The Royal Castle of Langeais in the Loire Vallely, built in 1465 by King Louis XI, is an excellent example of a late mediaeval fortress, with a drawbridge in working order and a parapet walk open to visitors. The interior furnishing is typical of the period, with sculpted wooden chests and fine tapestries. Fifteen wax figures give a lifelike representation of the secret marriage of Charles VIII and Anne Bretagne in 1491 when Charles was 21 and Anne only 16. A large park behind the château offers an excellent view of the Loire and even has (reconstructed!) mediaeval scaffolding.
Drawbridge, Château de Langeais
Sculpted wood bench doubling as a chest
One of the castle’s many tapestries
Banquet hall
Stone floor with fleur-de-lys and ermine cape
Wedding of Charles VIII and Anne de Bretagne in 1491
Four-poster bed and typical fireplace
Italian chest – one of a pair
View of town from parapet walk
Mediaeval scaffolding
Château de Langeais from the gardens
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