The Langeais Castle was originally built as a fortress in the 10th century.
Under the Plantagenet kings, the castle was fortified and expanded by Richard I of England (King Richard the Lionhearted). However, King Philippe II of France recaptured it in 1206. Eventually though, during the Hundred Years' War, the English destroyed it.
King Louis XI (1461-1483) would rebuild it into what today is one of the best known examples of late medieval architecture. It is especially noted for its monumental and highly decorated chimneypieces.
After nearly being totally destroyed during the Hundred Years' War, the Langeais Castle was rebuilt about 1465 during the reign of King Louis XI. Located on a cliff overlooking the Loire River, it appears dark and ominous, but the interior rooms are richly decorated.
The great hall was the scene of the marriage of Anne of Brittany to King Charles VIII on December 6, 1491 that made the permanent union of Brittany and France. However, the fifteen-year-old Duchesse Anne, not happy with the politically arranged marriage, arrived for her wedding with her entourage carrying two beds.
In 1886, Jacques Siegfried bought Langeais and began a restoration program. He installed an outstanding collection of tapestries and furnishings and bequeathed the château to the Iinstitute of France which still owns it today.
It is listed as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture.
31 responses
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Donald Garrett gave props (18 Sep 2009):
Beautiful shot. Needs to be framed and hung in a dark-paneled library.
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JOE FAILK gave props (18 Sep 2009):
Yes it rocks Vote!
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Regenia Brabham gave props (18 Sep 2009):
WOW!! This is fantastic!!
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Steve Baker gave props (18 Sep 2009):
Superbe!
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Karen Foto Fiddler gave props (18 Sep 2009):
Brilliant! VOTED!
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suzanne said (18 Sep 2009):
I just love those turrets! Fantastic shot!
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Benny R@mirez gave props (18 Sep 2009):
nice shot!
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Sonia Adam Murray gave props (19 Sep 2009):
Yes it rocks, voted.
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Jüri Vissak gave props (19 Sep 2009):
Beautiful composition and colours! Well done. Got my vote.
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Dawn Duffield (Deleted) gave props (19 Sep 2009):
Excellent! C'est parfait pour la nostalgie de toutes les façons! Magnifique commentaire! Brilliant!
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eithne mythen gave props (20 Sep 2009):
Oh you did well, love that centre shadow, wonderful, and to have the history is great thank you...
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Adriana Carezzoli gave props (20 Sep 2009):
My vote!
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minno ramirez gave props (21 Sep 2009):
fairy tales!!!
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Lêda Nardelli gave props (23 Sep 2009):
voted!
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Zerina Phillip gave props (23 Sep 2009):
Gor my vote. Love to see the beautiful buildings of the world.
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Michael Lynch gave props (24 Sep 2009):
Best Theme Entry I've seen: YEAH ! Great writeup, as well.
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John Linton gave props (26 Sep 2009):
Oh YEAH! Rad!
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Deborah Downes gave props (26 Sep 2009):
The history really adds to the beauty of this incredible example of medieval architecture. Thanks for sharing. My vote.
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Stefi Failk gave props (8 Oct 2009):
Beautiful shot!
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Ron LaFond gave props (8 Oct 2009):
Love the image. Great bit of history too. Looks like the makings if a great JPG story. "Yeah!" R
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elfriede fulda gave props (13 Oct 2009):
wonderful capture...
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Litz Go gave props (27 Oct 2009):
love the capture and thanks for the info! my vote, Lanis
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Paul Lindo gave props (27 Oct 2009):
great shot and entry!! vote
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Andrea Petersen gave props (27 Oct 2009):
Interesting info ~Beautiful image! Voting!
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The Rossi Collection gave props (18 Nov 2009):
Beautiful! Thanks for the education!
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Debrah Leonard gave props (29 Nov 2009):
voting
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Dunja Kolar gave props (30 Nov 2009):
excellent photo!!like it
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Karen K Smith gave props (5 Dec 2009):
Excellent image and words:))) very rad!
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Christopher J Chalk gave props (9 Dec 2009):
It's like a fairy tale castle! Great image and a lesson in history! Voted.
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Julien Maury gave props (10 Dec 2009):
Mhm Ok voted.
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Judy Wanamaker gave props (11 Dec 2009):
Fabulous capture and history. voted.
