Make Art in France

Ancient stone, exotic flowers, rolling fields of grape; of mustard; of sunflowers, gargoyles and turrets, secret tower rooms, nine lily ponds, antique fabrics and acres of sunshine: this is just a partial list of what you will experience at Chateau du Pin. Join David and Peg in an extraordinary adventure of the senses. You will sleep in a castle, enjoy lovely rustic meals, visit colorful markets and galleries. Wake to freshly baked croissant, eggs and fruit each morning. At days end the group shares in a lovely five course meal featuring locally grown vegtables, meats, wines, and hand made cheeses. A spacious barn complete with vaulted ceilings and cobblestone floor will serve as our studio. You are invited to write, paint, collage, stitch and photograph in an enchanted setting.

The house itself has several large living rooms and a grand dining room. It is sparsely furnished and is closed to the public. Bedrooms vary in size and quality; some large with grand views and adjoining baths; others more dormitory style with shared baths.

Personal car and/ or bike rental is recommended but not necessary.

SOME HISTORY: In 1921, Gerard and Claudine Gignoux purchased the chateau and raised their family there. The chateau's central square tower dates from the 12th century. While the original chateau was burned during the French revolution, the present building was rebuilt during the 18th and 19th centuries. The chapel dates from the 16th century. Gerard created extraordinary topiary gardens and oversaw Le Pin’s farms and vineyards.

For years Le Pin produced and bottled its own wine on the premises. Today the Chateau du Pin wine, a cabernet is made by the Delauney winery in nearby Montjean.
Claudine, a skilled landscape painter produced fine murals for the chateau inspired by the local countryside.

Visitors to the chateau will also encounter several works by another talented ancestor: Regis Francois Gignoux, the famous landscape painter and founding member of the Hudson River School.

The Gignoux family has had a long tradition of travel and farming both in France and the United States. Following Claudine’s tragic death in 1931, Gerard reestablished his ties with his American home in Great Neck, New York. He married Elizabeth Perry in 1935 and together they produced five more children making a large family of ten. Gerard’s children and grandchildren jointly own and run the chateau.

Chateau du Pin is located outside the tiny village of Champtoce sur Loire, 1/2 hour car ride (16 miles) from the city of Angers in the province of Anjou. Angers is 3hrs (approx. 186 miles) from Paris by car or train or 1 1/2 hours by TGV train.

Le Pin takes in approximately 300 acres; the property consists of the house, colorful surrounding flower gardens and topiary, a chapel, woods, two working farms and vineyards. The extensive gardens and gift shop are open to the public at specified hours.