Château de Saumur
Perched on a chalk promontory above the Loire, Château de Saumur looks exactly like the castle a medieval illuminator would dream up — white tuffeau stone glowing gold at dusk, pepper-pot towers piercing a blue sky. It has anchored the skyline for nearly a thousand years and rewards every angle you approach it from.
Inside the Walls
The château houses two permanent museums: the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, stuffed with medieval tapestries, faïence and furniture, and the Musée du Cheval, a surprisingly riveting collection tracing the history of horsemanship from ancient stirrups to 19th-century saddles. Allow at least two hours to do both justice.
The panoramic terrace on the upper level is the real prize. On a clear day you can trace the silver ribbon of the Loire meeting the Thouet, spot the spires of Saint-Pierre below, and understand in an instant why the Plantagenets fought so hard to hold this bend in the river.
Getting the Most from Your Visit
Book tickets online in advance during July and August when queues snake down the hill. The château runs themed evening openings in summer — torchlit tours in French and English that turn the limestone corridors properly atmospheric.
Combine your visit with a walk down through the old town's rue Saint-Nicolas, lined with 15th-century tuffeau townhouses, to end at a riverside café for a glass of Saumur Blanc while the castle catches the last of the light.
More of Saumur
Discover where to stay, what to do and the best deals for your trip.
Explore Saumur →
