Chateau du Patrimoine France

It’s such a majestic sight as you approach Château du Patrimoine and stroll towards its impressive moat and grand entrance. With a fascinating history spanning over nine centuries, this is a wonderful and atmospheric place to stay, only 46km from the beautiful city of Le Mans.
This unique and inviting château in the Sarthe department of France, just south of Normandy, dates back to the 12th century and is set within a 100-acre of estate of rolling fields and woodland, perfect for long hikes embracing the surrounding countryside. From the château itself, wander past the rose garden, cherry trees and lavender to reach the tennis court and spend leisurely summer days by the heated swimming pool with ample space for sun-lounging and socialising.
Whether a group of friends or extended family, play badminton, football, table tennis or croquet with loved ones, before gathering by the fire pit in the evening for barbecues as stars shine brightly in the clear skies above you.
The château itself is steeped in heritage and has been charmingly restored by its current owners who have created such a warm and welcoming holiday home. From the rustic kitchen with its historic open hearth and stone walls to the elegant salon and dining room, soak up the French character as you explore the château’s interiors. A billiards room and TV lounge is the perfect place to kick back on cooler days, there’s also an office and intricately tiled hallway as well as a gym up on the second floor.
Follow secret steep steps and curving staircases to discover one of the sixteen bedrooms across the château and its annexe, many of which feature their own private bath or shower room. For smaller groups needing fewer bedrooms, there are flexible pricing options across the year.
Beyond the château’s vast estate, visit picturesque villages and towns dotted along the Sarthe River, starting off with Fresnay-sur-Sarthe, 8km by car, with its pretty restaurants and market place. The idyllic village of Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei is also close by, officially classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ and a great inspiration to artists, whilst historic Alençon, famous for its lace-making traditions, should be visited on a Thursday or Saturday morning for its delightful market.
Set off for long walks through nearby woodland, canoe along the Sarthe River, ride horses through the Perche Regional Natural Park and discover cycle rides across the Parc Naturel Regional de Normandie-Marne. Le Mans is another brilliant day out, such an impressive city with its medieval quarter and cathedral, also famed for its 24-hour classic car race in mid-June.
Further afield, choose between the iconic châteaux and vineyards of the Loire valley to the south or the many Normandy gems to the north including Mont Saint-Michel, Bayeux and the incredible D-Day Landing beaches reached in less than two hours by car. Château du Patrimoine is in the Sarthe department of the Pays-de-la-Loire region, just south of Normandy and a 45-minute drive from historic Le Mans, known for its 24 Heures du Mans, one of the most famous car races in France that usually takes place in mid-June.
Find the nearest supermarket and bakery in a little village around a 4km drive away or head straight to picturesque Fresnay-sur-Sarthe (8km) on the banks of the Sarthe River, home to a small handful of restaurants and a weekly market on the main square.
Further north, Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei (10km), officially classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’, also lies on the banks of the Sarthe River, crossing into the Orne department of southern Normandy. Its church features frescoes dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries with tiles most likely from the same kiln as part of the château and there are gorgeous views of the river below. The village is such a pretty place to stop off for lunch, perhaps followed by a potter around the art studios, then a visit to the impressive gardens and teashop just outside the village at Les Jardins de la Mansonnière.
Alençon (15km), the region’s main town, has a rich history of lace-making which you can learn all about at the Musée des Beaux Arts et de la Dentelle. A visit to Alençon’s bustling market on a Thursday or Saturday morning is a must whilst the town also boasts two excellent chocolatiers.
Canoeing along the Sarthe River is a fantastic way to admire the local landscapes whilst there are many marked trails for keen walkers across the region. Discover cycling, mountain biking and horse-riding opportunities as well, especially across the vast Parc Naturel Regional de Normandie-Marne and the Perche Regional Natural Park near La Perrière (40km) and Bellême (50km).
Spend time in the beautiful city of Le Mans (46km) with its medieval quarter perched above the city alongside the incredible Cathédrale Saint Julien. If staying in July or August, look out for the spectacular light show that takes place across the old town and if you can’t make it in June at the time of Le Mans 24-hour car race, then visit the fascinating Musée des 24 Heures du Mans.
Other brilliant day trips include Mont Saint-Michel, just over a 2-hour drive away, the university city of Caens (119km), Bayeux (150km) and its tapestry as well as the D-Day Landing beaches slightly further north.
To the south, the iconic châteaux and vineyards of the Loire valley are also waiting to be explored with the wonderful cities of Tours and Angers around 90 minutes by car.At Excellence Luxury Villas we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact Excellence Luxury Villas Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
– Maid service/extra cleaning – Private chef/cook/catering- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge- Local day-trips or tours- Airport pick-up/drop-off
Extras available at this property (payable locally):
– Private chef- Local tours- Car hire
Events
Celebrate your special day at this majestic and charming French château with a rich history spanning nine centuries, ideally located between Normandy and Le Mans.
Set in a vast estate of rolling fields and woodland, with gorgeous gardens filled with summer lavender, roses and cherry trees, this is such an authentic setting for your characterful French wedding. Say your vowels in the on-site chapel in front of an intimate crowd or find a romantic place in the gardens or courtyard for your special ceremony.
The backdrop of the moat and historic château is perfect for photographs of a day to remember. Afterwards, there are ample spots across the grounds where the newlywed couple can hide away for a quiet moment in glorious surroundings, before feasting and dancing the night away with loved ones.
Wedding Reception
If you would like to host an intimate event inside the château, this could be organised for up to 20 guests. Alternatively, the barn/loft has seating for up to 50 guests (and ample space for dancing for 100 guests).
