Château de Saumur
Saumur, Pays de la Loire, 49400
A listed Historic Monument and part of the Loire Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Château de Saumur is celebrated for its classic medieval architecture and is associated with centuries of royal intrigue. Overlooking the Loire River, the château features museum exhibitions, extensive grounds, and a scenic belvedere.
The basics
A royal residence in the 13th century and once used by Napoleon as a prison, the castle is today open to visitors as an architectural and historical masterwork, as well as a museum. Its exhibition areas include galleries dedicated to the decorative arts and to equestrian artifacts, including tapestries, ceramics, antique horse tack, and more. The Château de Saumur is a highlight among the Loire Valley’s hundreds of châteaux, and its central location in Saumur makes it easy to explore independently. It’s also included in the Muséo Pass scheme.
Things to know before you go
Owing to its heritage architecture, only parts of the château are accessible to wheelchair users. The upper floors and courtyard can only be reached by stairs.
Strollers and large bags are prohibited at the château, and lockers are also provided for other possessions.
The Château de Saumur runs a gift shop and also maintains an outdoor picnic area for visitors who wish to bring their own food and drinks.
You can buy your tickets on-site. Youths, students, and disabled visitors and their companions receive discounted entry.
Pets are not allowed in the ticketed area of the château.
How to get there
The Château de Saumur is at Esplanade Hubert Landais, 49400 Saumur. It is roughly equidistant between Angers and Tours, and typically 1 hour by car from each; free parking is offered on-site. Saumur also has a TER regional train station that links it to destinations such as Nantes, Angers, Tours, Blois, and Orléans. If visiting from Paris, take the TGV to Tours and then transfer to the TER to Saumur.
When to get there
For most of the year, the Château de Saumur is open daily from Tuesday to Sunday (as well as bank holiday Mondays). During its summer high season, from July to August, it is open daily. The château is typically open from morning until early evening, with some variation in timings throughout the year, and has shorter hours during the winter. It is closed annually on December 25, and January 1, and for most of January and early February.
Where to find Saumur’s highlights
If you're a history lover, then Saumur is an ideal destination for you. The scenic Loire Valley town's attractions don't end at its eponymous château. Other highlights include museums like the Cavalry Museum and Armor Museum, the Gardens of Puygirault, as well as the National Riding School's Cadre Noir equestrian team. And for visiting oenophiles, the region's wineries are well worth exploring, too.
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