Chateau du Lude

Visit Chateau du Lude, Pays de la Loire

The Chateau du Lude, next to the Loir and near Le Maine, La Touraine and l'Anjou, is the first of the Loire's chateaux that you reach when arriving from the north - it is a historic seat and also a living, family country-house.

Built as a strategic place to defend Anjou, Barbe Bleue regained the Chateau du Lude in a triumphant fight against the English during the Hundred Years War. Both surprising and impressive with it's architectural ornaments and styles, the chateau is a real testimony to six centuries of French architecture.

Since the 10th century, this fortress has been protected and made more and more beautiful by its owners, and has been in the hands of the same family for the last 250 years. Nowadays, this chateau is still inhabited, animated and protected by the De Nicolay's family.

Le Lude is a fine example of French architecture. From the Middle Ages to the 18th century, different styles can be seen in its construction, and in the salons, kitchens and outbuildings.

Chateau du Lude is surrounded by lovely gardens, and you’re invited to stroll through the French-style gardens and discover the rose garden, the “parc romantique”, and the vegetable garden (the vegetable garden is only open on special days and by request for groups).

Culture and music at Chateau du Lude

Cultural events and tourist activities take place throughout the season in the garden and inside the house: the Garden Festival, during the first week-end of June each year, is a flower and garden exhibition, with plants and gardening equipment for sale, gardening workshops, conferences, and the award of the annual P.J. Redouté Prize for the best book on gardens.

Music and Gourmet days: On certain dates during the summer, chamber music recitals and cooking demonstration enliven the salons and the medieval kitchens. The vegetable garden is open on these special days. Every summer, new themes are presented in the salons and the old granary, including lifestyle exhibitions, photography and contemporary art.

Visitor Information for Chateau du Lude

Opened from the 1st of april to the 30th of september

Gardens 10-12.30 a.m. and 2 - 6 p.m.

Castle 2 -6 p.m.

telephone: 02 43 94 60 09 / fax 02 43 45 27 53

The above photo and information for Chateau du Lude was kindly contributed by Chateau du Lude

See more Loire Valley castles.

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Tourist classifications for Chateau du Lude: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 3*;

Suggested places to visit near Chateau du Lude, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Chateau de Saumur 47km; Montsoreau 49km; Chateau d'Azay-le-Rideau 49km; Tours 49km; Candes-Saint-Martin 49km;

Chateau du Lude tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Parc et jardins du château du Lude - remarkable garden (0km) : La Fleche - recommended detour (18km) : Parc de Lathan - remarkable garden (19km) : Jardin d’atmosphère du Petit Bordeaux - remarkable garden (20km) : Jardin du château de Vilaines - remarkable garden (34km) : Jardins du château de Poncé - remarkable garden (39km) : Cathédrale Saint Julien (Le Mans) - religious monument (40km) : Jardins du Mirail - remarkable garden (40km) :

See more places and a map at places near Chateau du Lude