He explains the dog was a stray, it turned up at the chateau running through rooms causing mayhem. Nobody knew where it came from, the Duke tried to find the owner but couldn't and his four children begged to keep the little dog. It was the 19th December muses the Duke, he couldn't resist, the dog stayed and they called it 19.
Christmas is a special time here at the Chateau, which hosts one of the oldest Christmas markets in the west of France and certainly one of the most original. The castle is decorated, artisans and food producers tempt with delicious gifts, food and wine, a unique event and very festive.
The chateau has a lovely cafe and cellar where you can taste and buy delicious wine. I'd recommend you allow at least two hours to appreciate everything and extra for the gorgeous gardens. It's a glorious castle, uniquely tall among the many Loire Valley Chateaux and well worth a visit.
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When one time owner Jacques de Brézé caught his wife with her lover, he murdered them both. Legend has it that the adulterous couple still haunt the chateau today.