Stopped in town on our way north. Came to have a quick look at the castle from outside and for a walk. It's a small town and navigating around is easy. Besided a pretty historic old town part the castle of course is the heart of the town. And it's a pretty one. The first Châteaugiron Castle was built in the mid-11th century by Anquetil, a Norman knight. The oldest part of the present castle is the Romanesque castle chapel dating back to the 12th century. Through inheritance the castle passed onto the families of Rieux, Laval, Acigné and Cossé-Brissac. The last, having abandoned the castle, sold it to the Le Prestre de Lazonnet family in 1701. They saved the castle from falling to ruin by restoring it. In 1936 the castle came into possession of the local council. At present Châteaugiron Castle has several functions; its main body is used as the town hall, the other parts are used as offices and the freestanding keep is used for exhibitions. You can walk around the castle and enjoy it's small park and gardens for free. Some fun art (huge ants on the tower) can be enjoyed too. It's a pretty and picturesque chateau and together with the old town surely worth a stop and worth a look. The nearby Etang is a good spot for a walk and a picnic. read more

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