Nestled in the heart of the Loire Valley, Montbazon Fortress is one of France's oldest keeps! The old stones and the site's ambitious immersion project will transport you back in time to a hectic medieval daily life.
Here are some useful tips for planning your visit to this fortress full of surprises!
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 a visit to Montbazon Fortress worthwhile?
The fortress is definitely worth a visit. It's one of the must-see sites of the Loire châteaux, especially if you have children!
Based on the innovative concept of Archéosité, the site offers an immersion into the exciting life of the Middle Ages, bringing to life the history and archaeology of the site. Put yourself in the shoes of an onlooker of the time and wander among the costumed figurants, discovering their trades in an authentic medieval setting. You'll also be captivated by the beauty of the keep, which dominates the surrounding area with its noble stature.
It's one of the best activities to experience on the Loire castles circuit!
Things you can see
Defensive architecture
As soon as we arrived, we were impressed by the fortress's defensive structures. Take a stroll along the ramparts and admire the past might of the stone buttresses.
An imposing keep
Standing tall against the azure sky, the keep is the site's most important architectural structure. We walked in the footsteps of great knights and imagined open-air medieval battles.
A lively courtyard
As you stroll through the courtyard, you'll discover stalls recreating the activities of various medieval trades, as well as machinery and other medieval objects!
Real catapults
We admired the various catapults punctuating the courtyard with their tall silhouettes.
Medieval games
Why not have some fun with these ancient games from the Middle Ages and try your hand at the rules?
A collection of weapons and armour
You'll find a stand displaying a range of swords and armor. We learned the names of the different layers of clothing knights had to wear!
A smoking forge
You can also explore a medieval forge and discover all its secrets.
A potter's workshop
At the potter's stall, we were able to admire ceramics and pottery made in the fashion of the time!
A stonemason's tools
You'll be intrigued by the finely crafted sculptures and tools on display in the stonemason's workshop!
A crossbow shooting range
Become a crossbowman and practice aiming at different targets. The crossbow shooting range awaits your prowess!
A herbalist's garden
Stroll the fragrant paths of the herbalist's garden. Some of the secrets of medicinal plants will be revealed to you!
Magnificent panoramas
From the top of the keep, but also near the surrounding walls, enjoy an exceptional view of the slate-roofed forest of the village of Montbazon and the surrounding countryside!
Montbazon fortress in the Indre department: access
Where is the fortress?
- In the town of Montbazon
- 35min from Tours by car
- 45min from Amboise by car
- Just a few kilometers from the most beautiful châteaux in the Loire Valley
Access by car and parking
The fortress has a parking lot below. It is spacious and can accommodate a number of cars. You can also enjoy the shade of the trees in summer.
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.
Public transport access
The site is accessible by public transport. The train station is 800m away. Allow 25min for the train journey. Book your tickets now!
You can also get there by bus on lines F or G. The bus stop is 200m from the fortress. Click here for more information. Although there are buses and trains, you may be limited in the times and possibilities of getting to Montbazon. The car is still the most comfortable way to get around. Would you like to rent a car to visit the Loire Valley from Tours? Here's our advice.
Cycling is also an option! A possible stopover, the Montbazon fortress is located on the Loire cycle route.
Visiting difficulties
Perched on a hill, access to the site is steep. You'll need good shoes to reach the fortress. The climb is worth the detour!
DISCOVER Tours
- Things to do in Tours
- Where to sleep in Tours: best hotels
- Where to eat in Tours: best restaurants - coming soon
- Rent a car in Tours
- Best castles around Tours
- Visit the Tours Museum of Fine Arts - coming soon
- Visit the Basilica of Saint Martin in Tours - coming soon
- Visit the Botanical Garden of Tours - coming soon
- Visit Saint-Gatien Cathedral
- Visit the Companionship Museum - coming soon
Useful tips for visiting Montbazon Fortress
Schedules and prices
The fortress is open:
- Weekends and public holidays in April, May, June and until September 15, 10 am - 6 pm
- July and August, daily from 10am to 7pm
Prices are as follows:
- Adult: €12
- Children (aged 5 to 12): €8
- Free for children under 5
- Reduced rate: €10
See the latest news on the official website here.
How long
To ensure you have enough time to visit the dungeon and discover the crafts workshops, allow between 1h30 and 2 hours for your visit.
Best moment
The Loire Valley is very popular in summer. If you're traveling at this time of year, we recommend visiting the fortress in the morning to avoid the crowds. The rest of the year, you can enjoy a more exclusive visit!
Direction of visit
There's no set direction for visiting Montbazon Fortress. We recommend you start with the dungeon, to soak up the history of the place. Then explore the courtyard and immerse yourself in life in the Middle Ages. You can also opt for one of our guided tours, bookable on site and advised according to workshop and animation timetables.
Visiting with children
The Montbazon Fortress is an ideal place for youngsters. Thanks to a wide range of activities, children and adults alike are swept up in the whirlwind of everyday life in the Middle Ages. We loved the animated tours and the skits about life in the Middle Ages, such as knighthood and the medieval bath! Young and old alike can also take part in this re-enactment of the past, by shooting with a crossbow or playing old-fashioned games. More information on the official website here.
Eating out
Nestled in the heart of the site, La Taverne welcomes you for a feast! Open all day, the fortress restaurant will delight your taste buds with fresh local produce and its Loire wine list.
You may also decide to try out other good restaurants. Discover our selection of the best restaurants in Tours (coming soon).
Hotels
The fortress is surrounded by beautiful hotels:
- A 5-minute drive away, you can relax at Château d'Artigny & Spa and enjoy a dream setting!
- Nearby, the Domaine de la Tortinière will seduce you with its elegant architecture and superb outdoor swimming pool.
You can also spend the night in Tours, just a few kilometers away. Find our hotel list here.
WHERE TO STAY IN Tours
In the city center
Enjoy the city, its restaurants and beautiful architecture.
- Hotel Ferdinand - check prices, pictures and availability
- Hôtel du Cygne - check prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel L'Adresse - check prices, pictures and availability
Near the station and around the city center
An early train? Or just a little more peace and quiet? Here are our recommendations:
- Hotel Les Trésorières - 5 stars - check prices, pictures and availability
- Aparthotel Central Parc Tours - check prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Oceania L'Univers Tours - check prices, pictures and availability
In the countryside around
Looking for a bit of peace and quiet, without straying too far from the city of Tours? Here's our suggestion:
- Hotel Domaine de la Tortinière - 20 min away - check prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Troglododo - unusual 25min away - check prices, pictures and availability
PLAN YOUR TRIP IN
Loire Valley
The castles of the Loire Valley
Other places to explore
Practice
HE MADE THE TRIP Manu
