in HUISSEAU-SUR-COSSON

Château des Grotteaux

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Presentation

The smallest of the great castles » was built in 1620 by Guillaume RIBIER, on the Cosson banks, on the foundations of a former castle. This residence shelters the biggest private library of Europe, made by a book collector.

About the monument :

In the park, on the right bank of the Cosson, the presence of the Grotteaux menhir attests to a very ancient human presence. The present castle was built in 1620 by Guillaume Ribier on older foundations, as the beautiful vaulted cellars attest. King Louis XIII was particularly fond of this high magistrate from Blais, a member of the Third Estate. On three occasions he was offered a ministerial post, notably during a visit to the Grotteaux by Cardinal Richelieu on his return from the siege of La Rochelle in 1628. The castle has been listed as a historical monument since 1954 and its park since 1997. The "smallest of the great castles" was entirely decorated by the Blais painter Jean Mosnier, who later worked in Valençay, Cheverny, Blois, etc.

About the garden/park :

During the Directoire, Charles-Joseph Bagieu, the manager of food supplies for the great army, a friend of Napoleon Bonaparte and a botany enthusiast, built the orangery. The emperor sent him seeds and plants brought back by a botanical mission from Louisiana and asked him to acclimatise them in the park of the Château des Grotteaux. This is how the most beautiful autumn trees can be admired along the river: the bald cypress (Taxodium).

We speak : French, English

opening

Opening hours from 15 March to 14 December 2025
Monday	Open
Tuesday	Open
Wednesday	Open
Thursday	Open
Friday	Open
Saturday	Open
Sunday	Open

price

Pricing	Min.	Max.
Full adult price	12 €	Not communicated
Group rate	12 €	Not communicated

Payment options

FAQ

⏱️ How long does the average visit last?

Allow on average 01:00h to get the most out of your visit. Of course, this depends on your own pace and desires: some people stroll around for longer, while others opt for a quicker discovery. Take as much time as you need – you decide the tempo!

🐾 Can I share this visit with my pet?

We have not yet been informed whether pets are allowed. To find out whether pets are allowed on site (on a lead, in outdoor areas, etc.), we advise you to contact the service provider directly. The information sheet will be updated as soon as we have more details.

🍽️ Can I eat on site during my visit?

Unfortunately, there is no on-site catering service. We advise you to plan a meal nearby or bring a picnic if conditions permit.

🛜 What facilities and services are available on site during my visit?

A number of facilities and services are available on site to make your visit more enjoyable:
Shop, Hall hire

♿ I have a disability, is the site accessible?

The site has not yet been accredited with the Tourisme & Handicap label.
To find out whether a visit is possible for your specific needs, we recommend that you contact the service provider directly. We will update the information as soon as we receive new information.