You are here: Visit France > Regions of France> Pays de la Loire > Maine-et-Loire > Chateau de Saumur

Chateau de Saumur

Hotels

Chateau de Saumur Car Hire

Saumur Hotels

 

(or enter new destination)

Check-in date

12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031

Check-out date

12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031

Search

Best Price Guaranteed
Reserve online, pay at the hotel.

Visit 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')