Richelieu Small town with character

Come and explore Richelieu, a 17th-century masterpiece of urban planning! Stroll through its straight streets, designed by the Cardinal, admire its elegant architecture, and let yourself be charmed by the unique atmosphere of this ‘Petite Cité de Caractère’.

The Ideal City by Cardinal Richelieu

From Chinon, a lovely 20-kilometre greenway leads to Richelieu’s ‘Ideal City’. Ideal? Emerging during the Renaissance, the humanist movement focused on the organisation of city life, devising urban planning models that perfectly met the demands of everyday life. Thus, on the lands of his ancestors, on the border between Touraine and Poitou,Cardinal Richelieu began building, from 1631 onwards, a veritable palace – said to have inspired Louis XIV for the Palace of Versailles – and a town… his own town!

The Richelieu–Chinon Greenway

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Cape and sword festival in Richelieu
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Ville de Richelieu

A calendar of events

The Antiques Fair (May), the Art Fair (July), the Cape and Sword Festival (every two years), the Richelieu Music Festival (July/August), the Ceramics Festival (September)… any occasion is a good one to visit this charming little town!

Richelieu Town Hall website

27Jun20Sep

Exposition "Richelieu, bâtisseur d'une puissance maritime"

5Aug

La virée des Mousquetaires - Visite théâtralisée de Richelieu

25Jul9Aug

20ème Festival de Musique de Richelieu

7Aug

Nocturne Gourmande du Cardinal

Practical information for your stay in Richelieu

Visit Richelieu On the border between Touraine and Poitou

Along with the Sorbonne and the Palais Royal in Paris, the Cité de Richelieu is the Cardinal’s third major architectural achievement, all of which were overseen by Jacques Lemercier. Although the château itself was destroyed in the 19th century, you can still enjoy the vast 500-hectare park, which is open to the public 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 market halls andthe Church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption. As you explore, admire the town’s 28 mansions: these were built for the dignitaries who accompanied Richelieu and the King.

Another notable feature: Richelieu is a fortified town, with ramparts and moats, accessed via three monumental gates.

For an in-depth exploration of the area, join a guided tour organised by the Tourist Office, or pop into the Musée de Richelieu andthe Espace Richelieu.

You’ll learn, for example, that to populate his new town, the Cardinal had secured a tax exemption from the king. Or that no fewer than 2,000 workers were involved in creating this unique masterpiece of 17th-century urban planning.

Sightseeing route

Follow the two discovery trails in Richelieu: one through the town, the other through the park. Enjoy your walk!

Office de Tourisme Azay-Chinon Val de Loire Tourisme, Bureau d’accueil de Richelieu

In the vicinity

Halfway betweenToursand Futuroscope, the town of Richelieu is one of the tourist highlights of the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Nature Park.

Cardinal Richelieu The Red Eminence

Whilst the Middle Ages and the Renaissance have shaped the identity of the Loire Valley, immerse yourself in 17th-century history with the town of Richelieu and its Cardinal. Appointed Bishop of Luçon (Vendée) in 1606 by Henry IV, Armand Jean du Plessis de Richelieu patiently began his political rise, supported by Marie de Médicis, who had become Queen Mother following the King’s death. Although his relationship with the young Louis XIII was not an easy one, he nevertheless managed to establish himself in the corridors of power.Appointed Cardinal in 1622by Pope Gregory XV, he joined the King’s Council two years later.

The King’s powerful ecclesiastical adviser would take the lead in combating Protestant influence within the kingdom’s borders (he successfully led the siege of La Rochelle, their stronghold), whilst supporting certain Protestant states outside the kingdom to counter the power of the Habsburgs. At the same time, he worked to expand royal power at the expense of the nobility, a move that earned him many enemies. His personal safety therefore had to be ensured by musketeers, made famous by the writings of Alexandre Dumas.

Have a drink

Take a seat on the terrace of the Town Hall bar or at Le Richelieu brasserie. And enjoy the unique atmosphere of this ‘Petite Cité de Caractère’!