For centuries, Saumur has breathed to the rhythm of its castle. Visible for miles on its rocky peak, this fortress is like the castles of our storybooks and our fairy tales.
Château-palace of the Dukes of Anjou in the 1906th and XNUMXth centuries, the Château de Saumur, in which King René resided, is the last example of the princely palaces erected by the Valois dynasty. Residence of the governors of the City, prison, then depot of weapons and ammunition, it was bought by the City in XNUMX to house the municipal museum, today Museum of France.
Today we discover the rich collections distributed in the former apartments of the Dukes of Anjou within an educational museography. On the 1st floor of the monument, you can admire the Decorative Arts section. Furniture, tapestries and ceramics from the 2th to the 7th century are exhibited there. On the 200nd floor, the importance of the horse collection, with more than XNUMX pieces of harness, books and works of art, allows for regular renewal of the themes presented. And always... an exceptional view of the Loire and the city!
"Let's drink! Earthenware tells the story of wine"
From one Loire region to another, the exhibition is the result of a co-production between the towns of Saumur and Nevers, under the scientific curatorship of Jean Rosen, emeritus research director at the CNRS. A selection of nearly 200 works traces the parallel evolution of wine and earthenware from the XNUMXth to the XNUMXth century, with exceptional loans from the Louvre, Sèvres - National Manufacture and Museum, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, the museums of Dijon, the Museum of Decorative Arts of Strasbourg, as well as private collections.
“Games & jousting on horseback” (on the second floor of the Castle):
Since Antiquity, often for the sole benefit of the elite, the horse has offered human beings its strength and speed. During competitions, riders and leaders selected the best animals. They faced tough opponents and thrilled the crowds who came to admire them. Alone against everyone, in a duel or in a team, in a field lined with lists or in an open field, they pushed the limits of the game, even if it meant risking their lives.
In three parts, the exhibition evokes the birth of the Olympic and Panhellenic Games. Martial games, tournaments, jousts, and carousels highlight the various playful training techniques for war, over a wide period from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. Finally, in a third part, the most popular team games are presented: polo, pãto (horse-ball) and buzkachi.
The belvedere of the castle: a unique panorama!
Overlooking the roofs of the castle, it offers a magnificent view of the city and the Loire. This guided tour allows you to discover new rooms and take a double spiral staircase, a rare testimony to the architectural genius of the XNUMXth century.
The belvedere is open to visitors from June 1 to September 30. Duration: 30 minutes per group of 8 people maximum.
The game booklet for 7-12 year olds "Survey at the Château de Saumur" is available at reception and allows a fun and independent journey through the rooms of the castle.
Tie rods and water in the castle courtyard.
Equestrian stop near the Hubert-Landais esplanade: tie rods and water.
Fancy a weekend alone, as a couple or with family? You want to please and gift an unusual and enticing stay? Don't hesitate any longer and book or gift one of our Destination Saumur Val de Loire weekends and stays.
Are you more into castles or troglodytes? Animal parks or parks and gardens? Cruises on the Loire or a ride on the touristic train?
We offer you a wide choice of tickets at reduced prices for visits or activities! We also offer the ticket office for many events in the area.
Match your accommodation to your stay! Saumur Val de Loire is an infinite range of accommodation (or almost) to get settled in the place that really suits you...
Travelers or locals of the region, you can find a wide selection of articles: posters, souvenirs, guides, gourmet products, etc.
For more choice, go directly to our gift shops.
