château d'Ainay-le-Vieil opens its doors!
Following the Covid-19 crisis and several months of restoration and refurbishment work, the château d'Ainay-le-Vieil finally opens its doors on May 29, 2020 for a special season.
The owners, Arielle and Hervé Borne, have made it a point of honor to respect the sanitary protocol put in place by the authorities to ensure the safety of their visitors and staff.
Also, as a tribute to the extraordinary work of the medical profession, admission to the château will be free throughout the season for nursing staff, who will have earned a well-deserved break in a haven of peace.
Today, they unveil the news for the 2020 season, which you can discover while visiting the Renaissance park and water gardens.
An Escape Game
An Escape Game makes its appearance within the walls of the Feudal dwelling. A journey back in time to the Hundred Years' War. Participants, in groups of no more than eight, become squires for a day, in mortal danger from water poisoned by assailants, and must solve a series of riddles in the château 's cellars to find the antidote that will save the day...
A Museum
In the heart of a 17th-century farmhouse, the château unveils its "Musée des Arts et Traditions Populaires" (Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions), housing a private collection of objects and furnishings from the daily life of a Berry village, in a remarkably staged setting.
Self-guided or guided tours on request. Free admission.
A Boutique
Overlooking a walled garden ideal for taking a break, the château 's boutique offers souvenirs for young and old, delicatessen items, a brocante area and a selection of decorative objects and tableware. The owners are keen to give pride of place to both local craftsmanship and exclusive collaborations.
These include fabric manufacturer Maison Thevenon, Le Creuset and its kitchen and cooking utensils, Opinel knives, Casa Lopez for its tableware, Rigaud candles, the first French scented candles created in 1960, and DS Ceramiques created by Delphine de Senneville.
A guest room
Housed in one of the towers of the 13th-century ramparts, the first chambre d'hôtes will be available. This duplex room respects the original architecture of the monument, with its dome-shaped, lime-rendered stone ceiling and floor tiles and dressed stone.
Its exceptional view of both the moat and the inner courtyard is complemented by modern fittings, refined decor and antique furnishings.
A Gîte
To expand its range of accommodation, the Château is now offering its first gîte in an elegant house in the grounds, with its own private garden and uninterrupted view of the château.