Visit Richelieu: a fortified city with a perfect plan

The ideal city of Cardinal de Richelieu

Like other cycle tourists, leave Chinon by bike along the prettyvoie verte 20-kilometre route, which reaches the Ideal City of Richelieu. Ideal? The humanist movement, which emerged during the Renaissance, focused on the organisation of city life, devising urban planning models that perfectly met the needs of everyday life. In 1631, on the land of his ancestors, on the border between Touraine and Poitou, thee Cardinal de Richelieu had a veritable palace built, which is said to have inspired Louis XIV to build the Château de Versailles, and a town… his town!

©Cape and sword festival in Richelieu|Ville de Richelieu

Richelieu en arts

From June to September, discover exceptional skills and objects, thanks to art craftsmen and second-hand dealers set up in around 15 shops. Other major events: the antiques fair (May), the art fair (July), the cape and sword festival (every 2 years), the Richelieu music festival (July/August), the ceramics festival (September)… any occasion is a good one to visit this little city of character!

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Visit Richelieu On the borders of Touraine and Poitou

Along with the Sorbonne and the Royal Palace in Paris, the Cité de Richelieu is the th major architectural achievement of the Cardinal, all led by Jacques Lemercier. Failing to see the château, which was destroyed in the 19th century, enjoy the grand 500-hectare park, which is freely accessible and crossed by a diverted river: the Mable. Then, as you enter the town through the south gate, discover the market square (every Friday morning!), with its covered market and Notre Dame de l’Assomption church. As you explore, admire the town’s 28 private mansions: these were intended for the notables accompanying Richelieu and the King.

For an in-depth look at the sites follow a guided tour offered by the Tourist Office, or push open the door of the Musée de Richelieu and the Espace Richelieu.

You’ll learn, for example, that to populate his new town, the Cardinal had obtained a tax exemption from the King. Or that no fewer than 2,000 workers worked on this unique masterpiece of 17th-century town planning. Another remarkable point is that Richelieu is a fortified city, with ramparts and a moat, accessed via three monumental gates.

Tourist route

From summer 2025, follow two routes to discover Richelieu, one in the town, the other in the park. Enjoy the walk!

In the vicinity

Midway between Tours and Futuroscope, the town of Richelieu is one of the tourist gems of the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Nature Park.

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The Cardinal of Richelieu The red eminence

If the Middle Ages and the Renaissance have left their mark on the identity of the Loire Valley, plunge into the history of the 17th century with the town of Richelieu and its Cardinal. Appointed Bishop of Luçon (Vendée) in 1606 by Henri IV, Armand Jean du Plessis de Richelieu patiently began his political rise, supported by Marie de Médicis, who became Queen Mother on the death of the King. Although his relationship with the young Louis XIII was not easy, he nevertheless succeeded in establishing himself in the spheres of power. Appointed Cardinal in 1622 by Pope Gregory XV, he joined the King’s Council 2 years later.

The king’s powerful ecclesiastic was directly involved in the fight against the influence of the Protestants within the borders (he successfully undertook the siege of La Rochelle, their stronghold), while supporting certain Protestant states outside the kingdom to counteract the power of the Habsburgs. At the same time, he worked to develop royal power to the detriment of the nobility, which earned him much enmity. His physical protection had to be provided by musketeers, made famous by Alexandre Dumas.

Have a drink

Sit down on the terrace of the hotel barde ville or the brasserie Le Richelieu. And enjoy the singular surroundings of this Petite Cité de Caractère!