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Castle from the air
history
A family castle handed down since 1467
Castle from the air
Gardens
Gardens
Immerse yourself in the history of gardens from the Renaissance to the present day!
Gardens
Juan Garaizabal, sculptures
until October 1
Juan Garaizabal, sculptures
Juan Garaizabal, sculptures
Juan Garaizabal, sculptures
saturday 7 and sunday 8 october
Plant festival in the Capitainerie courtyard
Juan Garaizabal, sculptures
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ATTENTION, LAST DAY TO VISIT: Sunday, October 1

NEW in 2023: special tours for children on request
Practical information

A Château, a park and gardens,
infinite sources of inspiration

Inhabited by the same family for centuries, the Château d'Ainay-le-Vieil will give you an unforgettable day.

A fortified castle

Ainay-le-Vieil, a 13th century fortified castle with its towers, moats, guardrooms, covered walkway... In the courtyard, two dwellings, one from the 13th century and a graceful residence dating from the end of the 15th century, which combines flamboyant Gothic and Renaissance styles. Bought by the Lords of Bigny in 1467, their descendants are still the owners of this private historical monument in which one can discover the memories and traces of illustrious people such as Louis XII and Anne de Bretagne, Colbert, Marie-Antoinette or Napoleon. So many testimonies of French History to be discovered during guided tours, through the superb and majestic rooms.

A park and gardens

In the landscaped park with century-old trees surrounding the castle, the gardens offer a beautiful contrast between the long perspectives on the water of the Renaissance canals and the enclosed gardens (Hortus conclusus) of the Carthusian monasteries. They guide us through a real walk in the art of gardens: the rose garden by two Renaissance Pavilions, the Carré en l'île with its palisade-cut hornbeams and the 5 chartreuses, each with its own themed garden: the mixed-border, the sculpted orchard, the meditation garden, the cloister of the simple and the parterres de broderies de buis.

Water as a link

This unique location is known for the omnipresence of water. Used for defense, as when surrounding the Château, it is for enjoyment when it flows around the gardens to form the Grand Carré de l’île, due to a sensible canal system and becomes useful when, through a series of weirs and spillways, it powers the mill and the wash-house.

Featured events...

Take advantage of the large spaces
for your receptions

Rentals, receptions, weddings, seminars, events, etc.

Château d'Ainay-le-Vieil, evening reception in the archers' hall with lighting effects
The Salle des Archers, a vaulted room dating from the 17th century, is situated on the left as you enter the courtyard, opposite the Renaissance Logis, which is illuminated at night.
Château d'Ainay-le-Vieil, evening reception in the archers' hall with lighting effects and herringbone tables
Château d'Ainay-le-Vieil, garden reception under marquees
Several options are proposed: reserve an extra space for a tent or stage in the courtyard of the castle or in the park, install lighting, a guided tour of the castle for guests only...
Château d'Ainay-le-Vieil, reception in the courtyard of the château under a reception tent with parquet floor, lighting
Château d'Ainay-le-Vieil, reception in the château courtyard
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Archers' Hall
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Castle lit up in the evening
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Shadow

Staying at the Château

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A night at the castle

Whether you have always dreamed of living the life of a castle or simply spending a night in an exceptional setting, the guest rooms of Ainay-le-Vieil are for you!

Discover the castle from a new angle and enjoy an enchanted interlude...

Gîtes du château d'Ainay-le-Vieil, a dining room with a wooden table surrounded by straw chairs lit by two industrial lamps

Gites designed for family and friends

The Château has created four gîtes in the outbuildings for those seeking peace and quiet to discover our beautiful region, or for those wishing to get together with friends or family. Furnished with taste and authenticity, they are the ideal setting for wonderful memories.

Discover our gardens...

The Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions

View of the scenes in the Museum of Arts and Traditions at the Chateau d'Ainay-le-Vieil

A permanent exhibition depicting daily life in the village of Ainay-le-Vieil before the 1914 war.
Discover the rural world, its customs, daily life and the wealth of trades that existed at the time: a shop, a classroom, a clogmaker's workshop, a blacksmith's workshop, old beehives and the typical interior of an early 20th-century farming family.

 

Become a sponsor

Whether you are a private individual or a company, your support has become essential for the future of Ainay. Do something for history!

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