Château de l'Auneau, 19th century château in Chantonnay, France.
Château de l'Auneau is a large mansion built in Italian villa-castle style, sitting on a 5-hectare landscaped estate overlooking the Petit Lay valley. The house combines residential and defensive architectural elements and occupies elevated ground that provides views across the surrounding countryside.
Built in 1899 by architect Joseph Libaudière, the château replaced an earlier noble house that was destroyed during the French Revolution. The family for whom it was constructed shaped the estate and its gardens over several decades.
Locals use the park as a walking destination, drawn to the mature trees that provide shade and visual interest throughout the seasons. The maintained paths guide visitors past different planted areas that reflect how gardens were conceived in the late 1800s.
The estate opens to visitors during special events like Heritage Days, while group or private visits can be arranged by contacting ahead. It is worth reaching out before planning your trip to confirm current opening conditions and understand any restrictions.
The park contains rare tree species planted in the late 1800s, including Himalayan cedar and blue cedar, which now stand tall and mature. These older specimens show how garden designers of that era collected and cultivated exotic species from distant lands.
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