{"id":3590,"date":"2023-02-05T09:22:37","date_gmt":"2023-02-05T08:22:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/visit-chateau-saumur\/"},"modified":"2026-03-31T15:54:03","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T13:54:03","slug":"visiter-chateau-saumur","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/visiter-chateau-saumur\/","title":{"rendered":"Visit the Ch\u00e2teau de Saumur (tip+photos)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For us, a visit to the Ch\u00e2teau de Saumur is a <strong>must<\/strong> if you take the time to travel up the Loire from Anjou.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Proudly overlooking the old town, the <strong>impressive<\/strong> white tuffeau <strong>silhouette<\/strong> resonates in stark <strong>contrast <\/strong>to the Loire River flowing at its feet. Home to <strong>2 museums<\/strong>, it's not lacking in interest.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this article, you'll find all our<strong> practical advice<\/strong> and <strong>plenty of photos<\/strong> to help you prepare for your visit to the Ch\u00e2teau-Mus\u00e9e de Saumur.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/visit-chateau-saumur-castle.jpeg\" alt=\"View of the castle of Saumur with the Loire in the foreground  \" class=\"wp-image-3576\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This guide is completely <strong>independent<\/strong>, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why visit the Ch\u00e2teau de Saumur?<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is Ch\u00e2teau de Saumur worth it? Our opinion:<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For us, the Ch\u00e2teau de Saumur is a must-see among the ch\u00e2teaux of the Loire Valley:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>For its <strong>harmonious integration into a landscape <\/strong>so representative of the Loire.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For its <strong>tormented history <\/strong>of glory and decadence, Catholicism and Protestantism, palace and prison...<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For the <strong>incredible 360-degree<\/strong> view it offers if you're lucky enough, like us, to climb up to its belvedere.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For its <strong>double spiral staircase <\/strong>serving the ducal apartments and its <strong>single spiral grand staircase<\/strong> inspired by the \"Grande vis\" inside the Ch\u00e2teau du Louvre. We'll tell you all about it later in the article!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For its <strong>horse and decorative arts museums<\/strong>, which are as unexpected as they are fascinating when you know what to look for...<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In our opinion, this ch\u00e2teau is one of the <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-castles-loire-valley\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">most beautiful in the Loire Valley<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Saumur\/i-m8mcFxc\/0\/7088730b\/L\/chateau-saumur-belve&#x301;de&#x300;re-L.jpg\" alt=\"View over the town of Saumur, the Loire and its 2 bridges, and the surrounding countryside.  \"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">View from the belvedere<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why is Ch\u00e2teau de Saumur famous?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Proudly perched on a <strong>rocky spur<\/strong> (aptly nicknamed the \"Emerald Rock\" by Ren\u00e9 <sup>I <\/sup>d'Anjou), the Ch\u00e2teau de Saumur towers <strong>60 meters above the royal river<\/strong> and blends magnificently into the landscape.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With its ramparts, tuffeau walls, white Loire stone and slate roof, it's <strong>visible from 20 kilometers around<\/strong> and instantly recognizable. It's even more majestic now that one of the <strong>golden finials<\/strong> that stood atop each of the castle's towers in the <sup>15th<\/sup> century has been restored to its south tower.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At its foot <strong>flows the Loire<\/strong>, which divides here to flow around the Ile d'Offard, before welcoming Le Thouet, one of its many tributaries, a few hundred meters further down.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-things-to-do-saumur-visit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Saumur<\/a>'s must-see attraction.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Saumur\/i-T8mjCXP\/0\/47195a39\/L\/chateau-saumur-loire-reflets-L.jpg\" alt=\"Reflection of the ch&#xE2;teau in the Loire, with the pillar of the cessart bridge in the foreground\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Reflections of the Loire from the Cessart Bridge<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The ch\u00e2teau loves to be <strong>reflected in the river<\/strong>, and we invite you to admire this incredible natural tableau from the right bank, near the Cessart bridge. All the beauty of the eternal Loire...<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box gb-block-container\" style=\"background-color:#d9e6f3;margin-top:8%;margin-bottom:8%\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\" style=\"max-width:700px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box_titre gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\">\n<h5 class=\"titre_box\">WHERE TO STAY IN <span class=\"titre_box_manuscrit\">Saumur<\/span><\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide hr-box-planif\" style=\"background-color:#ccd3dd;color:#ccd3dd\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box_sans_border gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns box_sans_border is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column texte_planif is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:60%\">\n<p class=\"option_titre2 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:16px\"><strong>Downtown<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:14px\">Enjoy the city, its restaurants and beautiful architecture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list ul_box\">\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><strong>Hotel Saint Pierre<\/strong> - a historic stay! - <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/fr\/hotel-saint-pierre.html?aid=2274925\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\">see prices, pictures and availability<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><strong>Hotel Ch\u00e2teau La Marquise<\/strong> - <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/fr\/chateau-la-marquise-saumur50.html?aid=2274925\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\">prices, pictures and availability<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><strong>Hotel Anne d'Anjou<\/strong> - <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/fr\/hotelannedanjou.html?aid=2274925\">prices, pictures and availability<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top planif-radius is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:40%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large img-portrait\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Saumur\/Hotels\/n-jzb5LT\/Saint-Pierre\/i-3MkShBt\/0\/e893ac19\/S\/saint-pierre-bar-1-S.jpg\" alt=\"Hotel Saint Pierre\" title=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide hr-box-planif\" style=\"background-color:#ccd3dd;color:#ccd3dd\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns box_sans_border is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column texte_planif is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:60%\">\n<p class=\"option_titre wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:16px\"><strong>In