Know the essentials: practical information
- Opening times
- Schedules for guided and/or dramatized tours
- Rates & Payment methods
- Languages
- Parking
- Accessibility
- Animals
- Picnic area
- Downloads
- Labels & Rankings
- Memories...
- Restaurant
- Escape game, etc.
Opening times and periods, Friday, March 29 to Sunday, September 29, 2024
Guided tours of the castle interior.
The gardens and the Musée d'Art et Traditions Populaires are free to visit.
Friday, March 29 to Sunday, April 28 :
- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: open from 10 am to 12 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm*.
- Tuesday: closed
- Weekends and/or public holidays: open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Monday, April 29 to Sunday, September 1 :
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.* without interruption
Monday, September 2 to Sunday, September 29 :
- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: open from 10 am to 12 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm*.
- Tuesday: closed
- Weekends and/or public holidays: open from 10 am to 6 pm* .
* last access 30 minutes before château closes
** opening from 10am to 7pm for the European Heritage Days on Sunday September 22, 2024.
Guided tour times (duration approx. 1 h 30), season 2024 :
NEW: Theatrical tours for children on request*. Find out more
These times are subject to change, so please check the château's website before your visit.
April / May / June :
- Monday to Friday: 10.15 a.m. / 10.45 a.m. / 2.15 p.m. / 4 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday: 10:15 / 10:45 /11:45/ 14:15 / 15:00 / 16:00 / 16:30
July/August :
- Monday to Friday: 10:15 /10:45 /11:45 /14:30 /15:00 /16:00 /17:15
- Saturday and Sunday: 10:15 / 10:45 /11:45 / 14:00 / 15:00 / 16:00 / 16:45 /17:15
September :
- Monday to Friday: 10.15 a.m. / 10.45 a.m. / 2.15 p.m. / 4 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday: 10:15 / 10:45 /11:45/ 14:15 / 15:00 / 16:00 / 16:30
* Dramatized tours are organized on request and subject to availability.
* according to the health regulations in force at the time of the visit
2024 |
Castle*, parc and gardens |
Visit park and gardens |
European Heritage Days 2024 |
ADULT* | 11 € | 8,50 € | 7,50 € |
CHILDREN* aged 12 to 18 (upon presentation of card) STUDENT under 27, UNEMPLOYED, LARGE FAMILY*, PASS |
8,00 € | 7,00 € | 6,00 € |
CHILDREN* (ages 5 to 11) | 7,00 € | 6,00 € | 4 € |
CHILD* under 5 years | Free of charge | Free of charge | Free of charge |
ADULT GROUP |
8,50 € | 7,00 € | NC |
SCHOOL GROUP |
7,00 € | 6,00 € | NC |
Person with reduced mobility |
5,00 € | Free of charge | |
PRIVILEGE PASS |
11 € € 7.50 |
NC | |
PASSPORT de la DEMEURE HISTORIQUE |
|||
RHS members |
Free of charge | NC |
Payment methods :
Cash, Cheque, Credit card (except American Express), Holiday vouchers, Culture vouchers, Clarc vouchers, etc.
* Large family rate: on presentation of card
* Take advantage of the Jacques Coeur PRIVILEGE PASS to visit the Route Jacques Coeur sites and Route Jacques Coeur and some 50 partner sites. Obtain the PASS on the Route website or ask for it at the site reception desk.
Languages
- French 🇫🇷
- English 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (guided tours available on request or via a Wivisites app downloadable from the store)
- Flamand 🇳🇱 (via an application downloadable from the store)
- Spanish 🇪🇸 (via an application downloadable from the store)
A specially equipped parking area
Parking under video surveillance :
Google Maps link
- 2 places to recharge an electric vehicle
- 2 spaces for people with reduced mobility
- 1 camper van space
Coaches are not allowed in the château parking lot, but can be parked next to the town hall.
Closed at night
People with disabilities
Due to the architecture of the building, certain areas within the château are narrow, making it impossible for wheelchair users to get around (access stairs to the ramparts and the Renaissance dwelling). However, the entire park and gardens remain accessible (lawn and sand).
For further information, please contact reception on 02 48 63 02 88
Your pets are welcome
They are only allowed in gardens and must be kept on a leash.
A "doggie bar" is accessible from the store.
For further information, please contact reception on 02 48 63 02 88
A landscaped area
In the château grounds, there is a special area for visitors wishing to picnic (see garden map).
However, picnicking is not permitted in the rose garden or the chartreuse trees.
For further information, please contact reception on 02 48 63 02 88
Travelling by bike :
50 kilometers of hiking and cycling trails between Saint-Amand-Montrond and Montluçon.
Activities for schoolchildren :
Labels and ratings
The château and gardens are listed as a "Monument Historique".
The gardens have been awarded the "Jardin Remarquable" label.
The site is a member of theAssociation des Châteaux de la Loire, the Demeure historique, the Route Jacques Coeur, the Jardins secrets en Berry, theAssociation des Parcs et Jardins de la région Centre (APJRC) and the Royal Horticultural Society.
The site has also been awarded the Nouvelles Renaissances and Accueil vélo labels.
The château is a member of the Qualité Tourisme initiative in the Centre Val de Loire region and is committed to the "Together for sustainable tourism" project.
The château's accommodations are members of the Gîtes de France and Charme & Traditions networks.
A 100 square metre area dedicated to welcoming visitors and selling souvenirs and gifts.
On the programme, decorative objects, delicatessen, books for adults and children, toys, not forgetting a charming flea market for bargain hunters and picnic baskets for gourmets. A great way to start or end your visit to the castle, its park and gardens.
A new must-visit address for discovering the expertise of local artisans and producers, as well as a selection of products created exclusively for Château d'Ainay-le-Vieil.
Highlights include our excellent Château d'Ainay-le-Vieil cuvée, created in association with the Bourgeois family, duck rillettes, lentils from Berry, honey from the château's bees...
As well as tablecloths from Thevenon, filament lamps, slate trays, a selection of Opinel knives, Casa Lopez tableware, Le Creusetcasseroles...
The restaurant "La Volière
The restaurant of La Volière offers traditional and regional cuisine for lunch under an aviary in the park facing the castle and for dinner in the covered "Lavoir".
Details
Fresh, local and French produce.
Weekly menu from €16 to €25.
Where?
"La Volière" is located at the entrance to the rose garden. The "Lavoir" is accessible via the store entrance.
Read more :
The Château is pleased to present its fun activities!
Come and experience a unique moment within the walls of the Corps de Logis Féodal.
Find out more...