In Mazé, you can shape your stay around a range of interests: château history, wetlands, riverside walks and seasonal markets. Château de Montgeoffroy represents a clearly dated building history and historic furnishings; at the Zone humide de la Grenouillerie, information boards and public excursions are part of what is on offer. Boule de fort and markets introduce other local themes. Your choice of accommodation may therefore depend on whether you want to include culture, a walk or seasonal events in your stay.
Château history at Château de Montgeoffroy
Château de Montgeoffroy was built between 1772 and 1776 by Marshal de Contades. The surviving historic furnishings from that period complement the story of the building by offering a glimpse of its interiors at the time. On a guided tour, visitors can see the living quarters, master paintings and historic textiles. These include the kitchen with 260 copper and pewter objects, a 16th-century chapel, the tack room and the stables. The living quarters and art are presented alongside areas that served other functions in the château; the chapel, dating from the 16th century, provides a notably earlier historical reference. The château also has a four-hectare park and formal French gardens, which complement the historic site with landscaped outdoor spaces. Visiting conditions may change; check the latest information about tours in advance.
Wetland and trail along the Authion
The Zone humide de la Grenouillerie has held the Refuge LPO designation since 2011; renewal of the designation is under way. Information boards line the paths, and LPO Anjou regularly holds public excursions there. The boards provide information along the paths, while public excursions offer another way to discover the wetland. Educational activities and the programme may change. Before your visit, check whether a public excursion is taking place and when.
A route description updated on October 22, 2024, lists the 6 km Au Fil de l'Eau walking trail as a family-friendly loop along the banks of the Authion. Unlike a tour of the château’s rooms, it focuses on an outdoor route; its length and suitability for families are useful criteria when choosing between a cultural programme and a walk.
Boule de fort, markets and a picnic break
The Le Milieu society in Mazé opens its doors so visitors can discover Boule de fort. A hands-on introduction is possible, but depends on the participating society. Check in advance whether the activity you want is taking place.
A market is held in Mazé on Fridays and has been running since 2014; there is also a Sunday market. Seasonal offerings include strawberries in June and oysters in November, among other things. These examples represent different times to visit: seasonal produce is available from June through November and may influence which month you choose to travel. If you plan to visit a market, check the current market days.
The Aire de loisirs is a starting point for a picnic in the sun. Alongside market visits and tours, it offers a way to plan a meal outdoors.
Getting to the château
To get to Château de Montgeoffroy, you can take the A11 via Exit 12 or the A85 via Exit 1. The A85 exit is 15 km from the château. Check these access details again before setting off.
Discover more destinations: Neuillé, Savennières, Montreuil-Bellay, Chênehutte-Trèves-Cunault, Cizay-La-Madeleine, La Breille-Les-Pins, Beaucouzé, Vihiers
For the broader travel overview: Maine-Et-Loire.