the countryside around<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:14px\">Looking for a bit of peace and quiet, without straying too far from the city of Angers? Here's our suggestion:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list ul_box\">\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><strong>Hotel Demeure de la Vignole<\/strong> -<a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/fr\/demeure-de-la-vignole.html?aid=2274925\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\"> prices, pictures and availability<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><strong>Hotel Joly Foudres<\/strong> - unusual in barrels - <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/fr\/les-quot-joly-quot-foudres-vaudelnay.html?aid=2274925\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\">prices, pictures and availability<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><strong>Hotel de l'abbaye de Fontevraud<\/strong> - <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/fr\/fontevraud-l-39.html?aid=2274925\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\">prices, pictures and availability<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top planif-radius is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:40%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large img-portrait\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Hotels\/Insolite-Joly-Foudres\/i-DJ2KPWQ\/0\/c227aacd\/S\/Hebergement_insolite_Loire_tonneau-S.jpg\" alt=\"Hotel Joly Foudres\" title=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/where-stay-saumur-best-hotels-neighborhoods\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">See our reviews of the best hotels in Saumur<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons planif_bouton is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-fe48e5de wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/searchresults.html?city=-1469710&amp;nflt=review_score%253D90%253Breview_score%253D80&amp;aid=2274925&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\" style=\"border-radius:4px;font-size:14px\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">See all available accommodations<strong> --&gt;<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box_texte gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box-texte gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">History in brief<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unfortunately, our knowledge of the history of the Ch\u00e2teau de Saumur, particularly in the Middle Ages, is patchy and uncertain. The whole thing is rather poorly documented, or the writings were destroyed during the castle's tumultuous life. The oldest pictorial representation is said to appear in the<strong>\"Tr\u00e8s riches heures du Duc de Berry<\/strong>\" (a prayer book rich in illuminations).<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/7\/72\/Les_Tr%C3%A8s_Riches_Heures_du_duc_de_Berry_septembre.jpg\" alt=\"graphic representation of the Ch&#xE2;teau de Saumur, with women in the fields in the foreground, and the ch&#xE2;teau stretched out high in the background\" style=\"width:200px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Representation of the Ch\u00e2teau de Saumur in \"Les Tr\u00e8s riches heures du Duc de Berry\" - Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Middle Ages<\/strong>: The first constructions were ordered in the <sup>9th<\/sup> century by <strong>Thibaut de Blois<\/strong>, to protect the nearby abbey of Saint-Florent-du-Boile. Destroyed in the <sup>11th<\/sup> century by the formidable Count of Anjou, <strong>Foulques Nerra<\/strong>, he had a powerful residential tower built in its place. It wasn't until the early<strong> <sup>13th<\/sup> century<\/strong> that a fortress was built, which was transformed into a palace by the <strong>dukes of Anjou-Valois<\/strong> in the <sup>14th<\/sup> century.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Renaissance<\/strong>: the ch\u00e2teau became part of the royal domain in 1480, on the death of the last Count of Anjou, the good King Ren\u00e9. After being abandoned for 1 century, it became a <strong>utilitarian ch\u00e2teau and the home of the city's governors<\/strong> for almost 4 centuries. The most famous of these governors was Philippe Duplessis Mornay, who made Saumur a Protestant stronghold and contributed to the castle's renewal.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/2\/27\/Philippe_Duplessis-Mornay_-_1613.jpg\" alt=\"portrait of Philippe Duplessis Mornay, in black dress and white collar\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Philippe Duplessis Mornay - Governor of Saumur<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Revolution<\/strong>: the ch\u00e2teau fell into disrepair over the centuries and was used alternately as a <strong>prison<\/strong> (with a few \"star prisoners\", such as the Marquis de Sade and Louis XIV's superintendent, Fouquet...) and as an <strong>arms and munitions depot<\/strong>, until it was acquired by the town of Saumur in 1906, which restored it and opened it to the public.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Practical tips and map Ch\u00e2teau de Saumur,France<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where to find Ch\u00e2teau de Saumur<\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Driving time from <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-things-to-do-nantes\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"1731\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nantes<\/a>: 1h35<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Driving time from <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-things-to-do-tours-visit\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"7270\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tours<\/a>: 1h00<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Driving time from <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/que-faire-angers-visiter\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"7277\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Angers<\/a>: 45min<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Driving time from <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-things-to-do-blois-visit\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"7947\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Blois<\/a>: 1h30<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Driving time from Orl\u00e9ans: 2h00<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here is a map to help you find your way:<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/map-Chateau-Saumur-castle-1024x684.png\" alt=\"Map of Saumur castle on the Loire\" class=\"wp-image-3582\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Map of Saumur castle on the Loire River<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to get there<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To get to Saumur, you can opt for the <strong>train<\/strong>, with regular connections from the Angers (20') and Tours (40') TGV stations, which are less than 1h30 from Paris.<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/track.effiliation.com\/servlet\/effi.redir?id_compteur=22819431&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sncf-connect.com%2Fen-en%2F&amp;effi_id=LL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\">See timetables, journey times and prices<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Saumur train station is on the right bank of the river, and it will take you half an hour to reach the entrance to the ch\u00e2teau (with a steep climb to the end, but with a fine view of the ch\u00e2teau all the way).