Château de Saumur

Château de Saumur

Château de Saumur is located in the Loire Valley region, on the mandatory route through the famous Valley of the Kings. Built in the late 11th century, the castle has served multiple roles over the centuries—as a defensive fortress, a leisure villa, a royal residence in Saumur, a prison, and even a warehouse for weapons and ammunition. The towering castle overlooks the entire city and the rushing waters of the Loire River. In 1906, the municipality of Saumur purchased the castle from the state. After partial restoration, it now houses the Municipal Museum.

With its soaring octagonal towers, ancient windows fitted with mullions, Gothic gables, and crenellations adorned with fleurs-de-lis, the exquisitely beautiful Château de Saumur resembles a castle from a fairy tale. Its elegant silhouette is gracefully reflected in the waters of the Loire. In 1457, King René wrote in his novel "Le Cuer d’amours espris": “A beautiful castle built upon emerald stones, with diamonds sparkling at its heart... the gates are carved from chalcedony and agate, shaped like diamonds... Clearly, this beautiful castle is the Château de Saumur in Anjou, quietly situated along the banks of the Loire...”

For over ten years, Château de Saumur has been undergoing extensive restoration, which is still ongoing. As a result, its grand halls are not open to the public, but during the tourist season, the Château de Saumur welcomes visitors. The castle undoubtedly houses some of the finest treasures in the field of decorative arts... Its art collection primarily features decorative artworks from the 14th to the 18th century, ranging from ceramics to equestrian equipment.

Château de Saumur

Must-visit reason: One of the most beautiful castles in the Loire Valley region

Continent where the attraction is located: Europe【Europe】

Country/region where the attraction is located: France[France]

Province/state where the attraction is located: Centre-Val de Loire [Centre Region]