Chateau de la Roche-Berthault

A glimpse of a medieval building in the grounds of the chateau.

Abandoned for more than fifty years, the Chateau de la Roche-Berthault was restored from 2000 by retired Belgian diplomats Raphaëlle and Benoît de Viron Cardon de Lichtbuer, who have turned it into holiday accommodation. The outbuildings have been turned into self-catering holiday lets.

A tourist posing in front of the chateau. Nice car!

There has been a feudal castle here since the 14th century, but the current one dates from a century later, and was enlarged in the 18th century, then seized and sold as national property during the Revolution. The estate was divided and neglected and the buildings deteriorated until they were restored in the 19th century. Currently the chateau consists of a main block oriented north-south, with a polygonal tower on the eastern facade. It was extended to the north-west with a large round tower and a smaller one, and another tower added at the southern end. There is also a chapel and medieval troglodyte caves.

The northern end of the chateau.

In September and October the grounds are an ever extending carpet of cyclamens, lovingly encouraged by the owners.

Cyclamens sprinkled about and colonising the understorey.

The chateau dominates the valley and is surrounded by a park of hundred year old trees.

Viewed across the fodder sorghum.

Viewed across the valley.

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For details of our private guided tours of chateaux, gardens, wineries, markets and more please visit the Loire Valley Time Travel website. We would be delighted to design a tour for you.

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