<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you're coming by <strong>plane<\/strong>, be sure to compare the flights landing at Nantes airport with those arriving at Paris airports. While the train journey time to Saumur will be the same, the more human-sized<a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/renting-car-nantes-airport\/\">Nantes international airport<\/a> could save you time in the end.<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.directferries.co.uk\/corsica.htm?dfpid=1915&amp;affid=21\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\">Compare flights<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Of course, you can also come by <strong>car<\/strong>, as the town has excellent transport links, <strong>with a freeway<\/strong> taking you right to the city gates. If you're coming from Angers or Tours, don't hesitate to take the route de la lev\u00e9e, which will take you along the Loire and only 15' further than the freeway. In autumn and spring, the sight of mist rising from the river is just magical!<\/p>\n\n<div style=\"background-color:#e5ecf3;margin-top:8%;margin-bottom:8%\" class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\" style=\"max-width:700px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns inverse box_planif is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column texte_planif is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:58%\">\n<h5 class=\"titre_box\">OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN <span class=\"titre_box_manuscrit\">Loire<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul style=\"font-size:14px\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Compare prices on our preferred platform: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.discovercars.com\/france?a_aid=zigzag&amp;chan=LL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">DiscoverCars<\/a> - one of the best rated sites.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Choose a <strong>fairly compact car<\/strong> (many villages have narrowed the road).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Think about<strong>full insurance<\/strong> (parking in big cities is really tight).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>There is a lot of demand, <strong>book it early<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column planif-radius-3 is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:42%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"280\" height=\"354\" src=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/conduire_ville_loire.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4051\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/conduire_ville_loire.png 280w, https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/conduire_ville_loire-237x300.png 237w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 280px) 100vw, 280px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns planif_bouton is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:57.14%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-fe48e5de wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.discovercars.com\/fr\/france?a_aid=zigzag&amp;chan=LL\" style=\"border-radius:4px;font-size:14px\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">See the cars  <strong>    <\/strong><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4676\" style=\"width: 16px;\" src=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/ArrowRight.webp\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:42.86%\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/how-to-rent-car-france-hire\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>See our tips<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Parking<\/h3>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Saumur\/i-B49ZxSN\/0\/638b258b\/L\/chateau-saumur-parking-L.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of the ch&#xE2;teau parking lot\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The ch\u00e2teau has its <strong>own dedicated parking lot, free of charge<\/strong>. It's just 50 meters from the Ch\u00e2teau entrance. Relatively modest in size, it can fill up quite quickly during peak summer and weekend periods. Motorhomes are allowed and you'll find 2 electric hook-ups.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can also opt to<strong>park in the center of <\/strong>Saumur and walk up the old streets to the ch\u00e2teau. Parking is often charged, but you should be able to find a space easily.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Located in the heart of the<strong> Loire \u00e0 v\u00e9lo<\/strong> route, you'll find plenty of space to park your bike safely.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best time to visit Ch\u00e2teau de Saumur<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No particular constraints on the visiting period, as most of the visit is<strong> indoors<\/strong>. However, to enjoy the beautiful view from the belvedere and the reflections of the ch\u00e2teau on the Loire, a <strong>sunny sky<\/strong> will only enhance the experience.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Saumur\/i-BjPJkRT\/0\/2525e3fb\/L\/chateau-saumur-acces-L.jpg\" alt=\"gateway to the ch&#xE2;teau's lower courtyard, with its small drawbridge and, in the background, the footbridge over the moat\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Gateway to the ch\u00e2teau's lower courtyard<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Ch\u00e2teau de Saumur is attracting an increasing number of visitors, thanks to the town's new tourist dynamic. Like all castles, the school vacations and summer months are the busiest. If you arrive early in the morning, or end your day's visit at the castle, you should be able to escape the crowds.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On <strong>weekends<\/strong>, the castle also attracts many locals looking for a day out.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How long to visit the castle and main difficulties<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We recommend that you allow <strong>at least 2 hours<\/strong> for your visit to the Ch\u00e2teau de Saumur.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To access the castle from the parking lot, you'll need to take into account that, for those prone to vertigo, you'll need to cross a <strong>footbridge over the moat<\/strong>. If this is a problem for you, you can climb up to the castle via the town center, thus bypassing the difficulty.  <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Saumur\/i-PNL3wDw\/0\/49cf9831\/L\/chateau-saumur-passerelle-L.jpg\" alt=\"Front view of the entrance to the lower courtyard, with the small drawbridge and one of the ch&#xE2;teau's towers on the right.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Footbridge leading to the ch\u00e2teau's bailey<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As soon as you enter the castle, you can't escape the <strong>steps<\/strong>, and you'll encounter more of them at every stage of the visit, some of them quite steep. It should also be noted that the ground in the courtyard and basement is not always even.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you're planning to climb up to the <strong>lookout<\/strong>, make sure your knees are in good shape and your shoes are suitable. The staircase is particularly steep and cramped, but the view at the top will be a fitting reward for your efforts!<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box gb-block-container\" style=\"background-color:#fefefe;margin-top:6%;margin-bottom:6%\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\" style=\"max-width:700px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns inverse is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column texte_planif is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:58%\">\n<h5 class=\"titre_box\">A LITTLE MORE <span class=\"titre_box_manuscrit\">patience<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:14px\">All the photos, maps, information, good addresses to make <strong>your stay in the Loire Valley<\/strong> a success, will <strong>soon be gathered<\/strong> in a single ebook!