Castle
Château de La Ballue
Bazouges-la-Pérouse · Ille-et-Vilaine
Near Bazouges-la-Pérouse, La Ballue is famous for its geometric, maze-like gardens, designed as a contemporary dialogue with a 17th-century château.
- Suggested time
- 1 h to 1 h 30
- Type of place
- 17th-century château and remarkable gardens
- Atmosphere
- Heritage-rich and immersive, with a strong presence of architecture and landscape
- Getting there
- Château de La Ballue, 35560 Bazouges-la-Pérouse.
Who this place suits
- With family
- 9/10
- As a couple
- 10/10
- With friends
- 9/10
- Solo
- 10/10
- With a dog
- 7/10
- Reduced mobility
- 7/10
These scores are calculated from what the page records: official rating, facilities, difficulty, duration and location. They are a guide, not a substitute for contacting the venue, especially about accessibility.
About
The Château de La Ballue is one of the great 17th-century houses of the Bazouges-la-Pérouse area. Today, the building is the setting for a landscaped ensemble that is the main reason to visit. The gardens were reinvented in the 20th century in a spirit inspired by Mannerism and the Italian Baroque. Topiaries, green rooms, geometric lines, contrasting volumes and perspectives turn the walk into a real piece of living architecture. The visit is self-guided and takes about 1 to 1 h 30. A map and a botanical index are provided. The gardens also host cultural events, and the château partly operates as accommodation. From 1 October to 11 November 2026, the gardens are open Thursday to Sunday, from 10 am to 6.30 pm.
What you will see
- The gardens, listed as a Jardin remarquable.
- The topiaries and green rooms.
- The maze and the plays on perspective.
- The very graphic dialogue between the château and the plants.
- A particularly photogenic visit.
- A landscape that is fully part of the visit.
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- A visit best rounded off with the town and the surrounding landscapes.
Practical information
- Address
- Château de La Ballue, 35560 Bazouges-la-Pérouse
- Pets
- Dogs: check the garden’s conditions before your visit
- Accessibility
- Part of the gardens is accessible, but some paths, steps or surfaces may require help. A reduced rate is offered for people with reduced mobility
- Best time
- Spring, summer or early autumn depending on the opening calendar; choose settled weather for the ramparts, grounds and outdoor areas
Tips on the spot
- Check the opening times on the day: monuments can change their hours for events, works or the weather.
- Comfortable shoes are recommended: stairs, cobbles, uneven floors and park paths are common.
- For photos, the beginning or end of the day is best outside; photo rules can differ inside.
- With children, look up the activity booklets, events and family trails offered during the season.
- If you are coming especially for the interiors, check they are open that day.
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- 1 October to 11 November 2026: Thursday to Sunday, 10 am to 6.30 pm; open daily from May to the end of September.
- 2026: full price €10.50, reduced €8.50, free up to age 10, annual pass €35.
- Allow 1 to 1 h 30 to enjoy the site without rushing.
Frequently asked questions
How much time should I allow to visit the Château de La Ballue?
Usually 1 to 1 h 30. It can take longer with gardens, an exhibition, a guided tour or an outdoor trail.
What are the opening hours of the Château de La Ballue?
1 October to 11 November 2026: Thursday to Sunday, 10 am to 6.30 pm; open daily from May to the end of September.
How much does a visit to the Château de La Ballue cost?
2026: full price €10.50, reduced €8.50, free up to age 10, annual pass €35.
Why is the Château de La Ballue worth visiting?
To walk through one of the most unusual gardens in Brittany, between topiaries, perspectives and plays on space.
What should I not miss at the Château de La Ballue?
The gardens, listed as a Jardin remarquable.
Do I need to book to visit the Château de La Ballue?
Booking is not always required, but it is recommended for guided tours, events, busy periods and sites with limited capacity.
See also all the castles in Ille-et-Vilaine.
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Photographs: GO69 · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons · Thérèse Gaigé · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons · Bo35bo35 · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons