Discover Le Lude through a range of different themes: the gardens of Château du Lude, Renaissance art, historical connections and regional produce. For outdoor activities, there is also a walking trail and greenways for cyclists. When choosing accommodation, you can decide whether to focus on gardens and history, food or outdoor activities.
Gardens between the château and the Loir
The gardens of Château du Lude have been designated a “Jardin remarquable” by the French Ministry of Culture. The kitchen garden has a special place within the estate: it covers two hectares, is laid out on three levels and was designed by Edouard André in 1880. Permaculture-inspired principles are also used in the kitchen garden. Its design and cultivation methods thus offer two different perspectives on how this garden is shaped.
The gardens are laid out on terraces between the château and the course of the Loir. A botanical promenade features trees and shrubs, mainly from China. Together with the kitchen garden, this makes for a varied garden estate: the terraces, vegetable plots and botanical promenade each have their own character. Visitors with a particular interest in garden design will find more than just one focal point here.
Renaissance art and the history of Château du Lude
Château du Lude preserves an ornament of the Italian Renaissance described as unique among French châteaux. The château’s historical visitors include Henri IV, Louis XIII and the Marquise de Sévigné. Another specific date is 1685, when the Daillon line ended with Henri, Duke of Lude, Peer of France and Grand Master of Artillery. The historical visitors and the end of the Daillon line offer different perspectives on the château’s history.
Weekly market and seasonal preserves
The old vaulted kitchens of Château du Lude have been in use since the 15th century. Seasonal preserves are prepared there during the Journées gourmandes. However, this recurring event does not take place on the same dates or follow the same programme every year. Check the current event details if you would like to include the Journées gourmandes in your plans.
Le Lude’s weekly market brings together around 30 vendors, including local producers, and offers regional specialities. The number of vendors and the market arrangements may change, so check the municipal information before setting off. There are thus two different options for food lovers: a weekly market and an event featuring seasonal preserves, with dates and a programme that vary from year to year.
On foot or by bike
The municipal Circuit de Cherré is a 16.6-kilometre walking trail. The stated duration is 4 hours and 15 minutes. Check the distance and estimated time against current municipal route information before setting off. This gives you a specific route and time estimate to work with when planning your day, without treating the stated duration as fixed.
Cyclists can follow the voie verte from Le Lude town centre towards Luché-Pringé and La Flèche, continuing as far as Baugé. There is also a paved greenway between Le Lude and La Flèche. Check current route conditions and signage before setting off; for the voie verte, also take into account the connecting sections. When comparing the options, the distinction is useful: the Circuit is described as a walking trail with an estimated duration, while the voie verte gives cyclists a direction and named places to follow.
The gardens and château will appeal especially to travellers interested in design, history and culture. The weekly market and Journées gourmandes offer different culinary highlights, while the Circuit de Cherré and voie verte provide different ways to get active. Plan your overnight stay around whichever of these is most important to your visit to Le Lude.
Discover more destinations: Villeneuve-en-Perseigne, Chahaignes, Louplande, Dureil, Pezé-le-Robert, Mamers, Montbizot, Saint-Paterne.
For the main travel overview: Sarthe.
