is the perfect place to make plans for the day while enjoying an excellent French breakfast.
Something special
The castle and gardens are listed as monuments historiques.