The history of Château de La Bourdaisière begins in the Middle Ages, when Marshal Jean I le Meingre, the deputy governor of Touraine, built a fortress in the mid-14th century to protect the outskirts of Tours from English attacks. The estate changed hands several times, with the first recorded sale occurring in 1482, when it was purchased by Louis de La Mézière, then Mayor of Tours.

A new chapter unfolded during the Renaissance, beginning with the marriage of Marie Gaudin, heiress of La Bourdaisière and famed mistress of King François I, to Philibert Babou. Babou rebuilt the medieval fortress into a Renaissance country residence during the 1520s. This new château welcomed François I and his successors during their stays in Touraine. Their son, Jean II Babou, fortified the structure and added the south-east tower to the ramparts.

In the early 17th century, the new owner, Marquis Nicolas Gouffier de Crèvecœur, added stables and constructed a wing bordering the moat. However, financial ruin forced him to sell the estate in 1674. Over the following decades, the château passed through several prominent hands, becoming a fashionable gathering place for Touraine’s elite. In 1768, the Duc de Luynes traded the estate with the Duc de Choiseul, who later ordered the demolition of Crèvecœur’s grand construction, leaving only the medieval keep and the Babou manor.

During the French Revolution, the property was confiscated from its then-owner, the Duchesse d’Orléans, and sold as national property in 1794. It was purchased by Armand Dubernad, a wine merchant. In 1802, Dubernad’s heirs sold the estate to Joseph Angelier, who undertook extensive renovations, adding a neo-Renaissance façade and removing most of the remaining medieval elements. His son and grandson continued to enhance the property throughout the 19th century, adding decorative features, reinforcing the terrace, and constructing a new tower and chapel.

In the 20th century, the château saw a succession of owners, including an American, Mme de Mérinville, who hosted the Duke of Windsor in 1937. It was later occupied by the Germans during World War II and briefly used as a military school after liberation.

With its illustrious history, the chateau was declared a Historic Monument in 1947, although it fell into neglect. In 1959, the commune of Montlouis acquired the château to house a retirement home, but eventually, it no longer met modern standards. The chateau was sold to Maître François Michaud in 1988 before Château de La Bourdaisière was ultimately purchased in 1991 by the Princes of Broglie, who began restoring it to its former grandeur.

The architecture of Château De La Bourdaisière is a visual representation of its rich history, combining Medieval, Renaissance, and neo-Renaissance elements.

Though the château’s current silhouette reflects Renaissance architecture, elements of the original medieval structure remain, including moats, a corner tower, and a spiral staircase. However, much of the fortress was transformed or replaced in the latter constructions. The exterior boasts tall slate roofs, elegant symmetry, and stone walls that were remnants of the chateau rebuilt by Philibert Babou during the Renaissance.

On the other hand, 19th-century neo-Renaissance touches further add grandeur and enhance the chateau's picturesque silhouette. The manicured gardens and terraced grounds create a setting that complements the chateau's design and romantic ambiance.

Inside, the chateau evokes the warmth and refinement of a castle that once housed prominent figures and members of the French nobility. Common spaces like living rooms, dining rooms, and lounges have high ceilings, tiled or carpeted flooring, and paneled walls. Period furniture and lavish antiques like Louis-style chairs, rich tapestries, and sparkling chandeliers are reminiscent of its Renaissance heritage.

Similar to the common rooms, the 26 rooms and apartments are reflective of the chateau's glory days. Renovated by Louis Albert de Broglie, the bedrooms have their own unique styles, featuring spacious beds, patterned wallpaper, and heirloom furnishings. But despite its fairytale-like appearance, the rooms are equipped with modern conveniences, including a room for guests with limited mobility.

The dining experience at Château De La Bourdaisière is centered around ingredients sourced from local suppliers, the chateau's garden, and its rich supply of tomatoes from the National Tomato Conservatory.

Breakfast

For 17 EUR (20 USD), begin your day with a delightful continental breakfast in the castle lounge. Kids breakfast is also available at 8.5 EUR (10 USD). Breakfast is available via room service at 20 EUR (23 USD) for adults.

Serving time: 8 AM to 10:30 AM

Dinner

Savor a three-course dinner made from ingredients from the garden and local producers. The dinner service is available 5 days a week and requires a reservation.

Bar Tomato

With Château De La Bourdaisière's connection to the National Tomato Conservatory, guests are in for a treat at Bar Tomato, a seasonal open-air kitchen set within the chateau's dahlia garden. Bar Tomato showcases the best of seasonal produce and the chef's creative inspiration. Sip on fresh tomato juice and fruit juices from the garden and enjoy tomato-based dishes along with local products like goat's cheese, trillions, and more.

Bar Tomato is also a space of learning and curiosity, so don't hesitate to ask the chef for tips on cooking or the gardener for organic gardening advice!

Availability: mid-April to end of September
Opening hours: 11 AM to 5:30 PM
Lunch: 12 PM to 3 PM
Dinner: 7 PM to 9 PM

Boasting more than 30 years of wedding planning experience, celebrate your special day at Château De La Bourdaisière. From ornate rooms and spacious gardens to the romantic indoor setting, guests have different location options where they can say "I do" and tie the knot.

Accommodation Package
Includes rental of the hotel's 25 rooms and 4 apartments
Capacity: 75 people

Terrace
Venue type and style: Cocktail terrace and 320 sq m vaulted reception room
Capacity: up to 300 seated people

Altar and Chapel
Venue type and style: Outdoor altar and chapel
Capacity: 20 people

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

One of the main features of the chateau is its National Tomato Conservatory, a large garden housing more than 700 varieties of tomatoes. The conservatory was the brainchild of Louis Albert de Broglie from trips to India and Asia. From there, the garden has housed tomatoes from around the world: from Naples and Iraq, all the way to Australia.

Château De La Bourdaisière also celebrates this beloved fruit by hosting the annual Festival de la Tomate (Tomato Festival), inviting thousands of visitors, chefs, gardeners, and food enthusiasts. Shop for organic tomatoes or seeds, sample tomato-based dishes, and learn more about harvesting and growing your own tomatoes at home.

Aside from the Tomato Festival, the chateau also hosts anatomy lessons, a Forest and Wood Festival, and a Plant Festival held every Easter weekend. Educational art trails, fun escape games, and other on-site activities also provide entertainment for guests of all ages.

Château De La Bourdaisière offers a wealth of outdoor amenities that make every stay memorable. Take a dip in the pool (open from mid-June to mid-September) or enjoy a few rounds of tennis at the outdoor court. Around the chateau, there are running and walking trails spanning from 1 to 5 kilometers, perfect for fitness enthusiasts or those who want a short change of scenery. For longer excursions, guests can also rent bikes to explore the wonders of the Loire Valley.

Aside from the tomato conservatory, the chateau also boasts a dahlia garden redesigned by famous landscaper Louis Benech. With over 400 varieties, the garden allows visitors a glimpse into the rich biodiversity and beauty of the flowers. There's also a 70-hectare English-style park with cedar, sequoia, chestnut trees, where guests can walk around and enjoy the shade from the towering trees.

The chateau offers indoor and outdoor spaces perfect for intimate celebrations and parties.

Small rooms can accommodate groups of 14 to 30 people, while a large cellar is available for up to 199 guests. Opened in 2017, the subdued lighting and illumination from multiple candles create a mysterious yet inviting atmosphere perfect for family or professional gatherings.

Seminar packages are also available, covering accommodation, meals, and the use of equipment.

For all event inquiries, make sure to coordinate with the property hosts to ensure a hassle-free celebration that's one for the books.