Château de Craon

Commonly known “the mini-Versailles of Mayenne”, the Château de Craon stands proudly on the hill of Guinefol, overlooking the eponymous small town beneath its splendid edifice. An honest-to-goodness country palace and an excellent example of classical 18th-century architecture, it was constructed by the architect Pomeyrol for the sake of Marquis d’Armaillé, a very rich Anjou landowner; at once Baron of Craon, Gonnord and Puy du Fou, the marquis had close ties with King Louis XV and his court. Having conserved the architectural features bearing testimony to life in an Enlightenment castle, the building is environed by 120 acres of greenery comprising a charming French-style garden brought into being in 1930 by the landscaper Redont. As for the large English-style garden beneath which the Oudon river wends its way, it represents the masterwork of the 19th-century landscaper Chatelain.
Craon has been owned by the same family since 1828, when Alain de Champagné acquired the château from the inheritors of Marquis d’Armaillé. Generations have succeeded one another, each of them contributing modernity without ever denaturing the handsome 18th-century estate. Visiting the Château de Craon, you will discover a lively, inhabited site, harmoniously furnished with period furniture and family souvenirs, as much in the reception room as the chambres d’hôtes.

Intent on valorizing his monumental crown jewel, in 1992 Count Louis de Guébriant completed restoration of the vegetable garden, which consists in a large English-style park, a French-style park and small garden of trimmed box trees. As for the exterior, it features a chapel, a wash-house and a perfectly conserved ice-house.
Since the 2001 restoration of the one-time stables, which were transformed into reception rooms, during a weekend Craon can constitute an ideal site for weddings and other festivities. Three cottages have been created in former outbuildings and a castle wing. Today’s owner, Count Bertrand de Guébriant, and his wife Séverine strive day in and day out to maintain this treasure trove of history and to enliven the structure by opening the château to the public from 1 July to 31 August. Visitors will discover the ground floor with a guide regaling them with tales of yesteryear. Children will be happy to be costumed for the duration of the visit as they discover the history of the site while enjoying a specially dedicated game booklet.