10 April 2021 | Tourism
Château de Saumur in the Loire Valley
Visit the 11th century Château de Saumur which overlooks the charming town of Saumur in the Loire Valley. Learn how the castle served as a fortress, prison and residence for important local figures and complete your visit by exploring the museum housing magnificent works of art.
The history
It was transformed into a royal fortress at the beginning of the 13th century. Until the end of the Old Regime, this castle served as the residence of the various governors of the city. It also served as a prison in the 18th century. He was saved from the destruction to which Napoleon 1st dedicated him.
An exceptional panorama
Located in the historic heart of the city, you will have an exceptional panorama of the Loire and its valley, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The collections
Since 1912, the Château de Saumur has housed rich collections from the municipal museum, with the "Musée de France" label. Its collections are varied (decorative arts, fine arts, ethnology, archaeology, natural sciences) and of high quality. Its strengths: ceramics (one of the finest collections of earthenware in France), tapestries (most of which are classified as Historic Monuments). In the "Caserne Feuquière" courtyard are the remains of the former abbey church of the monastery of Saint-Florent du château.
The visit of the Château de Saumur
Decorative Arts Collection
Located on the 1st floor and free visit. You will find a collection of prehistoric objects and Gallo-Roman antiquities, fossils and minerals, as well as an important natural history collection.
Horse collection
2nd floor, free visit.
The collection includes more than 7,200 works and objects, pieces of harness, ramming, costumes, veterinary instruments, anatomical elements but also paintings, sculptures, prints, books, photographs, ceramics relating horses and equines in general.
Outdoor spaces
The gardens are freely accessible and you can get as close as possible to the monument, you will observe ramparts, barnyard and the panorama.
The belvedere
The roofs of the castle offer a magnificent view of the city and the Loire.
Access from 1st June to 30th September
Temporary exhibitions
TOLKIEN - THE POWER OF IMAGINATION Event date: Saturday, June 03, 2023 to Sunday, November 05, 2023
Thanks to the exceptional loan of works from the Tolkien tapestry woven by the Cité internationale de la Tapisserie, Aubusson, the Château-Museum takes its visitors on a journey into the universe of the creator of The Lord of the Rings and explores the prolific world of fantasy.
CHARLES LAIR AND THE CASTLE OF SAUMUR Event date: Saturday, October 22, 2022 to Monday, May 01, 2023
