After studying in Paris, we decided to settle in a city in western France. Professional opportunities in Le Mans made us choose Sarthe. We then discovered Groirie, a good ten years ago now, and it was a love at first sight. It transformed into a family adventure that we are still thrilled to be on. Our project was to revive a forgotten beauty surrounded by a park of one hundred hectares, just two kilometres from Le Mans!
Groirie is a "little country chateau" that was built in the 17th century by Monsieur de La Rivière, a Parisian financier from Sarthe. It features a pond, a large canal, terraced gardens, and a facade with terracotta mascarons which are still visible today. In the 18th century, Groirie was modernised by the Marquis de Samson. He added a Mansard roof, pavilions, an orangery (which sheltered nearly sixty orange trees), and a chapel which, uniquely, is both octagonal and round. The chateau and its outbuildings have been listed as historical monuments since 1974.
The Groirie has not seen many great historical achievements (we prefer to forget General Westermann's short stay here, nicknamed "the butcher of the Revolution"). Instead, it has had a series of discreet owners who have all shown great affection for the chateau over the centuries. We thank Monsieur de la Riviere and his children, the Samson dynasty of Lorchère, and Faustine and her husband, the Chevalier Enlard of Grandval, who knew how to make the chateau beautiful and maintain it!
In the heart of a one hundred hectare park, the Groirie estate is a soothing yet exotic place. One can stroll through the grounds, admire the collection of roses, visit the large outbuildings and even work in the completely renovated spaces equipped with quality materials for seminars, study days, incentives, corporate events, meetings, cocktail evenings, dinners, galas and informal meetings ... As of a few months ago, guests can also stay over night and escape the whirlwind of life for a moment. The authentic, elegant and refined rooms at Domaine de la Groirie were all renovated in 2017. The location is also ideal because of its immediate proximity to the city of Le Mans and several motorway exits, whether you are coming from Paris, Nantes, Rennes, Tours, Caen, Rouen or elsewhere.
There are so many to choose from and so much to discover nearby. Car enthusiasts can visit the 24 Hour museum in Le Mans and its legendary circuit where you can learn to ride cars. History buffs can explore the Plantagenet city surrounded by Gallo-Roman walls which has been a location for many films. Others might prefer strolling through the market of Le Mans (which Jean-Pierre Coffe considered the most beautiful in France), trying the cuisine in the Michelin-starred restaurant, playing golf, or exploring the world of gardens including the collection of peonies at the castle of Sourches, the extraordinary kitchen garden of Villaines and the recreation of the gardens of Mirail. Horse lovers will enjoy the European pole of horseriding and the riding competition of Sourches.
In a unique setting in the heart of one hundred hectare park, the Chateau of Groirie can host events of 25 to 60 participants (seminars, study days, incentives, business events, meetings and informal meetings). Four rooms (available half-day or full-day and arranged as required) are available. All are suitably equipped with flipcharts, wifi connection, screens, paper pads, pens, water bottles and projectors. We strive to meet all of our guests' requests.
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Château de la Groirie is a place of artistic expression, from architecture and painting to garden art, music and theatre. The chateau organizes regularly some exhibitions, for more details, visit the website. https://chateaudelagroirie.com/evenements/
Since 2013, an organisation called Culture au Château decided to organise a baroque festival here. This event takes place during the weekend once a year with famous artists from the world of theatre and baroque music. The programme is available on: www.culture-au-chateau.com
The park and the garden are open to the public in July and August from 9am to 4pm (every day except Saturday) and all year by appointment only.
Guided tours of the interiors are offered to the public in July and August from 2pm to 6pm (every day except Saturday) and all year by appointment.
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