Staying at the Château de Malcombe holiday cottages in Rillé puts you in an ideal location to explore the exceptional heritage of Touraine and Anjou.
From medieval castles and elegant Renaissance residences to magnificent gardens and royal fortresses, the region is filled with fascinating places to discover.
Whether you are passionate about history, love beautiful gardens or are simply looking for a memorable family day out, explore our selection of châteaux to visit near our holiday cottages or during a day trip.
📍 Gizeux | Just 10 minutes from Rillé
Set in the beautiful Touraine countryside, Château de Gizeux is one of the region's lesser-known treasures.
This elegant château, which is still a family home, reveals a fascinating history spanning from the Middle Ages to the 18th century. Visitors can admire its remarkable painted galleries, historic reception rooms, traditional kitchen and beautiful grounds.
The château also offers family-friendly activities and guided tours, giving children the opportunity to discover what life in a château was like in a fun and engaging way.
Don't miss: the impressive galleries decorated with historic wall paintings.
Visit the Château de Gizeux website
📍 Cléré-les-Pins | Just 15 minutes from Rillé
Nestled within an extensive forest estate, Château de Champchevrier is renowned for its authentic atmosphere and timeless elegance.
Home to the same family since 1728, the château houses magnificent tapestries, paintings, antique furniture and an impressive historic kitchen filled with traditional copper cookware.
A visit offers a fascinating glimpse into aristocratic life in a grand French residence, surrounded by beautiful and peaceful countryside.
Don't miss: the richly furnished interiors and remarkable tapestry collection.
Visit the Château de Champchevrier website
📍 Langeais | Loire Valley – 20 minutes
With its imposing towers, fortified walls and fully functioning drawbridge, Château de Langeais looks as though it has stepped straight out of a history book.
Inside, beautifully furnished rooms and historic tapestries transport visitors back to the daily life of the nobility during the late Middle Ages.
It was here, in 1491, that the historic marriage of King Charles VIII and Anne of Brittany took place.
In the château grounds, children will also enjoy the play areas and a charming treehouse.
Don't miss: the working drawbridge and the reconstruction of the royal wedding.
Visit the Château de Langeais website
📍 Rigny-Ussé | Loire Valley – 40 minutes
With its elegant towers, graceful rooftops and formal French gardens, Château d'Ussé looks like a castle from a fairy tale.
Known as the Sleeping Beauty Castle, it is said to have inspired Charles Perrault when writing his famous story.
Visitors can explore beautifully furnished rooms, a Renaissance chapel, terraced gardens and a special trail through the tower featuring scenes and characters from Sleeping Beauty.
Don't miss: the Sleeping Beauty trail, particularly popular with children.
Visit the Château d'Ussé website
📍 Le Lude | Loir Valley – 30 minutes
Château du Lude is one of the few great Loire Valley châteaux that remains a private family residence.
Its architecture reflects several centuries of history, from its origins as a medieval fortress to its Renaissance transformations.
Visitors can discover elegant reception rooms, historic apartments and traditional kitchens, as well as magnificent gardens officially recognised as a Jardin Remarquable (Remarkable Garden).
The grounds feature beautiful terraces, colourful flowerbeds and a peaceful landscaped park.
Don't miss: a stroll through the gardens and a visit to the historic kitchens.
Visit the Château du Lude website
📍 Baugé-en-Anjou | Anjou – 30 minutes
Built in the 15th century, Château de Baugé was one of the favourite residences of King René, Duke of Anjou.
Today, an immersive and interactive visitor experience brings to life the daily world of a prince during the late Middle Ages.
Recreated rooms, engaging activities and multimedia displays make this a particularly enjoyable visit for families.
While in Baugé, you can also discover the town's historic apothecary, home to a remarkable collection of traditional pharmacy objects.
Don't miss: the interactive experience dedicated to King René and his fascinating life.
Visit the Château de Baugé website
📍 Villandry | Touraine – 35 minutes
Château de Villandry is internationally renowned for its spectacular Renaissance gardens, considered among the finest in the Loire Valley.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the ornamental gardens, decorative vegetable garden, water garden and beautifully maintained green spaces.
The château itself is an elegant Renaissance residence, open to visitors and offering wonderful views over the gardens.
Don't miss: the geometric gardens, particularly spectacular when viewed from the terraces.
Visit the Château de Villandry website
📍 Azay-le-Rideau | Indre Valley – 40 minutes
Built in the early 16th century, Château d'Azay-le-Rideau is one of the finest examples of French Renaissance architecture.
Standing on an island in the River Indre, the château is beautifully reflected in the surrounding water, creating an exceptionally romantic setting.
Inside, visitors can explore elegant reception rooms, historic bedrooms and remarkable collections of period furniture.
The visit continues through a magnificent landscaped park, perfect for a relaxing stroll.
Don't miss: the château's reflection in the water and its impressive Renaissance staircase.
