Château d'Ainay-le-Vieil and its gardens The Carcassonne of Berry

MARCH – APRIL

Every day except Tuesday from Saturday March 29th to Sunday April 27th: 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm

Weekends and public holidays: non-stop from 10am to 6pm

APRIL – AUGUST

Every day from Monday April 28 to Sunday August 31: 10am to 7pm non-stop

SEPTEMBER

Every day except Tuesday from Monday September 1 to Sunday September 28: 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm

Weekends and public holidays: 10am to 6pm non-stop

Sunday September 21: European Heritage Days, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. non-stop

Access by car, coach, camper van and bicycle.

Video-surveillance parking lot (2 spaces for recharging electric vehicles, 2 spaces for people with reduced mobility, 1 camper van space).

Coaches not allowed in the Château parking lot, but parking available next to the Town Hall.

For bicycles:

• Bicycle parking
• Electric bikes can be recharged (ask at reception).
• Free luggage storage available (ask at reception).
• Repair kit available

A71 exit 8 – 50 km from Bourges – 80 km from Nevers – 40 km from Montluçon – GPS 46.66 -2.35

• Picnic area (except in the rose garden and chartreuses).
• La petite Volière sales/restaurant area: ice cream made from Berry ewe’s milk, farm eggs, homemade products (granola, black garlic, black lemon, etc.).

Restaurant La Volière

Traditional regional cuisine: for lunch under an aviary in the park opposite the château, and for dinner in the covered wash-house. “La Volière is located at the entrance to the rose garden, opposite the pond. The “Lavoir” is accessible via the courtyard of the outbuildings.

Opening times and days can be consulted on the château’s website by clicking here.
Reservations and opening times on 02 48 63 02 87 or by e-mail at restaurantlavoliere@gmail.com

Gîtes and chambres d’hôtes bookable in the Château.

Further information on 02 48 63 36 14 or by e-mail at accueil@chateau-ainaylevieil.fr

The Château d’Ainay-le-Vieil has a number of spaces available for your personal or professional events (receptions, weddings, seminars, etc.).

The Salle des Archers is a 17th-century vaulted room with parquet flooring. Facing the Logis Renaissance, it has a surface area of around 200 m2, or 25m x 8m on the ground. It can accommodate 200 seated guests for meetings, seminars, conferences, concerts, receptions, weddings, cocktails, etc… Several options available.

Further information on 02 48 63 36 14 or by e-mail at accueil@chateau-ainaylevieil.fr

Cash, Cheques, Credit cards (except American Express), Holiday vouchers, Culture vouchers, Clarc vouchers.

Dogs are only allowed in the gardens and must be kept on a leash (“bar à toutou” is accessible from the store).

Visitors welcome in French and English.

With a guide, tours are available in English.

With the Wivisites app (free download), tours are available in English, Spanish and Flemish.

• Children aged 5 to 18
• Students under 27 (upon presentation of student card)
• Unemployed
• Pass Privilège Route Jacques Cœur

(click here to buy your Pass and benefit from reduced rates)

Due to the architecture of the building, certain areas within the château are narrow, making it impossible for wheelchair users to get around (access stairs to the ramparts and the Renaissance dwelling). However, the entire park and gardens remain accessible (lawn and sand).

For further information, please contact reception on 02 48 63 02 88.