Manoir de Beauvais

Manoir de Beauvais is a 15th-century manor house in Ligré, a small village in the Indre-et-Loire department at the heart of the Loire Valley, a short drive from Chinon. The building pairs its medieval origins with later alterations and today operates as a privately run holiday property let out for group stays — a rare chance to not just admire Touraine's historic architecture but actually spend a few nights inside it.

How do you get to Manoir de Beauvais?

Ligré sits in the Centre-Val de Loire region, within easy reach of the Loire Valley's major sights. The closest sizeable town is Chinon, famous for its imposing royal fortress, and the drive out to the manor takes only a quarter of an hour or so along country roads winding through the Chinon vineyards — Ligré itself lies right in the middle of that wine appellation. Travellers without a car generally take the train to Chinon or Tours and continue by rental car or taxi, since the surrounding countryside has no direct public transport links.

The location works well as a base for touring by car: Château du Rivau, Azay-le-Rideau, Richelieu, the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud and Saumur are all within roughly an hour's drive, making Manoir de Beauvais a convenient starting point for a multi-château trip through the region.

What will you see at Manoir de Beauvais?

The main building is rectangular in plan and rises two storeys, built of stone with the region's characteristic dressed-stone corner quoins and window and door surrounds — a typical feature of Touraine's manorial architecture. Inside, the standout element is a wooden baluster staircase set on a square plan, which replaced the original spiral staircase once housed in a hexagonal tower.

The manor was altered in the 18th century: the window openings, particularly on the front façade, were likely enlarged, and lower side wings were added to flank the main block, a layout still visible today. Since 1 July 1974, the façades and roofs of Manoir de Beauvais — including the roof of the north wing — have been partially listed as a Monument Historique, an official recognition of the building's architectural value.

The property currently functions as a gîte de groupe, a holiday home rented out to larger parties. It offers five bedrooms across roughly 460 square metres and sleeps up to 15 guests. Facilities include a swimming pool, a French billiards table and Wi-Fi, and pets are welcome on site.

When is the best time to visit?

Because the manor is a private rental property rather than a museum with set opening hours, the "best time to visit" simply means the dates of your booked stay. Late spring through summer (May to September) shows the Loire Valley at its most scenic, with the Chinon vineyards in leaf and long days that suit both château-hopping and lounging by the pool. Autumn is a strong alternative for anyone drawn to the grape harvest and a quieter pace, well away from the summer crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you tour Manoir de Beauvais like a museum château? No — it's a private property let to holidaymakers as a group holiday home, not a site with paid public tours. Access to the interior is limited to guests who have booked a stay there.

How many people can stay at the manor? The house has five bedrooms and sleeps up to 15 people, making it well suited to a family trip, a group of friends, or a larger gathering.

How far is it from Chinon and its castle? Ligré is only about a fifteen-minute drive from Chinon, so a stay at the manor combines easily with a visit to the royal fortress and the town's old quarter.

Are there other Loire Valley châteaux worth visiting nearby? Yes — Château du Rivau, Azay-le-Rideau, Richelieu, the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud and Saumur are all within reasonable driving distance, making it easy to plan a multi-day tour of the region from here.