Montreuil-Bellay is a town in the Loire Valley with a picturesque historic center. With its medieval castle, cobbled streets and riverside promenades, this small town of character won us over. Let yourself be carried away by the charm of this fortified city!
In this article, discover what to do in Montreuil-Bellay, our best practical tips and the best activities not to be missed, all illustrated with photos that will make you irresistibly want to go!
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is Montreuil-Bellay worth a visit?
Yes, Montreuil-Bellay is well worth a visit. Its massive castle, ring of ramparts, half-timbered houses and river banks were particularly appealing. You'll discover a remarkably well-preserved medieval heritage. We loved exploring the historic center, which is full of character.
1. Visit the Château de Montreuil-Bellay
We were impressed by this formidable medieval fortress, considered one of the most impregnable in the Loire Valley. The defensive package boasts no fewer than 15 towers, giving an immediate indication of its power. While a visit to the exterior reveals the military ingenuity of the period, with its barbican, ramparts and drawbridge, the interior reveals a noble and refined décor, with the grand salon and the duchess's bedroom. The vast Gothic cellars and 15th-century wine storehouse, where the château's wines are still matured, offer a fascinating immersion in the local winemaking tradition.
- Timetable: varies according to season - consult here
- Price: from €13 for an adult, children under 7 free of charge
- Children: treasure hunt or orienteering course included in admission fee
- Partial PRM accessibility: drop-off, level, stairs, steps
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2. Explore the historic center
We loved wandering around this "Petite Cité de Caractère". As we walked through the city walls and passed through the town gates, we were immediately immersed in the medieval atmosphere. Perfectly preserved half-timbered houses stand side by side with splendid mansions and manor houses, offering a veritable journey through time. The Maison aux Os, a 16th-century inn, is particularly intriguing with its facade adorned with protruding bones, while the Maison de l'Apothicaire, a 15th-century residence, captivates with its timber-framed facade. Take time to admire these architectural gems and let yourself be carried away by the city's charm!
- Partial PRM accessibility: smooth concrete roads, stairs, paved streets
- A few cafés, bars and restaurants
3. See the Prieuré des Nobis and climb the Escaliers Saint-Pierre
We were fascinated by the Prieuré des Nobis, one of Montreuil-Bellay's key monuments. Its ancient origins make it one of the oldest monastic establishments in the Loire Valley. The building bears witness to centuries of religious and architectural history. Nearby, we climbed the Escaliers Saint-Pierre, a picturesque staircase surrounded by colorful flowers and lush vegetation. The play of light through the foliage creates a poetic atmosphere that we really appreciated. Don't hesitate to stop by for some great photos!
- PRM accessibility not adapted: stairs, slope
- A few cafés, bars and restaurants
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Loire
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars - one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a fairly compact car (many villages have narrowed the road).
- Think aboutfull insurance (parking in big cities is really tight).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
4. Stroll along the river
We loved walking along the Thouet, a tributary of the Loire. It's the ideal place to capture the most beautiful photo of the castle reflected majestically in the water. The Pont-Napoléon offers a privileged view of the river and its surroundings. The banks, lined with lush vegetation, invite you to stroll and relax. For thrill-seekers, water sports such as paddleboarding, pedal-boating, canoeing and kayaking are also available. An experience on the water that combines relaxation and discovery!
- Nautical activities in high season
- Partial PRM accessibility: flat paths, wooden pontoons, uneven ground
- A few "guinguettes" in fine weather, picnic tables
5. Discover Saint-Jean Hospital
You can enter the town via the Porte Saint-Jean, a listed historic monument that marks the entrance to the medieval town. Right next door, the Hôpital Saint-Jean, founded in 1484 by Guillaume d'Harcourt, Seigneur de Montreuil, surprised us with its Latin cross plan, reminiscent of a church. Its chapel features magnificent 15th and 16th century wall paintings. The establishment once welcomed the poor and sick.
WHERE TO STAY IN THE Loire Valley
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
6. Spend the night in the historic center
We recommend spending a night in Montreuil-Bellay to fully appreciate the town's atmosphere once the visitors have left. The alleyways, bathed in soft light, reveal a different charm, and you can dine in one of the local restaurants. We particularly recommendHôtel Spa Le Relais du Bellay, ideal for an authentic experience in the heart of the Loire Valley. Take the time to savour the local lifestyle and soak up the city's charm!
