Chateau des Marquis | 20-Bedroom Villa in Vernantes Courleon

Fifty-seven guests arrive at Chateau des Marquis in Vernantes and discover something unexpected: a working fortress reimagined for modern gatherings, where Renaissance architecture meets contemporary comfort. This isn’t a villa rental in the traditional sense—it’s a fully operational château with 20 bedrooms, 20 bathrooms, and enough ceremony to make you feel like you’ve inherited a Loire Valley estate for the week.

Inside Chateau des Marquis

Chateau des Marquis sleeps 57 guests across 20 bedrooms and 20 bathrooms distributed across four distinct floors, each connected by a grand staircase and modern lift. The property operates as a collection of self-contained suites rather than one unified layout—a deliberate design choice that allows families and friend groups to maintain privacy while staying under one historic roof.

Ground Floor anchors the entire experience. A soaring entrance hall with grand staircase sets the tone, followed by two substantial salons, a library with computer access, and a formal banquet hall accommodating 150 seated guests—the kind of space that transforms celebrations into events people discuss years later. The dedicated château dining room seats 20 comfortably. A professional catering kitchen serves groups of any size. The chapel, still consecrated, hosts ceremonies for those seeking meaning alongside luxury. Below ground, the wine-tasting crypt delivers temperature-controlled revelation—you’ll descend stone steps into candlelit vaults where Loire Valley vintages reveal themselves. The ground floor also contains Suite 1 (1-bedroom, 45m²) and Suite 2 (2-bedroom, 98m²), both with disability access through the West Wing, plus a front terrace overlooking the moat and formal gardens.

First Floor houses eight suites accessed via either the West Wing staircase or the grand staircase with lift. Suite 3 and Suite 4 (both 2-bedroom, 96m² and 112m² respectively) sit in the West Wing. Suite 5, a studio of 55m², also accesses via West Wing. Suites 6 and 7 form an interconnecting pair (1-bedroom and studio, 61m² and 42m²) for families needing adjacent accommodation. Suite 8 (1-bedroom, 61m²) offers disability access. Suite 9 (1-bedroom, 45m²) and Suite 10 (2-bedroom, 98m²) complete the first floor, all reachable by lift. Every suite contains either a kitchenette or full kitchen depending on size.

Second Floor comprises five suites. Suite 11 (1-bedroom) accesses via the West Wing staircase. Suite 12 (2-bedroom, 94m²) includes two bathrooms and lift access. Suite 13 (3-bedroom, 95m²) with three bathrooms serves larger family units from the West Wing. Suites 14 and 15 (both studios) round out this level, each with independent kitchenette and shower room.

Third Floor features Suite 16 alone—a generous 3-bedroom spread across 94m² with three en-suite bathrooms and stair access only, ideal for guests seeking quietude at the château’s apex.

Maison de Fretigny, the clock tower annexe (136m²), stands as a three-storey independent residence within the front lawns. A master bedroom with en-suite bath, a second double bedroom with en-suite shower, and a mezzanine sleeping three children via single beds create a perfect separated-yet-connected arrangement for multi-generational groups. Its own kitchenette and entertainment area function as a complete household.

Every suite follows the same philosophy: proper kitchens scaled to bedroom count. Studios contain induction cooktops, small ovens, dishwashers, and integrated washing machines within compact cupboards. One-bedroom suites expand the refrigeration and cooking footprint. Two and three-bedroom accommodations feature full kitchens with double sinks and capacity for six-person catering. Bathrooms universally include both bath and shower (except some secondary bedrooms), hand basins, and practical spacing. King beds split into singles as standard. Temporary beds install for additional capacity at modest supplement. Utensils and basic provisions arrive with each suite.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The château commands 22 acres of cultivated and wild grounds that unfold in concentric layers.

The semi-heated swimming pool (20 metres by 8 metres, depth 1.1–1.7 metres) anchors the garden experience. Child-safe fencing and May-to-October operation (9am–7pm) establish family protocols. Change rooms, sun beds, and parasols cluster nearby. This isn’t a lap pool—it’s a gathering space where groups conduct poolside dinners.

Four distinct garden zones unfold beyond. The topiary walk features shaped hedges trimmed into living sculpture. The orchard produces seasonal fruit available for guest harvest—apples, pears, plums depending on month. The garden walk meanders through specimen plantings and specimen views. A herb garden near the footbridge across the back channels fresh rosemary, basil, and thyme to your suite’s kitchenette. The vegetable patch yields seasonal produce during growing months.

