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Our romantic stay at Château de La Mothe Chandeniers
For a romantic break, the Château de La Mothe Chandeniers is just perfect! When you come to this unique site, you’ll discover a spot that shakes up the codes of the classic château. With its unusual accommodation, its history, its luminous restaurant, its exceptional evenings and its immersion in the heart of nature, it offers you a memorable experience.
Since Gladys and I first came here, this has been one of our favourites in the Loudun region. Forget staid museums: here, trees grow in the middle of living rooms and nature has reclaimed its rights with unbridled class. It’s the perfect place to unwind and savour the art of living made in the Pays Loudunais.
A romantic atmosphere that grips you from the moment you arrive
As soon as we entered, we were stunned by the silhouette of this castle surrounded by water, which seems to float in the middle of its moat. It’s a veritable romantic ruin that almost disappeared after a devastating fire in 1932, leaving nothing but an abandoned carcass of stone. The crazy thing is that it now belongs to a community of thousands of co-Châtelains from all over the world who have joined forces to save it from oblivion.
Gladys loved themystical atmosphere of the place: between the high, unstained-glass windows and the trees that now peek through the collapsed roofs, you really feel like you’re in a fantasy film set. As you explore the paths around the building, you’ll notice the meticulous work of nature sculpting the limestone. Strolling hand in hand through the park, with the sparkle of the white stone perfectly reflected on the still surface of the moat, is the assurance of a soothing interlude away from all the hustle and bustle. You’ll soon lose track of the time as you watch the birds nesting in the turrets, making this a truly timeless visit.
A castle that lives through the seasons
If there’s one piece of advice I can give you, it’s to come in every season. Not only will you be able to see the natural surroundings, which change depending on the time of year, but you’ll also be able to take advantage of the events organised here. Indeed, the Château de La Mothe Chandeniers may seem to be asleep (after Sleeping Beauty, here comes Sleeping Castle!) but that’s not the case at all. It’s very much alive!
After all these examples, there’s no doubt about it: you’re going to become castle aficionados!
A night under the stars during our romantic stay at Château de La Mothe Chandeniers
To prolong the magic, we opted for some unusual accommodation right next door. We spent the night in an ecolodge in the middle of the forest. Falling asleep in the silence of nature and waking up with a view of the castle turrets is the luxury of simplicity. Don’t forget to book well in advance, as these tree-lined refuges are very popular, especially if you’re planning a romantic break in the Pays Loudunais. It’s the ideal spot for those who really want to ‘unplug’ for a weekend.
Gourmet break at the Orangerie
Before setting off again, we had to visit the Orangerie. It’s a very bright space where we sampled local produce. Gladys went crazy for the local specialities with a glass of local wine. We took the time to see the world again.
The menu really puts the spotlight on local producers from Loudun, so you can nibble on a platter of local cheeses or charcuterie while enjoying the breathtaking view of the château. It’s the perfect place to relax after exploring the estate, either on the terrace in fine weather or in the warmth of the large glass roofs. This is thespirit of the Pays Loudunais: sharing, good food and genuine relaxation.
The Château de La Mothe Chandeniers is much more than a monument. It’s a human adventure that we highly recommend, especially if you want to surprise your other half!
