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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The Chateau de Saumur hotels listed feature descriptions, guest reviews, ratings, location maps, online booking etc. as well as the 'best-price' guarantee. The search for hotels in Chateau de Saumur is provided by booking.com. General holiday / vacation options- See Pays de la Loire gites for Saumur holiday rentals - Holiday villages in Pays de la Loire Holidays nearbyLooking for something close by? See a wide choice of hotels, holiday villages and holiday rentals at: VisitSee Visit Chateau de Saumur for places to visit near Chateau de Saumur including: a detailed map, villages in bloom and most beautiful villages DiscussAsk questions or leave a comment about Chateau de Saumur in our Pays de la Loire forum Airports near Chateau de SaumurAngers airport at 42 km Poitiers airport at 85 km Tours airport at 91 km Chateau de Saumur property for saleSee Pays de la Loire property for sale
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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)