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:42%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container ebook-radius-waitlist gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\"><div class=\"wp-block-image ebook-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/e86ee8f5-ae95-4455-8e9f-bed61c85f6b5-640x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9500\" style=\"width:200px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/e86ee8f5-ae95-4455-8e9f-bed61c85f6b5-640x1024.png 640w, https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/e86ee8f5-ae95-4455-8e9f-bed61c85f6b5-188x300.png 188w, https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/e86ee8f5-ae95-4455-8e9f-bed61c85f6b5-768x1229.png 768w, https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/e86ee8f5-ae95-4455-8e9f-bed61c85f6b5.png 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Advice on how to visit<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As you can see, the Ch\u00e2teau de Saumur is first and foremost admired in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We recommend starting from the <strong>right bank<\/strong>, near the Cessart bridge, and walking up to the castle through the <strong>narrow streets of the historic town center<\/strong>. The walk takes about 30 minutes. For us, it's the best way to discover what makes the castle so charming.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Saumur\/i-TZX8Tfg\/0\/9839e972\/L\/chateau-saumur-acces-ville-1-L.jpg\" alt=\"View of Saumur's narrow streets, with beautiful half-timbered houses and white tufa stone walls.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Climbing up the fort from the old town<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you've arrived at reception, if you're feeling well enough, start by booking your visit to the <strong>belvedere<\/strong> at the entrance. As access is very restricted, it is only accessible with a <strong>guide<\/strong>, in groups of 8 people, and takes 30 minutes.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Saumur\/i-cxHM6hb\/0\/51b06b59\/L\/chateau-saumur-entree-facade-nord-L.jpg\" alt=\"View of the south facade, with the ch&#xE2;telet providing access to the ch&#xE2;teau after climbing some 30 steps.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">View of the south facade and ch\u00e2telet of the Ch\u00e2teau de Saumur<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A few steps and you're in the ch\u00e2teau courtyard. Take the time to look at the<strong> exterior architecture<\/strong> and discern traces of the<strong>former west wing<\/strong> (probably destroyed in the early <sup>17th<\/sup> century, and which housed the gallery of honor, with an unobstructed view of the Loire), whose gable can still be seen, and the jambs of a chimney on the south wing.  <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Saumur\/i-kChtjhQ\/0\/cedf5097\/L\/chateau-saumur-facade-ouest-2-L.jpg\" alt=\"photo of the tufa stone walls of the south wing, with visible traces of the former buildings of the west wing\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Traces of the former west wing on the south wing<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the first floor, you can discover the <strong>magnificent well<\/strong>, with its wooden mechanism enabling it to draw water from the water table 33 metres below! It supplied the ch\u00e2teau with water until the end of the <sup>19th<\/sup> century. In the south wing, a room recounts the<strong>history of the ch\u00e2teau and its museums<\/strong>, so essential given the turbulent history of the ch\u00e2teau.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Saumur\/i-MxMsKXM\/0\/a72efbea\/L\/chateau-saumur-puits-2-L.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of the wooden mechanism\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The well mechanism at the Ch\u00e2teau de Saumur<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the <strong><sup>1st<\/sup> floor<\/strong>, you'll find the surprising <strong>Mus\u00e9e des Arts D\u00e9coratifs<\/strong>, a patchwork of collections from the former municipal museum and from donations. It features a collection of <strong>1,500 ceramics<\/strong> and<strong> beautiful tapestries <\/strong>from the Notre-Dame de Nantilly church in Saumur.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Saumur\/i-WNxzjJF\/0\/05436b75\/L\/chateau-saumur-musee-arts-decoratifs-L.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of a large tapestry and display cases containing earthenware.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mus\u00e9e des arts d\u00e9coratifs collections<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the <strong><sup>2nd<\/sup> floor<\/strong>, you'll find a museum dedicated to <strong>horses<\/strong>, a logical choice in a town that is one of France's leading equestrian centers, with the <strong>prestigious Cadre Noir de Saumur<\/strong> and the<strong>Ecole Nationale d'Equitation<\/strong>. Drawing on a wealth of 7,200 objects, the museum offers an insight into the world of the horse through the centuries.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Saumur\/i-36qQpN2\/0\/c931fbdb\/L\/chateau-saumur-musee-cheval-L.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of one of the rooms in the horse museum under a beautiful wooden frame\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The horse museum under the arched roof of a ship<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Finally, if your knees can take it, you can go down to <strong>the tunnel entrance <\/strong>in the basement of the south wing. Local legend has it that an underground passage leading from the ch\u00e2teau leads directly to the right bank of the Loire, to the island of Offard. Can you solve the mystery?<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Saumur\/i-9FpJHF7\/0\/13a93d70\/L\/chateau-saumur-glaciere-tunnel-L.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of the stone-vaulted cellar with skylight\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The castle cellar, from which a mysterious tunnel is said to lead...<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before setting off again, take time to admire the castle from the <strong>bailey <\/strong>, which offers a different view of the castle and an interesting panorama (although not quite as good as the belvedere!). Take a tour of the walled enclosure to admire the different facades from a different angle.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Saumur\/i-jqfJC6j\/0\/1963fa53\/L\/chateau-saumur-facade-ouest-L.jpg\" alt=\"Front view of the chateau from the lower courtyard\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">View of the ch\u00e2teau from the western terreplein<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the way back to the parking lot, take a break in <strong>the vineyards<\/strong>. You can admire 1,400 plants, with <strong>3 grape varieties<\/strong>: chenin, cabernet franc and chardonnay. For many years, wine from the ch\u00e2teau was served at all the town's<strong>official events<\/strong>! They are now in the hands of students from the Lyc\u00e9e Pisani in Montrueil-Bellay.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Saumur\/i-3PtHmQD\/0\/08b7969c\/L\/chateau-saumur-vignes-L.