Take to the skies in the Pays d'Ancenis!
If you're a thrill-seeker, come and get your thrills with us! Less well known than its neighbours in the Châteaux of the Loire, the medieval castle of Oudon nevertheless deserves your full attention. Today, its keep, the famous Tour d'Oudon, continues to watch over the town. Ready to climb to the top?
Even higher up, you can enjoy an unforgettable experience suspended in mid-air aboard one of the region's hot-air balloons.
Sensations in the dungeon!
It's impossible to pass through Oudon, a charming village on the banks of the Loire, 30 minutes from Nantes, without noticing it!
Standing imposingly, almost intriguingly, on its rocky spur, its tower seems to have watched over Oudon for over 600 years. A precious witness to the history of the Ancenis region, it tells the story of the medieval castle of Oudon, a fortress built in the 14th century and located in what was known as the Marches de Bretagne, the former border area between Brittany and France. It withstood several sieges, including those of 1147, led by Henry II Plantagenet.
At 32.5 metres high, this extremely well-preserved and restored keep is well worth a visit.
On each floor, interactive displays immerse you in the history of the castle, the people of the region and the Loire through the ages. The well-deserved highlight of this fun and unusual visit for young and old alike? The arrival at the summit and the breathtaking view over the Hâvre valley: wow!
OPENING DAYS AND TIMES 2025
From 29 March to 4 July:
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 2.30pm to 6pm
Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, bank holidays (exceptionally open on 7 May) and school holidays (zone B): 10am-1pm / 2pm-6pm
5 July to 31 August: Daily: 10am to 6.30pm
From 3 to 28 September: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 2.30pm to 6pm
Saturdays, Sundays: 10am-1pm / 2pm-6pm
October: Saturdays, Sundays: 10am-1pm / 2pm-6pm
All Saints' Day holidays: Daily: 10am-1pm / 2pm-6pm
Les Essentiels" tour: 30 min guided tour, self-guided access to the dungeon (no reservation required)
29 and 30 November, during the Oudon Christmas market. From 10am - 1pm / 2pm - 6pm. Guided tour at 3.30pm.
For groups: Several suggested tours, bookings and group rates (from 15 people), please contact us. Possible every day between March and November.
RATES
Self-guided tour: Adults / €6.80; Reduced price adults / €5.80
Children aged 4 to 14 / €4.80
Children under 4 / free
Les Essentiels" guided tour and self-guided access to the dungeon :
Adults / €9.30
Reduced adult admission / €8.30
Children aged 4 to 14 / €6.30
Children under 4 / free
Ticket office closes 45 minutes before the site closes.
The Ancenis region from the air
Who hasn't dreamt one day of leaving terra firma and admiring it from the sky? In the Pays d'Ancenis, we'll make your dreams come true! Climb aboard a large balloon and fly over our landscapes. A magical experience at sunrise or sunset. Free as a bird, discover our towns and countryside in a whole new way, with their incredible contours and colours. On the programme for your flight: breathtaking views, absolute peace and quiet. You're sure to remember it for the rest of your life!
Good to know: I promise you, there's no fear of heights when you're in a hot-air balloon!
You can take off from Ancenis-Saint-Géréon with Passion et Vent, or from Oudon with Ciel de Loire. Let yourself be carried away by the wind and experience a unique adventure as the currents flow by!
