Brittany is a region of France with its own distinct culture and a craggy, windswept, dramatically beautiful landscape that is uniquely charming. It is especially famous for its beaches and is also home to plenty of incredible castles, or châteaux. If scenic surroundings and a rich cultural heritage are two the most important traits in choosing a holiday destination for you, then a villa in Brittany is just thing for those looking to vacation in France. And if you are looking to visit a particularly unique French château that is especially picturesque during your time in this lovely region of France, then we highly suggest a trip to La Bourbansais.
The Château de La Bourbansais is located in Pleugueneuc in Ille-et-Vilaine and is a stunning 16th century castle on a large and elegant estate with elaborate gardens. What differentiates it from the many other pretty fairytale castles located all across France, however, is the fact that it is also a zoo and is home to some incredible animals (who are usually in their enclosures but can sometimes be seen against the stunning backdrop of the castle). Classified as an official historical monument since 1959, the site has been open as a zoo since 1965 and today houses over sixty different species and over five hundred animals.
The Château de La Bourbansais is located in Pleugueneuc in Ille-et-Vilaine and is a stunning 16th century castle on a large and elegant estate with elaborate gardens. What differentiates it from the many other pretty fairytale castles located all across France, however, is the fact that it is also a zoo and is home to some incredible animals (who are usually in their enclosures but can sometimes be seen against the stunning backdrop of the castle). Classified as an official historical monument since 1959, the site has been open as a zoo since 1965 and today houses over sixty different species and over five hundred animals.
Built over the site of the remains of ancient Gallo-Roman farmlands that were converted from swamps and then reused and developed throughout the following centuries, the present structure dates to 1583 when the land was purchased by a member of the branch of the Maison du Breil, Jean, Lord of La Colombière en Pleugueuneuc in order for him to build his home there. While there were alterations and additions in the 18th century, the castle largely maintains its 16th century appearance and features a moat, turrets, steeply sloped roofs, large windows, and a smart grey stone-faced façade. The careful refining and embellishing of both the castle and grounds went on over the course of three generations and this is reflected in the picture-perfect prettiness of the whole estate. While the zoo is a big attraction, the woods, flower-filled pleasure gardens, botanical garden, labyrinth, and luxurious interiors of the castle are also all well worth exploring. For those more interested in the history and design of the building and its interior, joining a guided tour of the property is definitely a must as it is informative, grants you access to much of the castle, and comes with lots of fascinating anecdotes about life in the castle throughout the centuries.
However, the La Bourbansais Zoo is, indeed, an important reason as to why over 100,000 people visit the château each year. Involved in protecting endangered species, such as the gelada baboons from the mountainous regions of Ethiopia that arrived to the zoo in 2005, this institution has given a lovely and unique home to animals including lions, tigers, cheetahs, llamas, giraffes, zebras, dromedaries, lynx, wolves, anteaters, monkeys and lemurs, kangaroos, lazy, reindeer, emus, otters, parrots, flamingos, pelicans, falcons, vultures, and more. A member of EAZA and the National Association of Zoological Parks, the La Bourbansais Zoo participates in eleven European breeding programs for giraffes, gibbons, macaws, and other species. Throughout the park, there are fifty different points from which to view the animals and their habitats and you can also attend various educational activities and events that take place throughout the day. These events include feeding sessions and explanations from zookeepers about various species' diets, origins, and habits. In addition to the zoo, there is a falconry, a dog pack, and a horse stud. Both the falconry and dog pack host various shows in which the animals display their exceptional training and breeding. The grounds are, furthermore, home to children’s play areas and inflatable structures, making it exactly the kind of place that kids love for a day out. If you have found a villa in Brittany and are travelling with children, the castle, grounds, zoo, and attractions all make a visit to Château de La Bourbansais a perfect day trip destination.
So, if you're considering a vacation in France and have been browsing our villas in Brittany, be sure to take note of this amazing gem that combines the unique heritage and picturesque appeal that characterise the region.
However, the La Bourbansais Zoo is, indeed, an important reason as to why over 100,000 people visit the château each year. Involved in protecting endangered species, such as the gelada baboons from the mountainous regions of Ethiopia that arrived to the zoo in 2005, this institution has given a lovely and unique home to animals including lions, tigers, cheetahs, llamas, giraffes, zebras, dromedaries, lynx, wolves, anteaters, monkeys and lemurs, kangaroos, lazy, reindeer, emus, otters, parrots, flamingos, pelicans, falcons, vultures, and more. A member of EAZA and the National Association of Zoological Parks, the La Bourbansais Zoo participates in eleven European breeding programs for giraffes, gibbons, macaws, and other species. Throughout the park, there are fifty different points from which to view the animals and their habitats and you can also attend various educational activities and events that take place throughout the day. These events include feeding sessions and explanations from zookeepers about various species' diets, origins, and habits. In addition to the zoo, there is a falconry, a dog pack, and a horse stud. Both the falconry and dog pack host various shows in which the animals display their exceptional training and breeding. The grounds are, furthermore, home to children’s play areas and inflatable structures, making it exactly the kind of place that kids love for a day out. If you have found a villa in Brittany and are travelling with children, the castle, grounds, zoo, and attractions all make a visit to Château de La Bourbansais a perfect day trip destination.
So, if you're considering a vacation in France and have been browsing our villas in Brittany, be sure to take note of this amazing gem that combines the unique heritage and picturesque appeal that characterise the region.