How long does it take to visit the château du Lude?

Visiting the château and its gardens takes about two hours.

Is the château du Lude accessible for visitors with reduced mobility?

The visit is entirely on one level, with no stairs to climb.

Are dogs allowed at the château du Lude?

Yes, dogs are allowed as long as they are kept on a leash.

How old is the château du Lude?

The current building dates mainly from the 16th century, built on the remains of an earlier medieval fortress.

Château du Lude

Lude Castle

Le Lude

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Tickets and prices

Adult: €12
Child: €6

Prices and tickets on the château’s website

Prices checked at the source on August 4, 2026

Visit duration: 120 min
Where: Le Lude

To make a day of it

Open within 20 km

Sleep nearby

Château du Lude stands in Le Lude (Sarthe), in the Pays de la Loire region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 16th century, third quarter of the 19th century). Adult admission costs 12 EUR. Its opening hours and prices were verified at the source on August 4, 2026.

Standing on the banks of the Loir river, the château du Lude brings together four centuries of French architecture within a single building, originally a medieval fortress gradually turned into a pleasure residence by the Daillon family from the 15th century onward. Visitors can see a Renaissance facade known as the François Ier wing alongside a later classical 18th century addition, reflecting successive phases of transformation. The surrounding gardens, partly laid out by landscape designer Edouard André in the 19th century, hold the Jardin remarquable label and are included in the visit. The estate also preserves a 19th century hydraulic water wheel once used to irrigate nearby meadows.

Written from Château du Lude

What to know

Allow around two hours to visit the château and its gardens.
The visit takes place on a single level, with no stairs involved.
Dogs are allowed on a leash.
The adult ticket costs 12 euros.
The château is a listed historic monument, along with its fortified structure and gardens.

Practical information

Opening hours

du 4 avril au 30 septembre: Château 10h30-12h30 / 14h30-18h, Jardins 10h-12h30 / 14h-18h
week-ends d'octobre et vacances scolaires d'hiver: Château 14h30-18h, Jardins 14h-18h

Annual closures : 24; 25 and 31 December; 1 January

Prices

Adult: €12
Child: €6

Visit duration: 120 min
Wheelchair access: Ground floor accessible
Dogs: Allowed on a lead
Parking: Not verified

The château, gardens and outbuildings are accessible to visitors with reduced mobility, excluding upper floors.

Where this château is

Le Lude · Sarthe · Pays de la Loire

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Le Lude, Sarthe

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

Get directions View on a map

Heritage status: Listed historic monument (classé); Mérimée record PA00109788
Period of construction: 16th century, third quarter of the 19th century

In pictures

Frequently asked

Château du Lude: how much is admission?: Adult admission is €12. Child: €6.
How long does it take to visit the château du Lude?: Visiting the château and its gardens takes about two hours.
Is the château du Lude accessible for visitors with reduced mobility?: The visit is entirely on one level, with no stairs to climb.
Are dogs allowed at the château du Lude?: Yes, dogs are allowed as long as they are kept on a leash.
How old is the château du Lude?: The current building dates mainly from the 16th century, built on the remains of an earlier medieval fortress.

Information verified on August 4, 2026 · Hours and prices: see the official website