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of vineyards with the ch&#xE2;teau in the background\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The vineyards of Ch\u00e2teau de Saumuru<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ch\u00e2teau de Saumur with children<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every school vacation, the castle teams offer a Little King and Princess <strong>workshop<\/strong>, an escape game... a<strong> fun way<\/strong> to visit the castle. Places are very limited, so book as early as possible<a href=\"http:\/\/www.chateau-saumur.fr\/a-voir-a-faire\/animations\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">(find out more about children's activities at the Ch\u00e2teau de Saumur<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Or opt for the <strong>\"Saumur Castle Investigation\" game booklet<\/strong>, which will take them from room to room in search of clues to the castle's secret code...  <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Schedules and prices<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Schedules:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The ch\u00e2teau is open all year round, except in January.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Out of season, the ch\u00e2teau is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5:30pm minimum.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From April to August, the ch\u00e2teau is open daily from 10am to 7pm.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Rates:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Full adult rate: \u20ac9.50<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Children's price: 7\u20ac for 7 - 16 year olds, free for children under 7.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Family rate: \u20ac24 - 2 adults + 2 children (\u20ac1.50 per additional child)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">  Consult the latest prices\/times on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.chateau-saumur.fr\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">official Ch\u00e2teau de Saumur website<\/a><\/p>\n\n<div style=\"margin-top:8%;margin-bottom:8%\" class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns inverse is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column texte_planif is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:58%\">\n<h5 class=\"titre_box\">HAVE FUN WITH THESE <span class=\"titre_box_manuscrit\"> activities<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"ul_box wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.viator.com\/Loire-Valley-tours\/Balloon-Rides\/d178-g1-c3?pid=P00074304&amp;mcid=42383&amp;medium=link&amp;medium_version=selector&amp;campaign=LL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\">Hot-air ballooning in the Loire Valley<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/chateau-de-cheverny-l35281\/au-depart-du-mans-tour-de-la-vallee-de-la-loire-a-velo-t388797\/?partner_id=R3GYW4V&amp;cmp=LL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\">Chambord by bike<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/tours-l1320\/voyage-en-petit-groupe-d-une-journee-complete-dans-la-vallee-de-la-loire-au-depart-de-tours-t439719\/?partner_id=R3GYW4V&amp;cmp=LL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\">Vineyards and tastings<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column planif-radius-2 is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:42%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large img-portrait\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Chambord\/i-FCLLmzH\/0\/DSWDcPJtHGk4cBMm7NZMmfSfwVwnJMc5KqTwbXP9f\/S\/chambord-velo-S.jpg\" alt=\"cycling to chambord\" title=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Guided tours<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The ch\u00e2teau has a <strong>large team of mediators<\/strong> (with whom we had lots of discussions....) and offers a wide range of activities:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>presentations of the site's history and architecture (30')<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>guided tours of the Mus\u00e9e des Arts D\u00e9coratifs (1h)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>guided tours of the north-west tower leading to the belvedere (30')<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Catering<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">2 restaurants await you at the foot of the ch\u00e2teau:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>L'orangeraie<\/strong> offers home-style bistro cuisine, but is also a very pleasant place to recharge your batteries with a cool drink after your visit.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Le Terrier du Ch\u00e2teau<\/strong>, a tapas bar and restaurant located not far from the parking lot, for family meals overlooking the castle (and your car).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Saumur\/i-HH43RVK\/0\/8aacce16\/L\/chateau-saumur-orangeraie-L.jpg\" alt=\"photo of the orangery terrace\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The orange grove terrace facing the ch\u00e2teau entrance<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But you can also go down to the old town (10' walk), and take advantage of all Saumur's gastronomic offerings, which we'll tell you about below.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you'd like to <strong>picnic<\/strong>, the ch\u00e2teau gardens are open every lunchtime!<\/p>\n\n<div style=\"background-color:#fefefe;margin-top:6%;margin-bottom:6%\" class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\" style=\"max-width:700px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns inverse is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column texte_planif is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:58%\">\n<h5 class=\"titre_box\">Subscribe to our <span class=\"titre_box_manuscrit\">Newsletter<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Get away from it all with Region Lovers' beautiful 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\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Was the double spiral staircase invented by Leonardo da Vinci?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If this isn't your first Loire ch\u00e2teau, you've probably already heard of the<strong>incredible double spiral staircase at Ch\u00e2teau de Chambord<\/strong>. It is said to have been invented by the Italian genius Leonardo da Vinci. But is it true?<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The south wing of the Ch\u00e2teau de Saumur<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This wing was the last to be built (circa 1384-88) under the direction of Marie de Blois, mother of the young <strong>Louis II d'Anjou<\/strong>. It houses the Duke's <strong>personal guard<\/strong> (Lieutenant, Captain and Guards). His <strong>private apartments<\/strong>, as evidenced by the paintings uncovered, are located in the famous southwest tower, which we'll tell you about next, and are thus well guarded.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Saumur\/i-5vxxCK2\/0\/cee6f1e1\/L\/chateau-saumur-chambre-duc-L.jpg\" alt=\"photo of the top of the duke's bedroom, with mural painting at the base, stone vaults, and coat of arms at the top\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Vaulted ceiling and coat of arms in the Duke's bedroom  <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the <sup>16th<\/sup> century, the governor of Saumur, Duplessis-Mornay, had 26 rooms in the ch\u00e2teau renovated to accommodate his 3 daughters, their husbands and grandchildren, as well as his bodyguards and servants. The south wing was then divided into smaller rooms, and switched to a <strong>more residential vocation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When the ch\u00e2teau was converted into a <strong>state prison <\/strong>in the early <sup>19th<\/sup> century, this wing was used to house the<strong> prison cells<\/strong> and was partially disfigured.