"Built in the 10th century, the stunning Château de Saumur once served as an army barracks, and then later as a state prison under Napoléon. Today, it houses a so-so municipal museum, but it’s the spectacular views of the Loire River, best enjoyed from the castle’s Belvedere Tower, that attract thousands of visitors each year. Crowds also gather here each June to watch the cyclists in the annual Anjou Vélo Vintage race, which ends at the port beneath the castle."
Beautiful chateau, so much to see. Amazing architecture, displays of artifacts and information boards. Staff friendly and helpful. Toilets were rank, someone had made a right mess..
Very interesting reading about the history of the chateau.
Highly recommend.
Alexandra Deutsch
Google
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.
Douglas Langrehr
Google
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.
Carl King
Google
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.
Jon Ingram
Google
9 euros each for entry.
Vaguely interesting to visit inside but I was surprised at some of the displays - Persian ladies clothing and Chinese plates seemed incongruous. A couple of boards were available recounting the history of the Chateau but otherwise not so interesting. The city views were enchanting but much more could be made of the site really.
Beware steep steps up and down. Perhaps a guided tour would be a good idea?
arnold stout
Google
Beautiful setting, even if Google did not tell us about a parking facility near the entrance which would have saved us a big climb. Impressive chateau, the Loire is famous for them
B
Google
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.
Marie Pailing
Google
Absolutely beautiful and amazing location. The Chateau is outstanding and so well cared for. Saumur is a very po Terry vibrant town with lots to see and do
Boon C.
Yelp
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.
Adrienne G.
Yelp
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