What’s a castle without life? Castles have always been meeting places. Formerly the welcome by lords of their court, the welcome of villagers in wartime, the welcome of friends by a family,… Castles have always lived with families of their owners.
Castellissim aims to highlight these castles, these stories, animations that are organized, visits, discoveries, whether in France, Switzerland, Belgium, the UK or anywhere else in the world.
Among the many French and private castles, let’s start with 3 different castles that have in common the sense of family:
- The Castle of Fontaine-Henry (Basse-Normandie)
Why? This castle has over 800 years and has NEVER been sold! It is still owned by a descendant of the first owner of the castle! The castle is very impressive: it looks more like the castles of the Loire than a Norman house, the frames are the highest in France, and the facade is beautifully carved.
As soon as we start the visit, we feel we are in a family property, which is very nice. Family stories are many and through the ages. The (guided) tour is very interesting (although not very long, 50 min) and animations in the park are diverse (for children, short exhibition in the chapel).
- The Castle of Vendeuvre (Basse-Normandie)
Passed from father to son since its construction (18th century), the castle has always belonged to the same family. We discover through the visit many family anecdotes, (too) many passions of the owners, you may even have the chance to meet the current owner (we saw him feeding his ducks on the beautiful water mirror).
This castle is very surprising. We begin with a tour (with a written support) of the castle, its kitchens, outbuildings where you have the opportunity to discover the many collections of the owners (of miniature furniture pieces, objects from Asia, niches). Then you discover the park: a real surprise composed of fountains, exotic garden, grotto…
- The Castle of Cénevières (Lot)
Located 80 meters high above the Lot and a few kilometers from the village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie (one of the most beautiful villages in France!), Cénevières castle can be seen from far and deserves it. Arriving at the castle, immediately we discover the passion and enthusiasm of the owners. You will also probably have the chance to have a guided tour presented by the owner or a family member. Anecdotes, breathtaking views, boundless passion, you will be conquered by this visit that offers, among other things, a very mysterious and unique room… To discover!
