Bessé-sur-Braye and its castle

Bordered by the Loir-et-Cher river, Bessé-sur-Braye is home to the Château de Courtanvaux, one of the jewels in the crown of Perche Sarthois heritage and tourism, as well as several other remarkable historic monuments. These include the 19th-century Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption church and the 14th-century Tour dédiée à sainte Anne.

Attractive hiking trails, a greenway, a campsite and an aquatic center also play their part.

Courtanvaux Castle A jewel nestled in an unspoilt landscaped estate

Take a guided tour and discover the women who have shaped the history of this place, owned by illustrious families including the de Montesquiou-Fezensac family, kin to the famous musketeer d’Artagnan. Among them were Maman Quiou, governess to the son of Napoleon I, a direct descendant of the Grand Louvois, and Marie Bibesco, a wealthy Romanian princess.

The 68-hectare estate includes the Courtanvaux and La Nouette woods, water features (lake, pond, rivers), landscaped grounds and gardens. Hiking, mountain biking, geocaching and fishing are just some of the activities on offer!

Barring exceptional closures, the park is open to visitors all year round, every day, free of charge.

Fixed periods and times

May to September

May – June – September: 3pm, 4pm, 5pm

July – August: 11am, 3pm, 4pm, 5pm

Open all year round for groups

Rates

Adult (full price): €7.50

Adult (reduced rate* and pass rate): €6.50

Children (aged 7 to 17): €4

* Students under 25 and disabled persons (on presentation of proof)

Château de Courtanvaux

La découverte de ce château dans un parc arboré de 68 hectares allie agréablement nature et culture pour le plaisir de tous.

Contact

Château de Courtanvaux

72310 Bessé-sur-Braye

02 43 35 34 43

Website

Discovery trails

Since 2006, the Pays de la Loire, in partnership with the Pays de la Loire Region, has been carrying out an inventory of the region’s heritage.
territory. In 2017, a new study was launched to examine the villages in terms of their morphology, architecture
architecture and their relationship with the countryside.

Among the twelve towns selected for in-depth study, Bessé-sur-Braye stands out for its significant industrial
industrial development since the 18th century. This tour takes you on a journey of discovery through some of this heritage, identified during the inventory. Most of the sites are privately owned, and are more or less visible from the public highway.

The heritage discovery tour of Bessé-sur-Braye comprises 32 stages along a 7.5 km route. Starting from the town hall and historic center, you’ll discover the 19th- and 20th-century extensions marked by the town’s industrialization. You can extend this urban walk as far as the Château de Courtanvaux.

Download itinerary5MB

Bessé on foot and by bike

N°46 : Autour de Courtanvaux

Bessé remonte au Moyen Âge. Cette paroisse comptait alors de nombreux fiefs parmi lesquels Courtanvaux, seigneurie de paroisse érigée en marquisat en 1609. Le bourg se...

7.0km

Pédestre1h 30minFacile
Boucle

N°7 : Le tuffeau au fil des vallées pittoresques

Le tuffeau au fil des vallées pittoresques

50.0km

CyclotouristeMoyen
Boucle

Greenway from Montval-sur-Loir to Bessé-sur-Braye

The 33km greenway linking Montval-sur-Loir to Bessé-sur-Braye is ideal for hikers and cyclists.

Resort & Camping Val de Braye, an authentic experience in the heart of nature

The campsite welcomes you all year round for a memorable stay of serenity in a green area surrounded by nature and the River Braye.

The riverside location makes it ideal for family vacations. Whether you’re a fan of camping with your own equipment, or prefer a comfortable stay in one of our accommodations, Resort & Camping – Val de Braye is the place for you!

Close to the start of the Bessé-sur-Braye / Montval-sur-Loir greenway and to the town center, you’ll have all amenities at your fingertips, and can enjoy the splendid setting of the Château de Courtanvaux, 1.5 km away.

Open all year round

Resort & Camping - Val de Braye

Se reconnecter avec la nature Laissez-vous envelopper par un confort incomparable

CENTRE AQUA-RECREATIF DE BESSE-SUR-BRAYE

Bassins couvert et découvert - Toboggan - Jacuzzi - Hammam.

Aquatic recreation center

Whether you’re a fan of breaststroke, crazy slide descents or passionate dabblers, you’ll find everything you need here. An indoor pool and an open-air pool in summer welcome swimmers. There’s also a relaxation area with hammam, whirlpool and solarium. Swimming, aquagym, aquajumb and aquabike lessons are also available.

Open every day

Bessé initiatives

A structure dedicated to local information and village events. Here you’ll find tourist information on the Perche Sarthois region and local attractions (Courtanvaux castle, camping and hiking).

Events are organized throughout the year: in April, Courtanvaux Côté Jardin, Fête des plantes; in June, Bessé Magique; in mid-July, concours des maisons fleuries; in October, Soirée du Terroir with evening barbecue and music in Place de l’Hôtel de Ville as part of Taste Week; and in December, the Christmas market in Place de l’Hôtel de Ville.