Château de Valmer

Château de Valmer is a Renaissance castle with winery operations in the Loire Valley, known for its expansive terraced gardens. The property includes the smaller Petit Valmer building from 1647 as the main residence and wine production areas within limestone caves.

The original castle structure dates from the Renaissance but burned down in 1948, leaving Petit Valmer from 1647 as the oldest standing building. A chapel carved from rock in 1524 marks an early religious presence on the property.

The estate tends ancient grape varieties, and wine production happens in limestone caves reaching back to the 15th century that reflect local building traditions. These underground spaces show how people adapted to their landscape by working within the stone.

The gardens and caves are open for visitors to explore, with wine tastings available on-site. It is best to check ahead as access and opening times vary seasonally.

The property houses a rare chapel carved into the rock that blends religious architecture with regional building practices. This underground space offers insight into how worship and community life were organized in centuries past.