Visiting Apremont Castle in Vendée

A Renaissance gem

in the heart of the Vie Valley

Located just 20 minutes north-west of Martinet, the village of Apremont harbours an exceptional historical treasure. Majestically overlooking the Vie valley from its rocky promontory, the Château d’Apremont It offers an enchanting setting where history meets unspoilt nature. It's the ideal outing for a half-day family break, combining cultural discovery, the great outdoors, and a refreshing waterside experience.

Taken from a low angle, the two Renaissance towers and the stone ramparts of Apremont Castle are seen under a blue sky

A family with a pushchair walks in the large green park at the foot of the ramparts of Apremont Castle.

Treasures to discover

at Apremont Castle

A fortress with two faces: from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance

Built between 1534 and 1542 on the ruins of an ancient medieval fortress from the 11th century, the château is one of the very first Renaissance-style buildings in Vendée. It was built at the request of Philippe Chabot de Brion, Admiral of France and childhood friend of King Francis I. Today, its ruins bear witness to this incredible period of transition:

The two imposing entrance towers to thick walls of 2 to 3 metres, equipped with slits for archers and gun ports, in keeping with the medieval style.
Renaissance sculpted details on the facades, inspired by antiquity (columns, Ionic capitals and pediments).

The cavalier vault: unique in France!

This is the highlight of the show. Carved from the schist block beneath the castle, this equestrian ramp once allowed for the dramatic staging of the arrival of horsemen and their prestigious visitors (such as King Louis XIII, who stayed here in 1622) by bringing them up 20 metres, moving from the darkness of the rock to the light of the main courtyard. A spectacular and unique feature in French military architecture.

Camping advice: After your visit, head down to the foot of the castle to enjoy the Apremont lake! A fitted beach with lifeguard supervision in the summer, as well as pedal boats, canoes, and small electric boats for hire, await you there to extend this lovely day in the cool.

Activities for all the family

The estate, entirely managed by the local council and open for visits, offers numerous areas to explore:

The large shady park, ideal for strolling at the foot of the ramparts.
The East Tower and the walkway to gain height and admire an exceptional panorama of Lake Apremont and the village rooftops.
The Chapel, which houses a permanent exhibition as well as a film and an optical theatre faithfully recreating the castle at its peak. You will also find there a reproduction of the famous Apremont Roll, a unique period parchment illustrating navigation on the River Vie in the 16th century.