< Langeais was originally a medieval fortress which is attested by the oldest stone-built medieval keep in France.
At the end of the I0th c. Fulk III Nerra, Count of Anjou, built this donjon, the ruins of which still stand in the gardens.

The 15th century château, with its drawbridge > still in working order together with the imposing towers and battlement walk, show a defensive front to the outside world, while the internal façade heralds the Renaissance.



The château itself was built by Louis XI from 1465-1469 as a stronghold on the road from Nantes, the route most likely to be taken by an invading Breton army. This threat vanished after the marriage of Charles VIII and Anne of Brittany was celebrated at Langeais (in this only recently finished Château) in 1491. The discreet ceremony marked the start of the unification of Brittany and France.

The château was built in one go - a rare event - and has not been altered since - an even rarer event. It is one of the most interesting in the Loire Valley owing to the patient efforts (after 1886) of Jacques Siegfried, the last owner, a businessman and enlightened art lover, who was to spend twenty years of his life restoring Langeais. He refurnished it in the style of the 15th century and bequeathed it to the Institut de France.
From the outside it resembles a feudal fortress: high walls, round towers, a crenellated and machicolated sentry walk and a drawbridge spanning the moat. The façade facing the courtyard is less severe, suggesting a manor house with mullioned windows and pointed dormers decorated like the doors of the stair turrets. The buildings consist of two wings set at a rightangle; on the west side of the courtyard a terraced garden climbs to the keep.

Outstanding tapestry collection.

Among Jacques Siegfried's acquisitions was an outstanding group of 15th and 16th century tapestries woven in France and Flanders.

These unique works illustrate themes such as Chivalry, Bible history, hunting, the natural world and so on, that were much in vogue in the Middle Ages.

Including a series portraying the Nine Heroes and some mille-fleurs. Note the interlaced initials K and A for Charles VIll and Anne of Brittany.

At the foot of the keep lie two tombs housing the mortal remains of Jacques Siegfried and his daughter.

The apartments with their beautiful period furnishings exude an atmosphere which is much more alive than in most other old castles.

They also convey an accurate picture of what aristocratic life was like in the 15C and early Renaissance.

__________

Reception Facilities: Langeais has a bookstore and gift shop. An educational service is also available for teachers who wish to visit the Château with their class.

VISITING TIMES: The château is open daily, except Christmas Day.

Spring/Summer Opening: 1 April - 15 October 09.30 - 18.30. - 15 July - 20 August, 09.30 - 20.00.
Autumn/Winter Opening: - 16 October - 31 March, 10.00 - 17-30.

ACCESS: Langeais is part of the "Route de la Vallée des Rois" circuit. It is located 22 km west of Tours. Take the A 10 Autoroute to Exit 20, "Tours Sainte-Radegonde", follow Saumur. Car Parking available. (See map, top of page).

______ | close window | ______