The front lawn preserves the moat view and château façade in unobstructed sight lines. This is where Maison de Fretigny stands as a guest cottage, and where the formal approach reveals why architects designed this property for ceremony.

A 22-acre forest labyrinth covers the eastern grounds. Marked pathways wind through mature woodland where wild flowers and chestnuts litter the ground seasonally. A Pilgrimage Grotto embedded in the forest invites exploration with provided maps—reading the inscriptions feels like discovering the property’s spiritual intent. Fallen trees and low branches demand care; these are nature walks, not groomed strolls.

The pétanque court hosts traditional boules competition. A picnic area with two gas-lit BBQs provides informal dining under open sky. The moat caves form an exploration pursuit requiring staff guidance on first entry—armed with provided cave maps, guests navigate limestone chambers that once served defensive purposes.

Château bicycles operate on a first-come basis. Guests typically cycle to the village for morning croissants and coffee—a deeply French ritual made literal here. Off-road parking accommodates multiple vehicles without cluttering the approach.

Location: Vernantes and the Surrounding Area

Chateau des Marquis sits in Vernantes, a quiet Loire Valley village in Pays-de-la-Loire region, positioned 19 kilometres from Saumur—far enough to feel removed, close enough to access urban amenities within 25 minutes by car.

Vernantes itself contains three bars, one restaurant, a hairdresser, and a pharmacy. The village functions as a supply point rather than a destination, which preserves the château’s sense of estate privacy. For serious dining and shopping, Saumur delivers immediately. The city anchors around Saumur Castle, a 13th-century fortress perched above the Loire River, housing the National Cavalry School (École de Cavalerie) where the Cadre Noire performing regiment conducts horsemanship demonstrations. Wine tastings focus on Saumur’s sparkling wines—the limestone terroirs produce Crémant de Loire comparable to Champagne but at rational pricing.

The Loire River itself carries UNESCO World Heritage classification. From Vernantes, guests reach Angers (45km northwest, 50 minutes by car), a university city with the stunning Angers Castle and the 14th-century Apocalypse Tapestry spanning 103 metres. Le Mans (70km east, 75 minutes) hosts the legendary 24-hour endurance race circuit—the track operates for driving experiences and museum tours year-round. Tours (65km south, 70 minutes) anchors the châteaux triangle, with 15+ Renaissance estates within 30km radius: Château de Villandry famous for ornamental gardens, Château de Chenonceau spanning the Cher River, Château d’Amboise where Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years.

For families, Joyful Valley Lake (Lac de Joyeux, 20km southeast) offers supervised beaches, pedal boats, and water sports. The Loire Valley National Park encompasses cycling routes rated from casual to demanding—gravel towpaths follow the riverbank for 80+ kilometres with châteaux visible from every vantage. Wine châteaux clustered around Saumur offer tasting rooms; Domaine Richoux and Maison Bouvet-Ladubay conduct organized tours.

When exploring this region, you’ll find our collection of luxury villas in Pays-de-la-Loire provides comparable alternatives if Chateau des Marquis reaches capacity. To understand the broader French luxury rental landscape, consult our France travel guide for seasonal insights and hidden discoveries. Browse our European villa collection for comparison properties, and review our full France portfolio for additional options.

Seasonal timing: May through September delivers warm weather, open gardens, and reliable pool conditions—but also peak Loire Valley tourism crowds. April and October offer milder climate with fewer tourists and autumn colour. July-August produce consistently 25°C temperatures with longer daylight (sunset after 9pm). Winter (November–February) drops to 5–8°C; the pool closes, gardens sleep, but the château functions perfectly for conferences and intimate winter celebrations.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Multi-generational family reunions: Chateau des Marquis accommodates 57 guests across dispersed suites, allowing parents, adult children, grandchildren, and in-laws to share meals and activities without forced proximity. The interconnecting suites and 20 separate bathrooms eliminate negotiation over morning routines.

Corporate retreats and conferences: The 150-seat banquet hall, professional catering kitchen, meeting salons with WiFi, and chapel for team-building ceremonies transform this into a functional business venue. The forest walks and pétanque court provide off-schedule bonding.

Wedding parties and celebrations: 57-guest capacity fits wedding parties perfectly. The château itself becomes a backdrop for photography. The chapel permits ceremonies. Rehearsal dinners occupy the formal dining room while informal receptions use the front terrace and gardens.

Friend groups seeking shared luxury: Eight to twelve friends can rent multiple suites, maintaining independence while gathering in the communal salons, wine tasting crypt, and around the pool. Cost-per-person for luxury accommodation drops dramatically.

