The Chateau de Cande is located in the small commune of Monts, approximately 10 kilometres south of Tours, and is a charming and delightful tourist destination. The chateau became part of the world stage on 3rd June 1937 when it became the site of the marriage between the Duke of Windsor, former King of England, and Mrs. Simpson. Today this famous chateau provides visitors with the opportunity to view the mansion as it was in 1937 and walk in the footsteps of Edward and Wallis. Housing a museum of clothes, furniture and memorabilia makes this museum a perfect snapshot of the times and provides visitors with access to the dining room, music lounge, Fern Bedaux’s room, Charles Bedaux’s office, library and a genuine 1930’s bathroom. Within the music lounge can be seen the recently re-furbished organ which is known to be one of the only three remaining in the world of its kind.
The Chateau de Cande is a tranquil, quiet retreat, nestled within a beautiful wooded landscape and overlooking the River Indre. Surrounded by 250 hectares of its own, well tended land, the chateau is today in the hands of the local government who maintains the building and grounds as they would have been in 1937. The chateau began life as a Renaissance styled country estate in the 16th century, built by Francis Briconnet, the Mayor of Tours. Between 1853 and 1927 the property was owned by Santiago Drake del Castillo who expanded and altered the chateau with Neo-Gothic styling, and in the process tripled its size. In 1927 the chateau was purchased by Charles and Fern Bedaux who extensively renovated and modernised the building by upgrading it with running water, flushing toilets, in-wall heating and a telephone connection. At this time a tennis court, gymnasium, golf course and a solarium were also added. Charles Bedaux passed away in 1944, and his widow Fern inherited the property which she bequeathed to the state in 1972. The museum provides guided tours.
The opening times displayed are from April to end of September, please check the website for more details or check with the local tourism office.
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