Is the Vieux-Château des Essarts in ruins?

Yes, it consists of the remains of a medieval fortress, distinct from the nearby 19th-century château.

Can I visit with a dog?

No, dogs are not allowed on the premises.

Is the site accessible for visitors with reduced mobility?

No specific accessibility arrangements are indicated.

Is there parking on site?

Yes, parking is available on site.

Vieux-Château des Essarts

Essarts-en-Bocage

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Hours to be confirmed

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Tickets and prices

Adult: €14
Child: €12

Free for Under 4 years old

Prices and tickets on the château’s website

Prices checked at the source on August 16, 2026

Where: Essarts-en-Bocage

To make a day of it

Open within 20 km

Sleep nearby

Vieux-Château des Essarts stands in Essarts-en-Bocage (Vendée), in the Pays de la Loire region of France. The building is registered as a historic monument. Adult admission costs 14 EUR. Its opening hours and prices were verified at the source on August 16, 2026.

The Vieux-Château des Essarts is a set of medieval ruins standing within a 25-hectare park laid out by the Bühler brothers, in the Vendée region. Visitors can see an entrance gatehouse with two horseshoe-shaped towers, a 13th-century tower known as the Sarrazine tower, and the remains of a Renaissance dwelling built onto the former keep. A short distance away stands the 19th-century château that succeeded this abandoned stronghold.

Written from Vieux-château des Essarts

What to know

The site is visited outdoors, among ruins and a landscaped park.
No accessibility arrangements for visitors with reduced mobility are indicated.
Dogs are not allowed on site.
Parking is available on site.
The adult admission fee is 14 euros.

Practical information

Opening hours

April: ouvert pendant les vacances de Pâques, sauf vendredis et samedis
May / June / September: ouvert les dimanches, jours fériés et dates spéciales
July / August: ouvert du dimanche au jeudi
October: ouvert pendant les vacances de la Toussaint
December & January: ouvert pour Lumin'Essarts, les week-ends et les vacances de Noël
Low season: de 14h à 18h30
High season: de 10h30 à 18h30

Prices

Adult: €14
Child: €12

Free for Under 4 years old

Visit duration: Not verified
Wheelchair access: Not accessible
Dogs: Not allowed
Parking: Parking available on site

On site

Toilets
Food and drink
Gift shop
Picnic area
Child-friendly

Where this château is

Essarts-en-Bocage · Vendée · Pays de la Loire

Map of the area around Vieux-Château des Essarts

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

6 Rue du Vieux Château, 85140 Essarts-en-Bocage

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

Get directions View on a map

Château phone number

+33 2 51 62 10 43

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

4.5 / 5from 574 Google reviews

Heritage status: Registered historic monument (inscrit); Mérimée record PA00110091

In pictures

Frequently asked

Vieux-Château des Essarts: how much is admission?: Adult admission is €14. Child: €12. Free for: under 4 years old.
Is the Vieux-Château des Essarts in ruins?: Yes, it consists of the remains of a medieval fortress, distinct from the nearby 19th-century château.
Can I visit with a dog?: No, dogs are not allowed on the premises.
Is the site accessible for visitors with reduced mobility?: No specific accessibility arrangements are indicated.
Is there parking on site?: Yes, parking is available on site.

Information verified on August 16, 2026 · Hours and prices: see the official website