Photos courtesy of Château de Saint-Loup
A member of the de Dercé family constructed the original fortress in the 14th century, of which only the tower is all that remains today. In 1356, the Black Prince of England captured and imprisoned the French king, Jean le Bon, in this very same tower.
The present château was built from 1609-1626 by Claude Gouffier and his son Louis. It was laid out in the shape of the letter “H,” in honor of King Henri IV. Claude Gouffier served as the model for the Marquis de Carabs in Charles Perrault’s story Puss-in-Boots.
In the following centuries the lords of Saint-Loup held the important positions of counselor and treasurer to the French court.
In 1767, the château changed hands a number of times through sales and gifts. In 1990, Count Charles-Henri de Bartillat bought the property, converting his home into a bed and breakfast.
Pamela’s Perspective
If you love sleeping in medieval authenticity, I would spend the extra money and opt for a room in the 15th-century castle tower.
Although the château is located within the Poitou-Charentes region, it also sits on the very southern edge of the Loire Valley, within reasonable driving distance of the grand châteaux.
Château de Saint-Loup
A 15th- & 17th-century castle
Contact
79600 Saint-Loup-Lamairé
Tel: ++33 (0)5 49 64 81 73
Hotel website
Reserve with Booking.com
Fast facts
14 rooms (5 in tower)
Double rooms: 125–190 euros
Breakfast not included
Open: all year
Getting there
Saint-Loup-Lamairé is located northwest of Poitiers, or between Parthenay and Thoarsat the very southern edge of the Loire Valley. From route D-938, turn on D-46. Not practical to reach on public transportation.
What to do
Nearby: hiking; fishing; golf; bicycling; horseback riding; swimming
Weddings
Yes. Inquire hotel for details.
Entire castle may be rented.
Surrounded by extensive parkland, gardens, and even a moat, the Château de Saint-Loup is a wonderful re-creation of 18th-century noble living.
In fact, an on-going restoration of the splendid gardens—with pavilions, courtyards, flower gardens, orangerie, and canal—based on plans from the era give the property even more authenticity.
Guest rooms are located in the tower/keep or the main château and are decorated with charm and enough medieval touches to remind you of where you are.
In the tower, you may choose from “La Chambre du Prince Noir” with its red velvet-covered bed and two 15th-century granite fireplaces to “La Chambre Gothique,” which features a four-poster bed, fireplace, and stained-glass arched windows with a view of the château.
Within the château, you can slumber in a 17th-century canopied bed in “La Chambre du Marquis,” or enjoy original paintings and a fireplace in “La Chambre Bleue.”
If just passing by, you may tour the grounds for a small admission.
Something special
Lovely formal gardens and orangerie.