Château de Clisson | Destination Vignoble Nantais

©Heritage breaks near Nantes : Visit Clisson and its castle|Adrien Vilarem

The Château de Clisson A defensive monument which has become a monumental setting

The stone fortified castle was built over five centuries from the XIIᵉ to the XVIIᵉ century on four hectares in the heart of Clisson. It was succeeded by a wooden castle as early as the IXᵉ century.

Two great Breton historical figures were born here: Olivier V de Clisson, Grand Constable of France, and François II, the last Duke of Brittany.

Burnt down during the Vendée Wars, it was bought in a state of ruin in 1807 by the sculptor François-Frédéric Lemot. Lemot turned it into another dream Italy for his artist friends.

Wander around this building, a strategic point on the border of the Duchy of Brittany. See soldiers in armour using the fortress’s archways, gunports and stunners. As you stroll through the ruins, feel the unique atmosphere that once reigned here. Imagine the tasty dishes served at the Duke of Brittany’s banquets in the hall of the grand logis.

Visit to Château de Clisson A memorable tourist experience.

Whether on your own, with friends or as a family, a rich annual programme of visits awaits you. Château de Clisson is also accessible to people with disabilities.

Here, the attentive welcome of the guides from the Loire-Atlantique Grand Patrimoine department creates a close relationship, encourages sharing and enriches encounters. For a more complete experience, every year we recommend immersing yourself, your family and your friends in the living culture of this exceptional building.

Make a reservation!

©Our must-sees: Château de Clisson|Loic Lagarde

The Clisson Medieval Festival A journey back to the Middle Ages

Every other year, under the ramparts of Clisson, the Médiévales bring back the age of knights. Between laughter and the clash of swords : troubadours, craftsmen and jugglers bring the cobbled streets back to life. Over the course of a weekend, the historic centre becomes an open-air theatre filled with the sounds of ancient music and battle cries.

Live encampments, demonstrations of chivalry, fire shows and a ball under the covered market immerse young and old in a vibrant fresco. At every street corner, a scene comes to life, a tale is told, a legend awakens. And in the heart of the town, the Château de Clisson invites you to relive its proud and festive medieval past, where history becomes part of the present.

The Clisson medieval festival

Your testimonials and reviews of Château de Clisson

Magnificent castle

“Magnificent castle from the Middle Ages, of impressive size with many buildings still well preserved.
Beautiful views over the lower part of the village of Clisson, the Sèvre Nantaise and the church.
A must-see site.

E., on Google

Enjoy your visit

“Excellent tour by guides who are as passionate as they are exciting! Thank you for bringing these picturesque landscapes to life and thank you to the competent and cheerful team for such a lovely welcome.”

Flore M., on Google

Magnificent views over Clisson

“Very nice visit to these magnificent medieval ruins. The castle is still well preserved in places and it’s pleasant to imagine life in its fortress.
The price is very low for the quality of the guide and the short film. The castle is well worth a visit for its history and the magnificent view it offers over Clisson and the surrounding area!

Sarah D., on Google