Château de l'Ardoise, Historical castle in La Chapelle-Saint-Mesmin, France
The Château de l'Ardoise is a country estate in La Chapelle-Saint-Mesmin located southwest of the town center, positioned near the Loire River. The property sits between Tortue Street and Ardoise Street, with a wrought iron gate marking the entrance to the grounds.
The current structure replaced a 16th-century fortification that featured a round tower 16 meters in diameter used to monitor traffic on the road between Meung-sur-Loire and Orleans. The property changed ownership following the French Revolution when it was transferred from church holdings to other proprietors.
The estate belonged to Saint-Mesmin de Micy Abbey before being sold to the Chapter of Sainte-Croix Cathedral in Orleans after the French Revolution.
Access to the grounds is through the wrought iron gate on Ardoise Street, from which a tree-lined avenue leads to the main building. The interior typically requires advance arrangements to visit, so it is best to contact the property ahead of time.
Excavations by Ernest Pillon uncovered foundations of a medieval defensive tower and remains of an ancient village settlement. These discoveries reveal that the site has served as an administrative and residential area for many centuries.
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