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Chateau de Saumur

Saumur chateau sits proudly above Saumur, the town, and the Loire River. It looks even more splendid when lit up at night.

Located in the French town of Saumur, in the Maine-et-Loire (historically Anjou) department, the Château de Saumur was originally constructed as a fortified stronghold. The original castle was destroyed in 1067, to be rebuilt a century later in much the form we see it today (by English King Kinry II) - although a significant amount of the fortifications were added in later centuries.

In the early 13th century Saumur returned to the hands of the French, under King Philippe II, and it was his son King Louis IX (Saint Louis) who was responsible for the castle's rebirth.

The chateau changed hands several times during the centuries that followed, following the frequent transitions of the region between the English and the French.

In 1589 the Protestant King Henri IV (of France and Navarre) gave the castle as a gift to Duplessis-Mornay.

Just 32 years later the castle was converted into an army barracks - a role it served until it became a prison under the rule of Napoleon Bonaparte.

The chateau now contains several museums, including a Museum of Decorative Arts (lots of bone china); the Museum of the Horse (saddles!); and a Museum of Toys. take your pick according to your personal fascinations! - check before visiting, because a major collapse at the castle in 2001 has meant the highlights from each museum have been combined in one)

(You can also see Chateau du Saumur in 'castles of France')

Visit Chateau de Saumur (Pays de la Loire, Maine-et-Loire) travel, gites and hotels

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Tourist Classifications for Chateau de Saumur

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Places to visit near Chateau de Saumur, France

Explore places of interest within about 70 kilometres on a map at places near Chateau de Saumur.

Some places to visit within 30 km: 20 km: Candes-Saint-Martin (Most beautiful village) 17 km: Fontevraud Abbey (Renowned abbey) 16 km: Montsoreau (Most beautiful village) 1 km: Saumur (Loire valley town)

See also Chateau de Saumur (version Francais)