Why was the château de la Mercerie never finished?

The Réthoré brothers began building an immense Italian Renaissance facade from 1939, but work stopped in 1970 due to lack of funds.

Can visitors see the interior of the château?

Yes, the visit includes the decor and collections assembled by the Réthoré brothers, including the azulejo tiles.

Can motorhomes park near the château?

Yes, an outdoor car park allows an overnight stay, though without dedicated facilities.

Are dogs allowed at the château de la Mercerie?

No, dogs are not permitted on the site.

Château de la Mercerie

Mercerie Castle

Magnac-lès-Gardes

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Tickets and prices

Adult: €12
Child: Free

Free for under 12 years old, upon presentation of the MDPH card

Prices and tickets on the château’s website

Prices checked at the source on August 12, 2026

Visit duration: 90 min
Where: Magnac-lès-Gardes

To make a day of it

Open within 20 km

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Château de la Mercerie stands in Magnac-lès-Gardes (Charente), in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France. The building is registered as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: fourth quarter of the 19th century, 20th century). Adult admission costs 12 EUR. Its opening hours and prices were verified at the source on August 12, 2026.

At Magnac-lès-Gardes, in the Charente region, this estate combines a late 19th century neo-gothic manor with an unfinished 220-metre facade in Italian Renaissance style, begun in 1939 by two brothers, Raymond and Alphonse Réthoré. Visitors encounter a building site left frozen after work stopped in 1970, complete with its azulejo tile collections and decor gathered from Raymond Réthoré's travels. The grounds also include wooded parkland where rare tree species meant for an arboretum, also never completed, still stand.

Written from Château de la Mercerie

What to know

The visit lasts about 90 minutes.
Accessibility is total, with no particular restriction.
Dogs are not allowed on the site.
An outdoor car park allows motorhome travellers to stay overnight, though without dedicated facilities.
The adult admission fee is 12 euros.

Practical information

Opening hours

Haute saison (juillet et août): ouverture tous les jours à partir de 14h30, fermé le samedi
billetterie fermée à 17h, site fermé à 18h
Basse saison (du 22 mars au fin juin et de septembre à novembre): ouverture les mardis, jeudis, dimanches et jours fériés à partir de 14h30

Prices

Adult: €12
Child: Free

Free for under 12 years old, upon presentation of the MDPH card

Visit duration: 90 min
Wheelchair access: Full visit accessible
Dogs: Not allowed
Parking: Outdoor parking, overnight stays possible for motorhomes, no specific facilities

Elevator, wheelchair available, accessible toilets, magnetic induction loop at the reception

On site

Toilets
Food and drink
Gift shop

Where this château is

Magnac-lès-Gardes · Charente · Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Map of the area around Château de la Mercerie

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Magnac-lès-Gardes, Charente

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

Get directions View on a map

Heritage status: Registered historic monument (inscrit); Mérimée record PA00104405
Period of construction: fourth quarter of the 19th century, 20th century

Coming up at this château

Sat, November 14
5ème Salon d'Artisans du Château de la Mercerie
Charente

In pictures

Frequently asked

Château de la Mercerie: how much is admission?: Adult admission is €12. Child: free. Free for: under 12 years old, upon presentation of the MDPH card.
Why was the château de la Mercerie never finished?: The Réthoré brothers began building an immense Italian Renaissance facade from 1939, but work stopped in 1970 due to lack of funds.
Can visitors see the interior of the château?: Yes, the visit includes the decor and collections assembled by the Réthoré brothers, including the azulejo tiles.
Is the château de la Mercerie accessible to visitors with reduced mobility?: Accessibility there is total.
Can motorhomes park near the château?: Yes, an outdoor car park allows an overnight stay, though without dedicated facilities.
Are dogs allowed at the château de la Mercerie?: No, dogs are not permitted on the site.

Information verified on August 12, 2026 · Hours and prices: see the official website