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The spiral staircase<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the end of this wing stands the castle's <strong>southwest tower <\/strong>. At its heart is the famous <strong>double-helix or double-revolution spiral staircase<\/strong>, which allows access to all floors without ever crossing each other. It served the duke's bedroom, with its 8-meter-high ceiling, and his wife's, discreetly located just below.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Saumur\/i-VrpM2sS\/0\/859e1ab0\/L\/chateau-saumur-escalier-double-helice-L.jpg\" alt=\"photo of the steep, narrow spiral staircase in white tufa stone\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The staircase must have been built in the late <sup>14th<\/sup> century, more than a century before the Ch\u00e2teau de Chambord was built! The staircase at the Ch\u00e2teau de Saumur was itself inspired by the <strong>\"Grande vis\" <\/strong>spiral staircase at the Louvre, designed by architect Raymond du Temple. In the <sup>14th<\/sup> century, he designed the new Louvre, and was already faced with the problem of limited space (the price of a square meter in Paris in the Middle Ages...). It must have been one of his disciples who worked on the Ch\u00e2teau de Saumur.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These 2 cases are not isolated: you'll find the same type of staircase in the <strong>Saint Nicolas tower<\/strong> guarding the entrance to the <strong>port of La Rochelle<\/strong>, whose construction began in 1345. 1 in Prague Cathedral, designed by the French architect Matthieu d'Arras, work on which began around 1342! Today, a total of <strong>5 staircases of this type<\/strong> and era remain in Europe.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Chambord\/i-bNwWTsH\/0\/ebbddf29\/L\/chateau-chambord-escalier-2-L.jpg\" alt=\"photo of the top of Chambord's double spiral staircase, with sculpture, emblem and light provided by large windows around the stairwell\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The double spiral staircase at Ch\u00e2teau de Chambord<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As is often the case with inventions, even if a great name goes down in history, we're talking about a <strong>gradual evolution<\/strong>, culminating in the majestic double-revolution staircase at the Ch\u00e2teau de Chambord in the early <sup>16th<\/sup> century. But, we agree, it's certainly<strong> the most beautiful of the<\/strong> <strong>double-revolution<\/strong><strong> spiral staircases<\/strong>, and it's likely that<strong> Leonardo da Vinci<\/strong> took a closer look at its initial plans.  <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The belvedere and finial<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you've climbed the staircase, you'll arrive at the <strong>ch\u00e2teau's belvedere<\/strong>, where you can enjoy a <strong>360-degree view <\/strong>of the town, the river and the Saumur countryside. On a clear day, you can see for up to <strong>30 km<\/strong>, as the landscape is so unobstructed here. Following the course of the Loire, you look towards Angers, then back up towards Tours.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Saumur\/i-zmQp3RM\/0\/6a1ce9a9\/L\/chateau-saumur-vue-belvedere-L.jpg\" alt=\"View of saumur, the loire and the surrounding countryside from the belvedere\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">View from the belvedere<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you turn away from the Loire, you'll be able to decipher the complex assembly of the ch\u00e2teau's <strong>slate roofs<\/strong>, giving you a better understanding of the ch\u00e2teau's volumes and organization.  <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Saumur\/i-78SkZzk\/0\/ca0266ce\/L\/chateau-saumur-epi-faitage-L.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of gilded finial with fleur-de-lis weathervane at the top\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ridge finial - fleur-de-lis weather vane<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The highlight of this discovery is the <strong>finial<\/strong> on the south tower. Featured in the \"Riches heures du Duc de Berry\", its ornamental pieces further enhanced the ch\u00e2teau's prestige. Having disappeared over the centuries, it wasn't until 2015 that the ch\u00e2teau was able to recover one of these <strong>unusually large<\/strong> finials:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>12.5m high.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>12,000 gold leaf for its production.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Over a ton and a half of lead.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2000 hours of work under the supervision of Anraud de Saint Jouan, Chief Architect of the Monuments Historiques.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box gb-block-container\" style=\"background-color:#d9e6f3;margin-top:8%;margin-bottom:8%\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns inverse is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column texte_planif is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:58%\">\n<h5 class=\"titre_box\">DISCOVER <span class=\"titre_box_manuscrit\">Saumur<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list ul_box\">\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-things-to-do-saumur-visit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Best things to do in Saumur<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">Where to sleep in Saumur: <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/where-stay-saumur-best-hotels-neighborhoods\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">best hotels<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">Where to eat in Saumur: <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-restaurants-saumur-where-eat-reviews\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">best restaurants<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">Visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/visiter-chateau-saumur\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ch\u00e2teau de Saumur<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">Visit <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/royal-abbey-fontevraud\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fontevraud Abbey<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">The most beautiful <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-castles-near-saumur\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">castles around Saumur<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/troglodytes-saumur-hotels-attractions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Saumur's troglodytes<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">itineraries: <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/visit-2-days-saumur-itinerary-weekend\/\">weekend<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column planif-radius-2 is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:42%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large img-portrait\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/visit-chateau-saumur-castle.jpeg\" alt=\"Saumur\" title=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Should you visit the Mus\u00e9e des Arts D\u00e9coratifs?<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A little history<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The<strong> Mus\u00e9e des Arts D\u00e9coratifs<\/strong> is the fruit of a history that began in 1829. It was at this time that the <strong>municipal museum<\/strong> was founded, focusing on archaeology and zoology.