The small town of Langeais is centrally placed in the Loire Valley region, about 20 kilometres west of Tours and on the Loire River. It falls in the eastern part of the Regional Natural Parc of Loire-Anjou-Touraine.
Exploring Langeais
Although most visited because of the Chateau de Langeais, which is in the centre of this quiet town, there are also several other highlights of interest when you visit.
Chateau de Langeais
The castle is of course the 'unmissable' site of interest here and a good place to start your visit. The castle has its origins in the 10th century, and in the park behind the castle you can still see part of the original castle: this is the oldest castle in France.
Like many chateaux in the region the Chateau de Langeais was substantially rebuilt and remodelled in the 15th century, and most of what you see today dates from the reconstruction that took place in the 1460's for King Louis XI.
During your visit you can explore a good number of rooms furnished in the renaissance style as well as the gardens and park behind the castle. There is also a viewpoint across Langeais bridge and an area with childrens activities, as well as the section of castle from the 10th century with a recreation of medieval scaffold.
See our guide to Chateau de Langeais for details.
Other highlights and monuments in Langeais
The other sites of interest are close to the entrance to the castle, such as an interesting small group of 15th century houses in the centre near the castle, including the stone built 'Maison de Rabelais'. There are also cafes here including one just in front of the castle which is ideal for a light lunch combined with a good look at the castle facade and drawbridge!
There are two churches of interest in Langeais:
- the Church of Saint John the Baptist, built in the 11th-12th centuries but with several later modifications e.g. the nave is 15th century and the transept from the 19th century
- the Church of Saint-Laurent, in the roman style and also with origins in the 11th-12th centuries,
The suspension bridge across the Loire on the edge of Langeais dates from the 19th century and is a good example of bridge engineering of the period, although it was rebuilt in the late 1940's after being destroyed in 1940 as part of a war effort to stop the advance of the German army.
Local highlights
One unmissable local attraction is the view along the Loire River valley from nearby Saint-Michel-sur-Loire, just a few kilometres west of Langeais. You will also find many other attractions nearby including traditional markets and several events that take place during the summer season: ask for information at Langeais tourist office.
Being centrally placed in the Loire valley you are spoiled for choice for local attractions. Among our personal favourites and very close to Langeais are the castles at Azay le Rideau and Villandry and the towns of Chinon and Tours.
You can find more travel ideas in the Indre-et-Loire guide and the Loire Valley guide.
Photos of Langeais
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Map of Langeais and places nearby
Visit near Langeais with France This Way reviews
Chateau de Langeais
Château de Langeais is a medieval-renaissance castle with nicely furnished rooms and the oldest castle keep in France
Chateau de Langeais guide
Chateau de Villandry
The rooms at Chateau de Villandry can be explored, but it is the world famous French style gardens here that will hold your attention the longest
Chateau de Villandry guide
Azay-le-Rideau
The village of Azay-le-Rideau is best known for its castle but also has a pleasant centre with a historic church and mill to explore
Azay-le-Rideau guide
Chateau d'Azay-le-Rideau
Not the most luxurious or largest castle in the region, it is the beauty and waterside location that gives the Chateau d'Azay-le Rideau its special charm
Chateau d'Azay-le-Rideau guide
Chateau d'Ussé
The imposing Chateau d'Usse, next to the Loire, is an imposing medieval-renaissance castle surrounded by gardens and park
Chateau d'Ussé guide
Chinon
As well as the castle, Chinon has a very impressive medieval centre to explore and lovely river views
Chinon guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Indre-et-Loire
Address: Langeais, Chinon, Loire Valley, 37130, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 47.326667, longitude 0.406944
Plan your visit to Langeais, Indre-et-Loire
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Les jardins du château de Villandry: remarkable garden (8 km)
- Les jardins de la Chatonnière: remarkable garden (8 km)
- Chateau d'Azay-le-Rideau: national monument (9 km)
- Les jardins du prieuré de Saint-Cosme: remarkable garden (20 km)
- Crissay-sur-Manse: most beautiful village (21 km)
- Chinon: secteur sauvegarde (21 km)
- Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire: ville fleurie 4* (21 km)
- Tours: town of art and history (22 km)
- Cloisters of la Psalette: national monument (22 km)
- Le jardin des Prébendes d'Oé: remarkable garden (23 km)
- Parc de Lathan: remarkable garden (25 km)
- Loire-Anjou-Touraine: regional natural parc (27 km)
Market days in Langeais, France
Regular market(s) are held in Langeais each Sunday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Langeais (Francais)