Richelieu Park

Cardinal Richelieu (1585-1642), Jean-Armand du Plessis, Prime Minister to Louis XIII, commissioned the construction of a magnificent château in Richelieu around 1630, based on plans by Jacques Lemercier.

This château, a grand symbol of his prestige, was the largest in France ever built before Versailles. It housed the Cardinal's extensive art collection. After being abandoned during the French Revolution, the château was demolished in 1835, with the exception of the dome, the orangery, and the wine cellar, which can still be seen during walks in the park. The banker Michel Heine purchased the estate in 1877 and commissioned restoration work: planting long rows of trees along the avenues, restoring the moat, and installing a hydraulic system.

Remarkable avenues of century-old plane and chestnut trees, canals, elegant bridges, remains of the château, a rose garden, and rare trees (sequoias, bald cypresses, Judas trees) are among the highlights.

50 minutes southwest of Tours
A10, Exit 25 Sainte-Maure