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 1906, the town acquired the ch\u00e2teau and moved the new museum there in 1912. The collection has been enriched by some fine donations (including paintings by Parisian artist Paul-D\u00e9sir\u00e9 Trouillebert and the herbarium of Angevin entomologist Gustave Abot).  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But the turning point for the museum came with the bequest of Charles Lair in 1919.  <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Charles Lair donation<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Count Charles Lair was a passionate silver collector (1841-1919). After studying law, he travelled around Europe and the Mediterranean to feed his 2 passions, archaeology and art.  <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Saumur\/i-mTWPLHm\/0\/928b48ba\/L\/chateau-saumur-charles-Lair-L.jpg\" alt=\"white stone bust of Charles Lair resting on a wooden plinth hanging above a doorway\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bust of Charles Lair displayed at the entrance to the ch\u00e2teau gallery<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He is both an inspector for the Soci\u00e9t\u00e9 fran\u00e7aise d'arch\u00e9ologie (for Sarthe, Mayenne and Maine-et-Loire), and a member of the Ac\u00e9d\u00e9mie des sciences, belles lettres et arts d'Angers.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His ch\u00e2teau in Blou (near Saumur), also known as \"Les Perri\u00e8res\", houses an extraordinary cabinet of curiosities, with a predilection for objects from the Haute Epoque (Middle Ages to the 17th century) and European earthenware.  <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Saumur\/i-MKKnGMc\/0\/65e601e3\/L\/chateau-saumur-musee-arts-decoratifs-11-L.jpg\" alt=\"round earthenware dish with a central point that structures the decoration\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Umbilical dish - Spanish earthenware - <sup>16th<\/sup> century - Charles Lair legacy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On his death, he bequeathed his entire collection to the Ch\u00e2teau de Saumur, including 2,500 works and 7,000 ex-libris (personalized engravings glued to the inside of books). You'll find ceramics, furniture, textiles and sculptures.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The tapestries of Saumur<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a result of its religious past, the town of Saumur boasts one of the finest collections of tapestries, mainly from the <sup>15th<\/sup> to <sup>18th<\/sup> centuries, 62 of which are protected as historic monuments.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Saumur\/i-8h5xXLw\/0\/35c7f239\/L\/chateau-saumur-musee-arts-decoratifs-10-L.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of a square tapestry depicting a religious scene\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tapestries from the Saumur collection<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Over the centuries, they have been commissioned by the Saumur churches of Saint Pierre and Notre-Dame de Nantilly, as well as by the Abbey of Saint-Florent in Saumur, from France's leading lining workshops.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many of these masterpieces are protected and exhibited at the Ch\u00e2teau de Saumur.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Museum organization<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The museum occupies<strong> the entire<sup>1st<\/sup> floor<\/strong>, straddling the east and north wings. The rooms are named according to their use in the ducal palace. Each room features furniture, earthenware, sculptures, tapestries and paintings.<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>passageway<\/strong>, connecting the south and east wings. This is an addition to the original ch\u00e2teau plan.  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Saumur\/i-Rffzzd2\/0\/ecf7bbf2\/L\/chateau-saumur-musee-arts-decoratifs-2-L.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of 3 paintings, with furniture on either side of the fireplace\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Right - Portrait of Antonin Nompar de Caumont, Duc de Lauzun - oil on canvas - 18th century - Alexis-Simon Belle<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>Queen's bedroom<\/strong>, a semi-public room used to receive visitors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Saumur\/i-f3tZmG2\/0\/eb44f633\/L\/chateau-saumur-musee-arts-decoratifs-1-L.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of a tapestry, with earthenware showcases underneath\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\"Abundance and Peace Rewarding the Arts\" renamed \"The Triumph of Minerva\" (Brussels circa 1720)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Saumur\/i-ZN345J5\/0\/63213457\/L\/chateau-saumur-musee-arts-decoratifs-6-L.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of a ceramic, with a notch for a beard\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Beard ceramics<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>Queen's salon<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Saumur\/i-6w5Vmbh\/0\/a2e8b8f7\/L\/chateau-saumur-musee-arts-decoratifs-5-L.jpg\" alt=\"Tapestry depicting a summer scene from &quot;Les Enfants Jardiniers&quot;.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">3 panels of the tapestry \"Les enfants jardiniers\" - Manufacture des gobelins 1718<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>chapel<\/strong>, with its choir in the east tower.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Saumur\/i-95zSqf7\/0\/491991c2\/L\/chateau-saumur-chapelle-L.jpg\" alt=\"Stone vaults and sculpture in the grey stone of the ch&#xE2;teau chapel\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Stone vaults<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Saumur\/i-dgp85dP\/0\/bd591303\/L\/chateau-saumur-musee-arts-decoratifs-7-L.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of an old carved wooden door\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Carved plaque and door from neighboring Ch\u00e2teau d'Avoir - <sup>16th<\/sup> century  <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>facing room<\/strong>, a semi-public reception room.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Saumur\/i-9nzPG9k\/0\/dc377cf4\/L\/chateau-saumur-musee-arts-decoratifs-4-L.jpg\" alt=\"View of the pavement room with tapestry and 2 large pieces of furniture (chest and sideboard).  \"\/><\/figure>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>chamber of withdrawal<\/strong>, where the duke and his government retired to deal with ducal affairs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Saumur\/i-D5F23cd\/0\/c2e81b50\/L\/chateau-saumur-chambre-retrait-L.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of the finely carved tufa stone fireplace with fleur-de-lis.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Withdrawal chamber chimney<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Saumur\/i-tJMLbHz\/0\/92df9216\/L\/chateau-saumur-chambre-retrait-pavement-L.jpg\" alt=\"14th-century pavement depicting fleurs-de-lis in circles\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Original pavement of the withdrawal chamber<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>wardrobe<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Saumur\/i-xCzqP9W\/0\/f6971801\/L\/chateau-saumur-musee-arts-decoratifs-3-L.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of a dalamatique, a large black chasuble with gold thread embroidery on the theme of death.