Château de Saumur

We had a memorable visit, especially because of the powerful and beautiful fashion exhibit. This was such an unexpected surprise. The range of ceramics on view was memorable and, as a decorative arts historian, fascinating. Displays of objects associated with the long historical importance of equestrian activities associated with Saumur were also interesting. If you find yourself in Saumur, this is worth a visit. Be warned that you can take a steep hike up to the Château but there are easier ways to walk so take that into consideration.

Well worth the visit. You can walk around the ramparts for free but 9.50€ to enter the museum and the Keep. There are also two restaurants there for coffee or lunch available until 2pm. Great views over the valley.

Spectacularly beautiful Chateau - worth visiting just to see the outside. Not really much to see inside though - a couple of rooms and a lot of ceramics and old horsey stuff ( strong equine tradition in Saumur). As is usual in France the information boards are only in French but there are guide pamphlets in other languages. If you can’t access the interior due to mobility issues you haven’t missed much but worth seeing just for the outside. Really is beautiful.

Did not visit the inside as it is mainly various temporary expositions. The outside and the views over Saumur are well worth the detour. Old Town is lovely and the sense of peacefulness of a mid size French town on the river Loire is amazing.

The Chateau was really extraordinary as it stood tall just by the river in the Loire Valley. It is a 10th century fortress that also houses is a Museum of Decorative Arts and the Museum of Horse (see pic at the entrance).

Beautiful chateau atop the hill overlooking Saumar. Parking is free and entrance is 9€. Exhibitions have some English translations so it is worth having the Google Translate app open. Gives an in insight into the sites history and how it’s used has changed over time. Picnic area nearby and the town is about a five minute walk away.

Special weekend with stalls and shows. Brilliant two days (May 31 and June 1st 2025)

It has a magnificent view, but it's a shame that it doesn't have something remarkable inside. Inside there is nothing worthwhile. I had to visit in December when there are Christmas decorations and it was very disappointing 😅

This castle is the first Château we have visited in France. It is located at the Loire Valley. It is part of beautiful town Saumur. The castle was build at 962. Castle has been burn down and reconstructed. During 1368 the castle transformed to palace by Louis I. Napoleon has convert the castle to state prison 1808-1814. Now is listed as Museum. To visit the Château need 2.5 hour minimum. The best parking is at the top next to vineyard bridge to Château. Most of the nice room is at first floor. The first floor includes king's bedroom, great chamber, tower spiral staircase to great view of the town. The museum has collection of antiques at first floor. The compound has the abbey church which detached from the castle. This castle is use to be Protestant safe place during 1589.

Still doing construction but open to the public, we found Saint Maur to be a nice surprise. Having low expectations & initially just planning on walking around the grounds, we decided to go in at the last minute. Some rooms had nice tapestries, there was also an exhibit of porcelain from the 17 & 18th centuries that was really lovely The views of the city are worth the stairs Guided tours also available but we declined & stuck to walking around ourselves