Is the château de la Guignardière complete or unfinished?

The original building work stopped in 1563 after the patron's murder, leaving some parts unfinished despite later additions.

How long does it take to visit the château?

A visit to the building takes about 50 minutes.

Is the château linked to the Château des Aventuriers park?

Yes, the château stands at the centre of this themed leisure park, though it can be visited separately from the game trails.

Which parts of the château are protected as historic monuments?

The façades, roofs, interior staircase and several fireplaces on the ground and first floors have been listed since 1978.

Château de la Guignardière

Guignardière Castle

Avrillé

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Visit duration: 50 min
Where: Avrillé

Hours and prices not verified at the source yet.Check on the official website

To make a day of it

Open within 20 km

This week in the agenda

Guided tour of the postern and the courtyard of the kitchens of Palluau castle;Sun, Sep 20 · château de Palluau38 km
Visit to the estate of La GirardièreSun, Sep 20 · Château de La Girardière17 km

Château de la Guignardière stands in Avrillé (Vendée), in the Pays de la Loire region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 16th century). Its opening hours and prices have not been verified at the source yet.

Built around 1555 near Avrillé in the Vendée, this château displays a stark, disciplined architecture that broke from the ornamental Renaissance style of its time and already hinted at classicism. Construction stopped abruptly in 1563 after the murder of its patron, Jean Girard, leaving parts of the original design unfinished. Steep slate roofs, mullioned windows and granite trim reflect the several later building phases the estate went through. The grounds now host a themed activity park, with the château standing at the centre of the visitor trails.

Written from Château de la Guignardière

What to know

A visit to the château itself takes about 50 minutes.
The building has been a listed historic monument since 1978, covering the façades, roofs, staircase and several interior fireplaces.
The château stands within a themed leisure park that offers separate paid game trails.
Visitors can tour the château on their own or with a guide.

Practical information

Opening hours

du 4 avril au 12 juin: 11h00-20h00
du 13 juin au 31 août: 10h00-20h00
du 2 septembre au 1er novembre: 11h00-18h00

Visit duration: 50 min
Wheelchair access: Not verified
Dogs: Not verified
Parking: Not verified

On site

Child-friendly

Where this château is

Avrillé · Vendée · Pays de la Loire

Map of the area around Château de la Guignardière

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

La Guignardière, 85440 Avrillé

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

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Château phone number

+33 2 51 22 33 06

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The safest check before setting off: today’s hours, guided-tour availability, where to park.

4.5 / 5from 137 Google reviews

Heritage status: Listed historic monument (classé); Mérimée record PA00110021
Period of construction: 16th century

In pictures

Frequently asked

Is the château de la Guignardière complete or unfinished?: The original building work stopped in 1563 after the patron's murder, leaving some parts unfinished despite later additions.
How long does it take to visit the château?: A visit to the building takes about 50 minutes.
Is the château linked to the Château des Aventuriers park?: Yes, the château stands at the centre of this themed leisure park, though it can be visited separately from the game trails.
Which parts of the château are protected as historic monuments?: The façades, roofs, interior staircase and several fireplaces on the ground and first floors have been listed since 1978.