Couples and small parties: Single suites rent independently for two-guest getaways seeking château ambience without managing a massive property.

Practical Information

Capacity: Chateau des Marquis accommodates 57 guests across 20 bedrooms and 20 bathrooms. Bedroom breakdown includes 4 studios, 5 one-bedroom suites, 5 two-bedroom suites, 2 three-bedroom suites, plus the independent Maison de Fretigny clock tower.

Nearest airports: Nantes Atlantique Airport (130km, 2 hours 15 minutes) and Tours Val de Loire Airport (65km, 1 hour 15 minutes) both serve the region. Paris Charles de Gaulle (280km, 3 hours) provides international connectivity for distant guests.

Nearest supermarket: Carrefour and Intermarché in Saumur (19km, 25 minutes) stock provisions and wines. Local bakeries in Vernantes supply fresh bread and pastries daily.

Included in rental: WiFi throughout, satellite television with DVD players in main salons, safe facilities, pool heating (May–October), heating throughout winter months, linens and towels, basic utensils and kitchenware scaled to suite size. A chef and breakfast service are available for supplementary fee—essential for large groups managing complex meal coordination.

Check-in flexibility: Staggered arrival times accommodate groups with varied travel schedules. Staff assists with luggage and orientation.

Accessibility: Lift access serves first and second floors. Ground floor West Wing suites feature disability-accessible bathrooms and accommodation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chateau des Marquis

How many guests does Chateau des Marquis sleep?

Chateau des Marquis sleeps up to 57 guests across 20 bedrooms and 20 bathrooms. The breakdown includes 4 studio suites, 5 one-bedroom suites, 5 two-bedroom suites, 2 three-bedroom suites, and the independent Maison de Fretigny clock tower accommodation featuring a master bedroom, secondary bedroom, and mezzanine sleeping three children. Temporary beds install in select suites for additional capacity at modest supplement.

What is the nearest airport to Chateau des Marquis in Vernantes?

Tours Val de Loire Airport (65 kilometres, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes by car) serves as the nearest major airport. Nantes Atlantique (130 kilometres, 2 hours 15 minutes) offers additional flight options. International guests often arrive via Paris Charles de Gaulle (280 kilometres, 3 hours) for broader airline selection. Ground transfers arrange through the property management team.

What is the best time of year to rent Chateau des Marquis?

May through September offers optimal conditions: warm weather (20–25°C), open gardens, operational heated pool, and long daylight (sunset after 9pm in summer). However, July and August attract peak Loire Valley tourism crowds. April and October deliver pleasant temperatures (15–18°C) with reduced visitor numbers and autumn foliage. Winter (November–February) produces cooler conditions (5–8°C) and pool closure, but functions excellently for corporate conferences, winter celebrations, and intimate gatherings. Spring (March–May) showcases gardens in bloom; autumn (September–November) offers harvest activities and wine tourism seasons.

Is Chateau des Marquis suitable for families with children?

Yes. The semi-heated swimming pool features child-safe fencing and operates daily 9am–7pm May through October. Interconnecting suites and separate bedrooms allow parents to supervise multiple children across distinct rooms. The Maison de Fretigny mezzanine sleeps three children, ideal for grandparent-supervised arrangements. High chairs available on request. The forest pathways, orchard harvesting, pétanque court, and bicycle exploration suit children aged 4 and up. The moat caves require adult guidance. Joyful Valley Lake (20 kilometres) offers family beaches and water sports for day trips.

What is included in the rental price at Chateau des Marquis?

Chateau des Marquis rental includes WiFi throughout the property, satellite television and DVD players, safe facilities, pool heating (May–October), central heating (year-round), linens and towels, utensils and kitchenware scaled to suite size, and off-road parking. A professional chef and breakfast service are available as supplementary options, strongly recommended for groups exceeding 20 guests. Wine tastings in the crypt arrange through the property office.

What restaurants and shops are near Chateau des Marquis?

Vernantes village (immediate vicinity) contains a restaurant and three bars. Saumur (19 kilometres, 25 minutes) houses multiple dining establishments ranging from casual bistros to Michelin-starred restaurants, plus Carrefour and Intermarché supermarkets. Local bakeries in Vernantes deliver fresh bread and pastries daily. Wine tasting venues cluster around Saumur proper: Domaine Richoux and Maison Bouvet-Ladubay conduct organized tours. Angers (45 kilometres) and Tours (65 kilometres) expand shopping and dining options significantly. The property can arrange provisioning services for large groups.