La Baule - Chateau of careil : guerande

CHATEAU OF CAREIL : GUERANDE

At the gateway of the salt marshes and just a stone's throw from la Baule, the Château of Careil, listed as a historical building, hides a turbulent past. Beneath its appearance as a Renaissance manor, people can even forget that it was a defensive site. An important Protestant site in the 16th century, it's still possible to see the traces of the wars of religion.

This château is not an ordinary museum : occupied throughout the year, its history is still being made. During the guided tours, the past comes back to life and can be seen by the visitors. The furniture and the different collections show that the château has gone through the centuries, it's possible to see original and unexpected traces of the different inhabitants of the site.

Situated between la Baule and Guerande, during the traditional guided tours, the inhabitants of the 14th and 16th century château of Careil welcome you dressed in traditional costume or by special candle light in July and August. It is also possible to hire its function rooms for weddings or official receptions from September to May up to 200 people.

The château of Careil was a defensive site in the 14th century whose machicolated rampart walk was conserved. It was built in 1572 and a number of rights were granted to it such as high justice, with its four-pillar gibbets, the right to hold a market and a kiln.

There is still a Breton Renaissance wing from the 16th century. Protestant fief at that time and refuge for the Calvinists, it was attacked and plundered by the Catholic League, it was then reorganized. In 1699 the château was seized and sold by auction to a Catholic family. A third wing burnt in the 18th century during an accidental fire. Paul Féval who wrote "le Bossu", stayed in Careil in 1850.

After the passage of several families (of which Careil was often the dowry), the château was converted into a restaurant in the early 20th century with a frivolous reputation, it was called "l'Auberge Fameuse".

It was converted again into a residence. The two function rooms which can be rented from September to May for a maximum of 2OO people are part and parcel of the château.

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Timetable and prices (indoors tours are compulsoritly guided)

Careil castle can be visited in many different ways : The castle, dating back to the XIVth and XVIth centuries, is opened to visitors for classical guided tours, playing tours or for costumed shows at dusk, performed under the candle light.

- Classical guided tours : go right to the heart of our local history, learning much about the families living in the castle, their way of life, their ordinary furniture and items in those days. Anecdotes will reveal a lot about it.

For children from 6 to 12 : embody the lord of Careil or a corsair while playing at the young adventurers game. Children will be assigned a mission in relation with the castle history : they will have to fill a booklet in to bring the mission to fruition. A diploma is awarded to successful participants.

Opened everyday from June to August
Tour times at 11am, 12pm, 15pm, 16pm, 17pm and 18pm
Prices : adults 5,5 € - childrens (5-12 years) 4 €

- Playing tours : be careful while listening to costumed characters, who have come from other times. Their lively chat gives you clues to puzzle out many riddles. Be initiated to musketeer martial art. Tour in old French only.

Tours on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10th July to 28th August, at 5pm precisely.
Prices : adults 6 € - childrens (5-12 years) 5 €

- Guided tours by torchlight : be immersed into a magical atmosphere, due to nocturnal ambience and candle lighting. Tours in French only but you can ask for a written translation in English.

Tours on Monday and Wednesday from 2nd July to 14th July at 9.30 pm precisely.
Prices : adults 8 € - childrens (5-12 years) 6 €.

- Acting shows by torchlight : the show "the time machine III" makes you go back to the XVIth Century when people used to speak middle French. With the castle as a scenery, costumed actors tell stories about local funny business happening around, while keeping historical truth. Humour and fantasy are specific to this show.

Tours on Monday and Wednesday from 14th July to 31st August at 9.30pm precisely.
Prices : adults 10 € - childrens (5-12years) 6 €

No credit card

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Area : Careil (1.5km from La Baule)
Zip code : 44350
City : Guerande
Website : www.careil.com
Phone : +33 240 602 299

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