Le Lude

History in microcosm Château du Lude, Sarthe The seat of the comte and comtesse Louis-Jean de Nicolay An idyllic French castle on the banks of the River Loir proves to have an unexpected depth and complexity of history, as John Goodall discovers Photographs by Will Pryce O walk around Château du Lude tower at each corner and a lodging range (Fig 1) is seemingly to enjoy a along its southern side. The fabric of this history of French architecture in medieval inner court forms the base over T a single building. Where the castle which the castle has been developed and overshadows the road that crosses the River adapted over the centuries. As a result, the Loir, the visitor can enjoy the drama of ver- castle today comprises an astonishing six tiginous medieval fortress. On the opposite, floors, the lower two of which are substan- southern, side is the splendour of a Renais- tially medieval. sance frontage flanked by towers and with To the east of this was a smaller outer a broad balcony overlooking the park. To bailey with towers at its outer corners. A dog- the west is a polite 18th-century façade that leg approach gave access through it to the rises above a small formal garden. Finally, inner court. The main gate with a drawbridge the entrance court to the west with its fine across the moat stood to the south side of enclosing arcade evoke on a grand scale the outer bailey.