Last Updated on 1 January 2026 by Vanessa
Ever wanted to stay in a French castle?
Now imagine doing that with two adorable cats by your side.
Intrigued?
Then let me show you around Château de l’Epinay in Saint-Georges-sur-Loire, France.
Château de l’Epinay in Saint-Georges-sur-Loire
A short history of Château de l’Epinay
This dreamy château has been standing tall since the 12th century. Some parts may go all the way back to the year 1000. Over time, new wings and structures shaped the castle into what it is today, with major pieces built in the 15th and 17th centuries.
One of the estate’s oldest features is a perfectly round, octagonal dovecote—or pigeonnier—with 400 individual nesting holes. Local tradition says each hole once represented a hectare of land owned by the estate.
In 2004, the Montuoro family bought the estate and gave it new life. They started with basic renovations and opened as a Bed & Breakfast. Over the years, they restored the rooms, floors, and outbuildings, eventually transforming it into the Hotel, Spa, and Restaurant you can visit today.
Past owners of the château include prominent Anjou families like the Gastinel, La Jaille, Brie de Serrant, and de Cumont. During the 20th century, Jean Gasiorowski—an industrialist and former mayor of Saint-Georges-sur-Loire—also owned the estate.
Accommodation fit for royalty
Twenty-five hectares of peaceful parkland surround the castle. Inside, 23 beautifully designed rooms blend old-world elegance with modern comforts. Think fireplaces, plush seating areas, garden views, TVs, and big bathrooms with bathrobes.
In the mood to unwind? Lounge by the fireplace. Watch a cat movie in the cinema room. Challenge someone to billiards, ping pong, or piano.
Each morning, breakfast features fresh pastries, homemade jam, and eggs straight from the château’s chickens. The on-site restaurant serves seasonal, organic dishes in a cozy room with chandeliers and stone walls. When the weather’s nice, sit outside on the terrace and soak it all in.
If you want to work out or recharge, you can use the fitness center with Technogym equipment or visit the wellness center. You’ll find a hot tub, steam room, and the option to book massages and beauty treatments through luxe brands like Cinq Mondes and Carita.
You can also book “Romantic Packages” with champagne and rose petals, or “Soirée Étape” business stays that include dinner and breakfast. Non-hotel guests can access spa treatments with a day-pass. The château offers mindfulness retreats and wellness-focused weekends throughout the year.
The grounds include a natural swimming pool, a tennis court, outdoor games like darts and giant chess, and even access to nearby canoeing or biking routes.
You’ll also get free private parking.
Guests consistently rate their stay highly, with Tripadvisor reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5. Many call it a “home away from home,” often naming the spa as the highlight.
The castle cats: Leo and Blackie
Now for the real stars of the show: Leo and Blackie.
These two resident cats have become legends at the château. Photographer Rachael Hale McKenna even featured them in her gorgeous photo book, The French Cat. They add the perfect touch of magic to the castle experience.
Exploring Saint-Georges-sur-Loire and beyond
While you might not want to leave the castle, the area around Saint-Georges-sur-Loire is packed with unforgettable places to explore. Here’s a quick list of ideas:
- Jean Lurçat Museum
- Puy du Fou Amusement Park
- Route of Anjou Wines
- Terra Botanica
- Bio Parc
- Loire River
- Château de Serrant
- Château de Noirieux
- Relais de Chambord
- Domaine des Hauts de Loire
- Angers
- Les Sources de Cheverny
The château is just 15 minutes from Angers by car, and 40 minutes from Nantes. It’s tucked peacefully into the countryside but close to villages and wine routes for easy day trips.
Ready to book?
You can reserve your stay at Château de l’Epinay here. Whether you’re there for the spa, the scenery, or the cats (we won’t judge), this is one of those magical places that stays with you long after you leave.
📍 Address: L’Epinay, 49170 Saint-Georges-sur-Loire, France
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About the photographer
Rachael Hale McKenna is a New Zealand–born photographer who specializes in animal portraiture. She has built an international career photographing pets, wildlife, and domestic animals in both natural and staged settings. Her work often focuses on capturing recognizable behaviors, distinctive features, and the relationship between animals and their environments.
One of her most famous publications is The French Cat, a coffee table book featuring photographs of cats in various locations across France. The images combine portraits of individual cats with contextual shots that highlight the landscapes, architecture, and culture surrounding them.
In addition to The French Cat, McKenna has produced several other animal-themed books and commercial photography projects. Her portfolio spans editorial assignments, advertising campaigns, and private commissions, reflecting both her technical skills and her focus on animals as primary subjects.
