THE CHÂTEAU OF LANGEAIS: TRAVEL BACK IN TIME TO THE AGE OF KNIGHTS
A landmark feature that towers over the city below, the Château of Langeais reveals a more delicate style on the courtyard side and in its interiors. Located approximately 20 km from Tours, the Château of Langeais is a must-see destination in the Loire Valley. Step into the authentic medieval decor with its captivating scenography and let yourself be charmed by the fun activities in the park!
THE CHÂTEAU OF LANGEAIS: A THOUSAND-YEAR-OLD BUILDING
The first Château of Langeais was a fortress built by Fulk the Black, Count of Anjou, around the year 1000. After its construction, Langeais saw turbulent times with multiple occupations by the Counts of Blois and Anjou. The château became the property of the crown in 1206 after the defeat of the Plantagenets by Phillip Augustus, King of France. In 1428, Charles VII ordered the fortress to be demolished, except for the stone keep which is now one of the oldest in France. In 1465, Louis XI began the construction of the château we know today.
The new Langeais was very different in appearance to that of the original fortress. On the courtyard side, the facade suggests a leisure residence with strong pre-Renaissance influences. The many mullioned windows bring light into the château and richly carved ornamentation adorns the openings. This stunning decor was the backdrop to an important moment in the history of France: the wedding of Charles VIII and Anne of Brittany in 1491, which definitively sealed the annexation of Brittany to the kingdom of France!
YOUR VISIT TO THE CHÂTEAU OF LANGEAIS
The whole site of the Château of Langeais is a fascinating narrative of the medieval period and invites you to embark on a journey back in time to the age of knights and ladies, to the delight of both young and old!
MUST-SEES AT THE CHÂTEAU OF LANGEAIS
Whether through its interior scenography or in the park, the Château of Langeais reveals its medieval history in an engaging way. Don’t hesitate to admire the stone keep, which is one of the oldest in France and is all that remains of the fortress build by Fulk the Black in the late 10th century. Partially in ruins, this structure is a valuable example of military architecture from the Middle Ages. In the château, the visit will immerse you in the daily life of a seigneur in the late Middle Ages and the history of France in general. The scene of the wedding between Charles VIII and Anne of Brittany has been recreated with astonishing realism. Each of the rooms in the residence reveals the comforts of life at the time amid true-to-life decor. Admire the many 15th– and 16th-century tapestries, the gothic furniture and period art objects that punctuate the visit. Finally, a museum space brings together major works from the time, such as a collection of religious art.
WALK THROUGH THE PARK OF THE CHÂTEAU OF LANGEAIS
As you walk through the Park of Langeais, you will discover a range of activities for all the family, such as the playground and treehouse, which children will love! The latter offers great views of the park and the remains of the 11th-century chapel. Behind the Keep, historic scaffolding and lifting machinery have been faithfully reconstructed to show how worksites operated at the time and allow you to appreciate the arduous labour of the builders in 1000! Last but not least, don’t hesitate to admire the medieval gardens from above by climbing up to the belvedere, which has a telescope overlooking the Loire and boasts stunning views of the unique local landscape that is listed as UNESCO world heritage!
Events at the château of Langeais
FAQ
How do I get to the Château of Langeais?
The château is 25 minutes from Tours via the A85 in the direction of Saumur. There is an SNCF train station just five minutes on foot from the château. You can also follow the Loire à Vélo route and include Langeais in your tour of the Loire Châteaux!
Is there somewhere to park near to the château?
There is a free visitors’ car park near the château on Rue Foulque Nerra. Bicycle parking is available along the side of the château.
What is the best way to book a visit to the Château of Langeais?
Save time and prepare your visit to the Château of Langeais by booking your ticket via the link below!
