The medieval chateau de Langeais Unmissable Highlights

Hear ye, hear ye, good ladies and gentlemen! Let us tell you the history of Langeais and its château!

IMAGINE YOU’VE BEEN INVITED TO A ROYAL WEDDING…

Overseeing the Loire, the Château de Langeais takes you on a voyage through time, from Middle Ages to French Renaissance.

A CHÂTEAU WITH TWO SIDES

The sight of the drawbridge, one of the last still operating in France, immerses you in history – you can even watch it come down each morning as the place opens to visitors. Then note the château’s two distinct faces. Town-side, it’s a stern medieval fort; garden-side, it’s a joyous residence, precursor of the French Renaissance.

Built in 1465 by order of French king Louis XI, today this perfectly preserved château reveals its treasures to visitors. Its numerous richly furnished rooms give you a taste of lordly life at the end of the Middle Ages.

Inside, admire the sumptuous decors and tapestery collections, then take the guards’ walkway before going out to explore the expansive grounds within the ramparts.

The more adventurous will enjoy climbing up to the tree-hut set in a centuries-old cedar and can continue on to the belvedere to enjoy an unbeatable view over the Loire.

ONE OF THE OLDEST STONE-BUILT KEEPS IN FRANCE

At the end of the 10th century, the territories at the heart of Touraine were bitterly fought over. Foulques Nerra, count of neighbouring Anjou, seized Langeais. He had a fort built on its rocky promontory, ensuring a stranglehold on the Loire. Today, you can see the remnants of the keep, the ramparts and St Saviour Chapel, all bearing precious witness to medieval military architecture.

Take the opportunity of climbing up beside the historic keep thanks to the special scaffolding. It’s a great spot from which to take photos.

EVENTS, SHOWS AND EXHIBITIONS STAGED YEAR-ROUND

During school holidays throughout the year, young and old alike are invited to delve into French history via a rich and varied programme of events.