Visit the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau website
📍 Azay-le-Rideau / Cheillé | Indre Valley – 35 minutes
Less famous than its neighbour, Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, Château de l'Islette is nevertheless well worth a visit.
This elegant Renaissance residence, surrounded by water and greenery, was once a retreat for the sculptors Auguste Rodin and Camille Claudel.
Still a family home today, the château offers a welcoming and intimate atmosphere.
Its beautiful park, stretching along the River Indre, is an ideal place to relax or enjoy a picnic.
Depending on the season, visitors may also be able to enjoy a peaceful boat ride along the river.
Don't miss: the beautifully preserved historic rooms and the riverside gardens.
Visit the Château de l'Islette website
📍 Chinon | Vienne Valley – 45 minutes
Overlooking the historic town of Chinon and the Vienne Valley, this impressive medieval fortress played a major role in French history.
It was once home to famous historical figures such as Eleanor of Aquitaine, Henry II Plantagenet and Charles VII.
It was also here that Joan of Arc met King Charles VII in 1429, a defining moment in the history of France.
Visitors can explore the towers, fortified walls and royal residences while enjoying breathtaking views over the surrounding countryside.
Thanks to the immersive reconstructions available through the HistoPad, both adults and children can experience medieval life in an interactive and entertaining way.
Don't miss: the ramparts, panoramic views and immersive historical experiences.
Visit the Royal Fortress of Chinon website
📍 Montsoreau | Loire River – 40 minutes
Located directly beside the Loire, Château de Montsoreau enjoys an exceptional setting in one of France's most beautiful villages.
Built in the 15th century, the château now houses a contemporary art museum, featuring works associated with the Art & Language movement.
A visit combines historic architecture with contemporary artistic creativity, complemented by beautiful views of the Loire.
Take the opportunity to explore the charming village of Montsoreau, with its picturesque streets and traditional stone houses.
Don't miss: the views over the Loire and the contemporary art museum.
Visit the Château de Montsoreau website
📍 Saumur | Anjou – 45 minutes
Perched high above the Loire, Château de Saumur is instantly recognisable by its tall towers and elegant slate roofs.
Originally a medieval fortress before becoming a princely residence, the château now houses a museum featuring collections of decorative arts.
Visitors can explore its historic rooms, admire its impressive architecture and enjoy magnificent panoramic views over Saumur and the Loire River.
A visit also provides the perfect opportunity to explore Saumur's historic centre, famous wine cellars and rich architectural heritage.
Don't miss: the panoramic views of the Loire and the château's majestic silhouette.
Visit the Château de Saumur website
📍 Brézé | Near Saumur – 55 minutes
Château de Brézé offers a truly unusual experience: hidden beneath its elegant architecture lies an extraordinary underground network.
Visitors can explore ancient tunnels, rooms carved into the rock, defensive passages and remarkably deep dry moats.
This impressive underground fortress, combined with the château's historic rooms, makes for a fascinating and memorable visit, especially for those interested in medieval history.
Don't miss: the underground galleries and spectacular dry moats.
Visit the Château de Brézé website
📍 Amboise | Loire Valley – 1 hr 15 min
Majestically overlooking the Loire, the Royal Château of Amboise was one of the favourite residences of the French kings during the Renaissance.
Visitors can explore the royal apartments, admire the château's architecture and wander through its beautiful gardens, enjoying outstanding views over the river.
The Chapel of Saint-Hubert is home to the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci.
While in Amboise, don't miss the nearby Château du Clos Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci's final residence, where his remarkable life, inventions and creative genius are brought to life through exhibitions and interactive displays.
Don't miss: the breathtaking views of the Loire and the opportunity to discover the world of Leonardo da Vinci.
Visit the Royal Château of Amboise website
Visit the Château du Clos Lucé website
📍 Chenonceaux | Cher Valley – 1 hr 10 min
One of the most iconic châteaux of the Loire Valley, Chenonceau is famous for its refined architecture and magnificent gallery stretching across the River Cher.
Known as the Château des Dames (Ladies' Château), its history was shaped by several remarkable women, including Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de' Medici.
Visitors can explore beautifully furnished historic rooms, exceptional collections and meticulously designed gardens.
A visit to Chenonceau is an unforgettable experience for lovers of architecture, history and beautiful gardens.
Don't miss: the famous gallery spanning the River Cher and the stunning Renaissance gardens.
Visit the Château de Chenonceau website
For a visit close to our holiday cottages, we particularly recommend the châteaux of Gizeux, Champchevrier and Langeais.
If you would like to spend a day discovering beautiful gardens and Renaissance architecture, Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau and l'Islette are wonderful choices.
Families will particularly enjoy Langeais, Ussé, Baugé and the Royal Fortress of Chinon, which offer engaging experiences and activities suitable for children.
Good to know: some châteaux are open throughout the year, while others welcome visitors only during certain seasons. We recommend checking their official websites for up-to-date opening times, admission prices and booking information before your visit.