7. Admire the Paroisse Notre-Dame du Bellay and the Jardin Botanique des Augustins.
We discovered the Augustins Church, a vestige of the Augustins Convent built in the 15th and 16th centuries. All that remains today is the church dedicated to St. Thomas, compared with the large original convent. The building deserves your attention for its sober, elegant architecture. We were particularly charmed by the garden next to the church. This small botanical flower garden is home to many species: wild garlic, basil, ipheon with its bluish star flowers, burnet and geranium. We enjoyed this haven of green peace. Here you can stroll freely and enjoy the scents and colors. It's the perfect place for a contemplative break!
8. Meditate in the Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame
We visited the Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame, facing east in homage to the rising sun, symbol of the risen Christ. The building has a single nave 44m long, built of tuffeau, the local limestone, and is topped by 5 bays vaulted with Angevin ribbed vaults, typical of the regional Gothic style. We were seduced by the purity of the lines and the luminosity of the interior, which give this place a particularly serene character. The acoustics are remarkable, perfect for moments of contemplation. A visit that invites contemplation and discovery of Montreuil-Bellay's religious heritage.
- Opening hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, 9.30 a.m. Sundays
- PMR accessibility: ground level
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities
Other attractions in and around Montreuil-Bellay
We explored the area around Montreuil-Bellay and found many other beautiful places:
- Château La Salle, a wine estate since the 18th century where you can taste Anjou wines - details here
- Explore nearby Saumur, famous for its castle and troglodytic caves
- Visit the region's troglodytic sites: Rochemenier, Troglodytes et Sarcophages, Les Troglos De La Sablière, real dwellings dug into the tufa rock.
- Discover Terre de Rose Distillerie - Roseraie, a unique site dedicated to the cultivation of roses and the distillation of perfumes.
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How to get to Montreuil-Bellay + parking
Where is Montreuil-Bellay?
How to get there?
We recommend that you reach Montreuil-Bellay by car, the most practical way of getting around the region. The town can be reached via the D347 road from Saumur.
TER trains also serve Montreuil-Bellay from Saumur and other towns in the Loire region. For details of timetables and connections:
See the available schedules and book your train tickets now.
Parking in Montreuil-Bellay
We observed several small parking lots in and around the historic center. The most convenient is near the castle. You can then explore the center on foot without difficulty.
Useful tips for visiting Montreuil-Bellay
How long and when?
Allow 3 to 4 hours to visit the town center and castle.
Spring and autumn are the ideal seasons to enjoy the local lifestyle without the summer crowds. Summer also offers beautiful days, but the walled city is busier.
Tour directions, map and difficulty
We started at the castle, then explored the historic center, strolling through the narrow streets. We then headed to the banks of the Thouet for a relaxing stroll along the river. The center is easily discovered on foot. The streets are sometimes cobbled and slightly sloping. There are a few steps and stairs. Bring good walking shoes, especially if you're planning to climb the Escaliers Saint-Pierre.
Visiting with children
The center lends itself perfectly to a family visit. We've found that children particularly enjoy visiting the castle with its towers and defensive system. The banks of the Thouet provide a pleasant place to relax and breathe in the fresh air. Water sports such as canoeing and pedal-boating will delight even the most sporty. The Jardin Botanique des Augustins is also a pleasant place for children to discover different plants. The Bone House, with its facade adorned with protruding bones, usually piques their curiosity!
Restaurants
We haven't tested any Montreuil-Bellay restaurants yet. The Restaurant La Grange A Dîme caught our eye during our visit, however, for its authentic facade and warm setting.
Visiting Montreuil-Bellay in winter
The Loire Valley in winter offers a peaceful, authentic atmosphere. We appreciated the quietness of the historic center outside the tourist season. Temperatures are cool but bearable, and you can enjoy the area without crowds. The château can be visited in comfort. It's the perfect time to taste the château's wines by the fire and enjoy the local gastronomy in the restaurants!
PLAN YOUR TRIP IN
Loire Valley
The castles of the Loire Valley
Other places to explore
Practice
