Château de la Noue

Château de la Noue stands in the small village of Villedômer, in the Indre-et-Loire department of France's Loire Valley, and remains a private family estate rather than a museum piece.

What does the château look like?

Two large round towers anchor the building, both believed to date back to the 16th century. A further wing was added at a right angle to the main block in the late 1800s, giving the property its current, more spread-out footprint. Step inside the reception rooms and original 17th-century wood panelling is still in place - alongside the towers, it's the feature most often singled out by visitors and heritage records alike.

Who built it, and who has owned it since?

The estate's origins trace back to the 16th century under the Bouault family. One family member, René Bouault, sieur de la Noue, served as mayor of nearby Amboise between 1596 and 1599, linking this modest countryside property to a much larger Loire Valley town. Ownership changed in 1826, when General Baron Amédée de Cools - chief of staff of the Royal Guard - acquired the château. His descendants have kept it in the family ever since.

Is the château officially protected?

Part of it, yes. A decree issued on 1 June 1948 listed the facades and roofs of the 17th-century section, together with the two 16th-century towers, as a monument historique, the French register of protected heritage buildings. Not every part of the estate carries this protection - only the historically significant elements named in the decree.

Can visitors stay or tour the grounds?

Rather than operating as a public museum, Château de la Noue runs as a bed-and-breakfast (chambres d'hôtes) and hires out its rooms for private events and receptions. This dual role - part family home, part small-scale hospitality venue - is common among the lesser-known châteaux scattered across Touraine, letting owners maintain the property while still opening its doors to outside guests.

Where exactly is Villedômer?

Villedômer sits in the Centre-Val de Loire region, a short distance from Amboise, one of the Loire's best-known towns thanks to its royal château and its association with Leonardo da Vinci. That proximity makes Château de la Noue a worthwhile stop for travellers who want to see a quieter, less-visited property without straying far from the region's main attractions.

Frequently asked questions

What period does the château date from? The two round towers are the oldest visible parts, dated to the 16th century, while the interior panelling belongs to the 17th century. The extra wing was added in the late 19th century.

Is it open to the public like a museum? No - it operates as a private estate offering bed-and-breakfast stays and event hire rather than museum-style visits.

Who owned the château historically? The Bouault family held it in the 16th century, including René Bouault, mayor of Amboise. General Baron Amédée de Cools bought the estate in 1826.

Is the château a protected monument? Yes. Since a 1948 decree, its facades, roofs, and two towers have been listed as a monument historique.