Château de Gratot

The Castle of Gratot is an exceptional architectural landmark, built between the 13th and 18th centuries and classified as a French Historic Monument. It was built by the d’Argouges Lords who lived on the grounds over sixteen generations. They transformed and expanded the Castle according to their lifestyle and the medieval castle became a rich leisure mansion.
In the 19th century, the Castle had different owners but none could maintain the Castle. It gradually fell into ruins while ivy gained its way and was totally abandoned at the beginning of the 20th century.
Still, nowadays, its walls whisper stories about Andaine, the clear waters fairy of the Castle.
Since its creation in 1968, the mission of the Centre d’Animation du Château de Gratot is to restore and preserve this heritage and ensure its future by making it a cultural and touristic landmark. Thanks to the collective action of over 50 passionate volunteers, resolutely in love with old stones, the Castle is today an elegant balance between ruins and restoration and offers every year a comprehensive cultural programming with events such as A propos de sculpture and A propos de jardin, as well as art exhibits and outdoor shows.
The Castle is open all year long with a self-guided visit. The permanent exhibition “Life throughout the centuries” is a historical and architectural journey designed to guide the visitor all around the Castle.