I know I know. My Sunday photo is getting more and more every week. This week it’s my Sunday 16 photos, but how can you visit somewhere so stunning and not share it. But you did get off lightly as I narrowed these down from hundreds. This to me is a real Disney Castle, a dream castle. If I could have a country Castle this would be it, I will share my town castle next week. Because obviously if you can afford a castle you would have a town and village one, right?
As you enter through the dainty wooden gate the sheer beauty of Chateau Ratilly hits you, in fact at this very moment Jack looked at me and said Mum I want a Castle! Because Chateau De Ratilly is truly magnificent, in an understated dainty and pretty way.
If there were such a thing as a modest Castle I would say Ratilly is just that, magnificent and breathtaking from the outside. Yet as you step into its walls it is like walking into a country village with a pretty courtyard garden overlooked by chocolate box cottage style doors and windows, which make you want to move in immediately. It is the sort of place you can see yourself living quite easily.
It is owned by the Pierlot Family who bought the castle in 1951 after a colourful history, from been built in the 11th century up until that date. We were shown around by the lovely Clear and you could just tell the love she had for Ratilly in fact if you check out their website you just get it, the family grew up in the gorgeous castle, their parents lovingly turned part of Ratilly into a pottery studio which their daughter Nathalie still runs today.
The website displays a few old black and white family photos, they just make you heart melt to see the love the family have for this beautiful piece of history. But who wouldn’t it is breathtaking.
Chateau De Ratilly much to the work of the Pierlot siblings still maintains the ethos that Jeanne and Norbet set out to create and is the most beautiful arts center, with a pottery studio run by the lovely Nathalie whom we watched at work and wow she is incredible. Ratilly also host’s exhibitions and concerts every summer. The incredible thing is we nearly never visited, we were meant to be geocaching but had to change our arrangements due to the rain. On this occasion I have to say hoorah for rain, as I am so glad we got to visit.
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That looks so very French and very beautiful. I love the fact that the daughter now runs the pottery to keep it going.
I know Fiona it is such a lovely story, and to see how much the family love Ratilly is beautiful. French architecture is just breathtaking x
It does look like something straight out of a film. I kept expecting to see Rapunzel locked in one of the towers. Maybe we can split it 50:50 and time-share?
Ha ha deal Tim, it really is like something out of an historical film, just so very beautiful x
Great group of photos, love the chateau. Looks like a great place to stay and imagine fairy tales!
Brooke it does, doesn’t it? It is just stunning and the courtyard garden is simply beautiful x
What a stunning place! Really does look very Disney like.
I know it does doesn’t It? And when you are there and can hear the birds singing it just feels so magical x
Stunning castle. It looks so poetic. I can imagine Lords and Ladies enjoying this through the years
Thank you for linking up
Yes you can cant you? It feels magical too x
Beautiful photos and it’s like taking me to fairyland. 🙂 x
Thank you so much, it honestly felt like that, I loved it there x
Beautiful photos!
What a lovely place to visit….It looks like something out of a fairy tale book x
Kim it was exactly like being in a fairy tale I loved it x
I saw your family shots earlier in the week and you have captured the castle itself beautifully. It looks like a great place to visit 🙂 x
Thanks Victoria, I was so excited when I saw it, I just loved it x
What an amazing place, a real castle #MySundayPhoto
Jane it is stunning, I loved visiting x
Its always amazing to watch potters create. You are so lucky to have seen something like this! The place looks so gorgeous too. #mysundayphoto
Yes, it is isn’t it? It was such a beautiful place, I loved it there x