Is Tiffauges Castle accessible for visitors with reduced mobility?

According to the site operator the location is only partially accessible, though this has not been independently confirmed.

Can I bring my dog to Tiffauges Castle?

No, animals are not allowed on the site.

Who built Tiffauges Castle?

Three successive families built the site: the viscounts of Thouars raised the keep and ramparts, Gilles de Rais added the residential quarters and gatehouse, and Louis de Vendôme built the artillery towers.

Why is Tiffauges Castle linked to the Bluebeard legend?

Its lord Gilles de Rais, executed in 1440 for his crimes, was later associated by popular tradition with the Bluebeard character created by Charles Perrault.

Château de Tiffauges

Tiffauges Castle

Tiffauges

Visit

Hours to be confirmed

Book a visit

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Tickets and prices

Free for Children under 6, holders of a professional card from Education Nationale and Enseignement Privé, holders of the Pass-Vendée card, holders of the Invitation coupon, access during the European Heritage Days, Pass Ambassadeur for Département staff, holders of a professional press card

Prices and tickets on the château’s website

Where: Tiffauges

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

To make a day of it

Open within 20 km

Sleep nearby

This week in the agenda

Château de Tiffauges stands in Tiffauges (Vendée), in the Pays de la Loire region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 11th century, 13th century, 16th century). Its opening hours and prices have not been verified at the source yet.

The ruined castle of Tiffauges stands on a rocky spur above the Crûme river, on the old borders of Anjou, Brittany and Poitou. Three successive builders shaped the site: the viscounts of Thouars, who raised the keep and ramparts, Gilles de Rais, who added the residential quarters and gatehouse, and Louis de Vendôme, who built artillery towers in the 16th century. Visitors today come for the scale of the medieval remains and for a collection of working replica siege engines set up within the walls, including a large trebuchet. Gilles de Rais, the castle's lord executed in 1440, later inspired the legend of Bluebeard, which still colours how the ruins are remembered.

This place also features in The castles of Gilles de Rais

What to know

The site is open-air and includes extensive ruins, so expect to walk on ground that is sometimes uneven.
Animals are not allowed on the site.
The castle has been a listed historic monument since 1957, with its medieval dam inscribed as a protected structure since 2018.
Demonstrations of siege engines and other activities take place on site alongside the visit of the ruins.

Practical information

Opening hours

1 April to 13 September

Prices

Visit duration: Not verified
Wheelchair access: Not verified
Dogs: Not allowed
Parking: Not verified

Most of the entertainment and show areas are accessible to people with reduced mobility (3D film with access ramp, bow and crossbow, old games, la bricole, la grue, show stand, discovery of war machines, chapel). Visit possible with the help of a companion. Guide dogs allowed. Handrails along all staircases.

On site

Toilets
Gift shop
Child-friendly

Where this château is

Tiffauges · Vendée · Pays de la Loire

Map of the area around Château de Tiffauges

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Tiffauges, Vendée

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

Get directions View on a map

Heritage status: Listed historic monument (classé); Mérimée record PA00110281
Period of construction: 11th century, 13th century, 16th century

Coming up at this château

Fri, December 4
MARCHE DE NOËL AU CHÂTEAU DE TIFFAUGES
Vendée

Frequently asked

Château de Tiffauges: how much is admission?: Free for: children under 6, holders of a professional card from Education Nationale and Enseignement Privé, holders of the Pass-Vendée card, holders of the Invitation coupon, access during the European Heritage Days, Pass Ambassadeur for Département staff, holders of a professional press card.
Is Tiffauges Castle accessible for visitors with reduced mobility?: According to the site operator the location is only partially accessible, though this has not been independently confirmed.
Can I bring my dog to Tiffauges Castle?: No, animals are not allowed on the site.
Who built Tiffauges Castle?: Three successive families built the site: the viscounts of Thouars raised the keep and ramparts, Gilles de Rais added the residential quarters and gatehouse, and Louis de Vendôme built the artillery towers.
Why is Tiffauges Castle linked to the Bluebeard legend?: Its lord Gilles de Rais, executed in 1440 for his crimes, was later associated by popular tradition with the Bluebeard character created by Charles Perrault.