France > France travel > Pays de la Loire > Saumur
Chateau du Saumur, Castles of Loire Valley
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 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.
SAUMUR CHATEAU photo is
©
chantography
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')
Chateau du Saumur: tourist information, map, travel plans and gites
Visit Saumur, France
|
|
|
Travel, hotels and holiday gites, Chateau du Saumur
See the Visit Chateau du Saumur section above for gites and hotels local to the area. For more general French travel options, see the Gites in France listings, or French holidays for other holidays, and Travel to France for ferries, Chateau du Saumur car-hire, eurotunnel, cheap flights etc.
Places to visit - Chateau du Saumur
- Candes Saint Martin, Centre Most beautiful village
- Chateau de Saumur Chateau
- Fontevraud Abbey, Centre Renowned abbey
- Montsoreau Most beautiful village, Pays de la Loire
- Thouars Medieval town, castle
- Saumur Loire valley town
- Bauge Pretty Loire town and castle
Any places listed above are within about 20-25 km (as the crow flies)
Information and photos of Chateau du Saumur, France
This Chateau du Saumur tourism guide, has information and holidays and photos when available. If you have any photos or relevant information please send them to us! Full credit will be given if they are used.
Comments
You can help? Post a relevant comment for visitors to this page!
