Château de Briacé

The Château de Briacé is a historic château located in Le Landreau, in the Loire-Atlantique department of the Pays de la Loire region in western France, in the heart of the Nantes vineyard area near the Goulaine marshes.

The site has ancient origins. A manor existed here from the 12th century and was remodelled in the Renaissance style in the 15th century. It was surrounded by wide moats (more than 15 metres) and belonged successively to the seigneurial families of Le Beveurs (1271–1560) and de la Gère (1677–1800). Partially destroyed during the Wars of the Vendée and the French Revolution, the old manor was replaced in the late 19th century.

The present château was built between 1892 and 1894 in the neo-Gothic style by Ferdinand Blanchard (of the Blanchard family). Constructed in ochre stone and tuffeau, it incorporates some older elements (notably the north gable). The western section was left unfinished beyond the cellars. The estate originally retained its moats (later partially filled), an English-style park with pond and stream, outbuildings, cellars and entrance gateways with monumental pillars.

In 1951 the central part of the domain was sold to the Congregation of the Brothers of Saint-Gabriel, who in 1957 established the first school of viticulture and horticulture in Loire-Atlantique. The château and its surrounding vineyards (approximately 22 hectares) became the teaching estate of the Lycée agricole and training centre of Briacé. The domain produces wines under the appellations Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine, Gros Plant du Pays Nantais and IGP Val de Loire, partly under organic and Terra Vitis practices.

Since June 2025 the château has been undergoing a major renovation and extension (including improved accessibility and new teaching spaces). It is scheduled to reopen in September 2026 as a modern student hub while preserving its historic character. The site also welcomes visitors for wine tastings and events.