Chateau de Lude

As it stands today, with its four façades, each in a different style, the Château du Lude is a living testament to the evolution of French architecture from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. It is one of the last great Loire Valley châteaux still inhabited by a family, whose generations have succeeded one another for over 250 years. AN EXEMPLARY FORTIFIED CASTLE The origins of Le Lude date back to the 10th century. A vast fortress, erected on the banks of the Loir River, succeeded the feudal motte. Its construction spanned the 13th to the 15th centuries. From the Middle Ages, we still have the imposing towers, the wide dry moats, the vaulted underground passages, and the defensive masonry spur. The complex covers half a hectare, and the walls are over 10 meters thick at their base. This was a time of rivalries between the great feudal lords, followed by conflicts with the English during the Hundred Years' War. The gardens, shaped by the estate's various owners, served as the setting for a sound and light show that brought fame to Le Lude for nearly forty years. Since the early 2000s, they have hosted several events, such as the Gardeners' Festival, during which the P.-J.-Redouté Prize is awarded. The Château du Lude holds the "Remarkable Garden" label.