For a larger event, marquees/tents would need to be hired, especially in the case of poor weather.
There are no time or music restrictions to the event.
Wedding Ceremony
The onsite chapel can seat up to 30 people for a ceremony. There are also several lovely spots across the château grounds that would be suitable for a ceremony such as the courtyard and gardens.
Where to Stay
Château du Patrimoine sleeps 28 guests.
Alençon (15km), the region’s main town, features numerous hotels that could be considered for additional guests – transport would need to be arranged (it’s a 15 to 20-minute drive away) and the owners can give you contact details to arrange this.
Catering
Clients may bring their own caterers or the owners can provide details on recommended caterers for both small and large events suitable for varying budgets.
Other Information
There are no restrictions to the time of year when a wedding can be hosted, subject to there being suitable provision in the case of poor weather. Please note it is a Saturday changeover.
The owners do not have any exclusive contracts with local suppliers.
There will be an event fee on top of the usual château rental and other charges may also apply – this will be discussed at the time of quotation.
Please note that any event rental may be subject to additional charges, venue hire fees and to a higher security deposit, which will be in addition to any published rental rates and fees.
All events are on request only and subject to prior agreement from the owner, who reserves the right to refuse all events without their prior authorisation.
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests.
Château du Patrimoine is in the Sarthe department of the Pays-de-la-Loire region, just south of Normandy and a 45-minute drive from historic Le Mans, known for its 24 Heures du Mans, one of the most famous car races in France that usually takes place in mid-June.
Find the nearest supermarket and bakery in a little village around a 4km drive away or head straight to picturesque Fresnay-sur-Sarthe (8km) on the banks of the Sarthe River, home to a small handful of restaurants and a weekly market on the main square.
Further north, Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei (10km), officially classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’, also lies on the banks of the Sarthe River, crossing into the Orne department of southern Normandy. Its church features frescoes dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries with tiles most likely from the same kiln as part of the château and there are gorgeous views of the river below. The village is such a pretty place to stop off for lunch, perhaps followed by a potter around the art studios, then a visit to the impressive gardens and teashop just outside the village at Les Jardins de la Mansonnière.
Alençon (15km), the region’s main town, has a rich history of lace-making which you can learn all about at the Musée des Beaux Arts et de la Dentelle. A visit to Alençon’s bustling market on a Thursday or Saturday morning is a must whilst the town also boasts two excellent chocolatiers.
Canoeing along the Sarthe River is a fantastic way to admire the local landscapes whilst there are many marked trails for keen walkers across the region. Discover cycling, mountain biking and horse-riding opportunities as well, especially across the vast Parc Naturel Regional de Normandie-Marne and the Perche Regional Natural Park near La Perrière (40km) and Bellême (50km).
Spend time in the beautiful city of Le Mans (46km) with its medieval quarter perched above the city alongside the incredible Cathédrale Saint Julien. If staying in July or August, look out for the spectacular light show that takes place across the old town and if you can’t make it in June at the time of Le Mans 24-hour car race, then visit the fascinating Musée des 24 Heures du Mans.
Other brilliant day trips include Mont Saint-Michel, just over a 2-hour drive away, the university city of Caens (119km), Bayeux (150km) and its tapestry as well as the D-Day Landing beaches slightly further north.
To the south, the iconic châteaux and vineyards of the Loire valley are also waiting to be explored with the wonderful cities of Tours and Angers around 90 minutes by car.
Château Interiors
Main Floor
– Living room
– Dining room with seating for 18-20 guests
– Billiards and TV room
– Office
– Bedroom with double bed and en suite bathroom
Lower Ground Level
– Kitchen, well-equipped including ovens, hob, fridge, ice-machine, microwave and historic fireplace
First Floor
– Master bedroom with double bed and en suite bathroom
– Bedroom with double bed and en suite bathroom
– 2 x bedrooms with double bed and shared bathroom
– Bedroom with double bed and shared bathroom (shared with bedroom on floor above)
– Bedroom with double bed and en suite bathroom
– 2 x bedrooms, one with double bed, one with single bed, and shared bathroom
Second Floor
– Bedroom with double bed and shared bathroom (shared with bedroom on floor below)
– Children’s bedroom with twin beds and en suite bathroom
– Bedroom with double bed and en suite bathroom
– Bedroom with single bed (uses above en suite bathroom) – this will be four bunk beds from June 2024
– Gym with elliptical, exercise bike and Bowflex resistance machine
Top Floor
– Bedroom with single bed (uses en suite bathroom on floor below)
Annexe House (detached from the main château)
– 2 x first-floor bedrooms with double bed and en suite bathroom
– Large space (for seminars, on request)
All doubles are either standard or queen-size. Bathrooms feature bath and/or showers.
Outside Grounds
– Heated swimming pool (12x6m, depth: up to 2.4m) with jacuzzi feature and electric safety cover. Open approximately June to end-September
– Tennis court
– Various terraces, courtyards, areas for al-fresco dining and relaxation
– Barbecue and fire pit
– Vast manicured gardens
– Outdoor play area with slide and swing
– Bikes
– Badminton, football and croquet
– Moat (low walls)
– Water features
– Chapel
– 100-acre estate (gardens, fields, forest, hiking trails)
Facilities
– Wi-Fi
– Heating
– Fireplaces (November to March only)
– TV
– DVD player and DVDs
– Board games and puzzles
– Sauna
– Gym
– Tennis court
– Bikes
– Pool table
– Table tennis
– Outdoor games