Manoir du Plessis

The Manoir du Plessis is a 16th-century manor house in Savonnières, at the heart of the Loire Valley, just a short drive from the celebrated Château de Villandry.

Surrounded by twenty hectares of wheat fields and set near the point where the Cher meets the Loire, the manor sits in quiet countryside while remaining close to one of the region's most visited estates. That combination makes it a practical base for travelers touring the châteaux of Touraine, though the manor itself has a story worth pausing for.

When was it built?

The core of the property dates to the 16th century, when the two principal buildings that still anchor the estate were raised. In the 18th century, owners extended the manor with a single-storey wing that joined the older structures together, while also modifying the existing buildings. The result is a layout shaped across two distinct centuries rather than a single building campaign, which is why the manor's silhouette reads as an assembly of parts rather than one continuous design.

Its historical significance was formally recognized on 22 May 1948, when the Manoir du Plessis was listed on France's register of historic monuments.

Who lived here?

Its best-known resident was the writer René Benjamin, who retired to Le Plessis in 1927 and stayed until his death in 1948 — the same year the property received its heritage listing. His family kept ties to the manor for close to a century afterward, giving the estate a continuous family history stretching back nearly a hundred years.

What makes the garden notable?

The manor's large garden was laid out by Joachim Carvalho, the owner responsible for restoring the famous gardens of Château de Villandry. That direct link explains why the grounds at Manoir du Plessis echo, on a smaller and more intimate scale, one of France's best-known Renaissance-style gardens.

What is the manor used for today?

The property now operates as visitor accommodation, offering a gîte and guest rooms for travelers exploring the Loire Valley. Guests can stay inside a building with centuries of history while remaining a short drive from Villandry, Tours, and the wider network of regional attractions, without needing to base themselves in a larger tourist town.

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit the Manoir du Plessis like a château? It does not operate as a museum or a château open to general sightseeing. It is a private estate offering accommodation, so access is mainly limited to guests staying there.

How far is it from Château de Villandry? The manor sits about 3 km from Château de Villandry, making it a convenient base for visiting that château and its famous gardens.

Why is the manor a listed historic monument? Its 16th- and 18th-century architecture and historical value led to its listing on 22 May 1948.

Who was René Benjamin and what was his connection to the manor? He was a French writer who settled at Le Plessis in 1927 and lived there until his death in 1948, after which the estate remained with his family for decades.