The estate was granted status as a Monument Historique in 1959.
The current owners represent the 16th generation of the same family to inhabit the site.
The grounds include a dedicated kennel area for the estate's pack of hounds used in historic hunting displays.
The zoo participates in international breeding programs for endangered species.
The architecture reflects a transition between the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance style.
The formal gardens are designed to frame the chateau using geometric boxwood hedges.
Château de la Bourbansais is a 16th-century estate located in Pleugueneuc, France, currently serving as a heritage site, botanical garden, and zoo. The chateau itself features period-accurate interior decor and architectural elements from the Renaissance and subsequent centuries. The integrated zoological park spans several hectares and focuses on the conservation of diverse species including primates, big cats, and birds of prey. The estate grounds include formal French-style gardens and expansive parklands. Visitors can tour the interior of the private residence to view antique furniture and tapestries. The facility hosts daily flight demonstrations of birds of prey and canine hunting exhibitions. The estate has remained in the same family line for centuries, contributing to the preservation of its archives.
The main courtyard facing the front facade of the chateau.
Bring comfortable walking shoes to navigate both the formal garden paths and the unpaved zoo trails.
Check the daily program at the entrance to align your visit with the birds of prey and hunting hound demonstrations.
Allow extra time for the walk between the castle interiors and the zoo sections.
Do not attempt to feed the animals, as diets are strictly monitored for health reasons.
The park is seasonal, typically operating from February through November, with reduced schedules in the shoulder months.
Respect all barriers and noise restrictions near animal enclosures; maintain a quiet demeanor inside the chateau.
