Château d’Hannaches was born of the encounter between the land of Pays de Bray, on the border of Normandy and Picardie, and Georges Paléologue de Bissipat, a Byzantine émigré who fled Constantinople in 1453 after it was taken by the Turks. Some 680 years old, Château d’Hannaches tells a very contemporary story, blending past and present.
The Château
Spirit of the venue
Hannaches, the ultimate in conviviality
Hannaches offers nothing sophisticated or ostentatious. It is designed to reflect the simplicity of the materials that make up the venue (brick walls, antique tile floors, wooden beams) and give it its warmth. Simple activities, close to the surrounding outdoors. The luxury of wide-open spaces and breathtaking views. Horses on the grounds.
Hannaches is designed to be the ultimate place of conviviality, welcoming a single group at a time, so that its members can make the place their own and enjoy it in private. This gives each retreat group its own personal touch in optimal privacy. During their stay, each member must feel as if they were inhabiting Hannaches, and let themselves be inhabited by it.
Tour of the Château
Château's history
Georges Paléologue de Bissipat
Georges Paléologue de Bissipat, known as Georges the Greek (Georges le Grec), fled Constantinople after its capture by the Turks, taking refuge in France. He entered the service of French King Charles VII, first as a knight, adviser and chamberlain to the king, then as a pirate, displaying his skill at sea.
In 1477, Louis XI authorized him to acquire a lord’s estate, following which he built Château d’Hannaches, probably on the remains of an ancient fortified castle.
Legend would have it that a sick and dying Louis XI sent Georges the Greek to lead an expedition off the coast of Senegal to bring back a tortoise from the island of Maio as a remedy for his ailment. The animal’s blood, in which the king had to bathe before eating its flesh, was supposed to cure him.
Pays de Bray
It was from this hilly, damp land, made of clay mud (“brai” or “bray”), amidst fields of hemp—the land of cider, calvados and pommeau alcohol (and who’d have guessed it, Petit-Suisse cheese!)—that the edifice was erected, made of bricks, wood and Angers tiles, now listed as a national heritage site. Its facade is adorned with waves—representing the sea—a heart—the heraldic symbol of courage—and a Star of David.
The estate & activities
Relaxation or strolls around the estate. Take the time to take one of the many fabulous strolls around the estate and explore the beauty of nature all year round.