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Dalmatic of Spanish origin, embroidered in silk with gold and silver thread - <sup>16th<\/sup> century<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The gallery<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Saumur\/i-T6kCc2R\/0\/e0c6b501\/L\/chateau-saumur-chambre-musee-art-decoratifs-9-L.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of the gallery, with its beautiful tufa vaults and, on the left, display cases featuring religious art.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Religious art showcase dedicated to Saint Paul of Tarsus<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<div style=\"background-color:#d9e6f3;margin-top:8%;margin-bottom:8%\" class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns inverse is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column texte_planif is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:58%\">\n<h5 class=\"titre_box\">DON'T MISS THE BEST CASTLES IN <span class=\"titre_box_manuscrit\">the Loire Valley<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-castles-loire-valley\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The most beautiful castles of the Loire Valley<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-gardens-loire-valley\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The most beautiful gardens<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/stay-chateau-hotel-loire-valley\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Where to stay in the Loire castles<\/a>: unforgettable hotels!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-loire-valley-castles-with-children\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The best Loire castles to visit with your family<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/loire-valley-castles-with-dog\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"8605\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Castles you can visit with a dog<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/visit-chambord-or-chenonceau-castles\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Chambord or Chenonceau<\/a>: our comparison<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">itineraries: <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/visit-castles-loire-itinerary-weekend\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">weekend<\/a> - <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/loire-valley-3-days-itinerary-castle\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">3 days<\/a> - <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/visit-loire-valley-castle-4-days-itinerary\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">4 days<\/a> - <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/visit-loire-valley-castle-5-days-itinerary\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">5 days<\/a> - <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/visit-loire-valley-castles-7-days-itinerary\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1 week<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">Castles <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-castles-near-blois\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">around Blois<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-castles-near-amboise\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">around Amboise<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-castles-near-saumur\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">around Saumur<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-castles-near-tours\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">around Tours<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-castles-near-angers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">around Angers<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-castles-near-nantes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">around Nantes<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">or <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/loire-valley-castles-list-chateaux\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">our list<\/a> of over 100 Loire castles<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column planif-radius-2 is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:42%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large img-portrait\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Azay-le-Rideau\/i-tBQfPnP\/0\/8a3b977a\/L\/chateau-azay-le-rideau-miroir-eau-L.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Horse Museum<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Saumur, capital of horse riding and the equestrian arts<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Pays de la Loire region is one of the largest in France, both in terms of the number of racecourses (<sup>1st<\/sup>) and the number of horse births (<sup>2nd<\/sup>).<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With its military past and cavalry officers' school, the town of Saumur brings excellence to the table, with :<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>Cadre Noir de Saumur<\/strong>, which trains and perfects France's finest equestrians and has a worldwide reputation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The<strong> French Institute of Horse and Riding<\/strong>, which trains the executives of French horse riding, organizes the most important competitions and is responsible for preserving the French tradition of horse riding based on the harmony between man and horse.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Saumur\/Ville\/i-VBKrTn5\/0\/eb121455\/L\/saumur-manege-ecuyer-1-L.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of the entrance to the riding school of the Saumur infantry officers' school\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is also a place of memory with 2 museums:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Saumur Cavalry Museum, which traces the history of the French cavalry from 1445 to the present day<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The horse museum of the castle of Saumur<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The horse museum of the castle of Saumur<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The horse museum, an associative structure at its creation, was inaugurated in <strong>1912 <\/strong>at the same time as the municipal museum was installed in the castle of Saumur. The objective of this museum was to <strong>defend the use of the horse<\/strong>, in the face of the appearance of automobiles.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In <strong>1957<\/strong>, the collections, the fruit of donations from private individuals and large institutions, were integrated into the collections of the municipal museum.  <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Saumur\/i-36qQpN2\/0\/c931fbdb\/L\/chateau-saumur-musee-cheval-L.jpg\" alt=\"Room of the Saumur horse museum under a wooden frame in the shape of a ship's hull\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The horse museum of the castle of saumur<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Located on the<sup>second<\/sup> floor of the castle's east wing, the museum is housed under a <strong>magnificent wooden frame <\/strong>in the shape of a ship's hull, and extends to the northeast tower.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The collection now contains more than <strong>6,000 objects<\/strong>, ranging from the Neolithic period to the <sup>20th <\/sup>century. You will find shoes and farrier's instruments as well as works of art on the equestrian theme.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Saumur\/i-2GHqfkx\/0\/43a7422c\/L\/chateau-saumur-musee-cheval-1-L.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of a showcase in the horse museum presenting different iron instruments used by the farrier\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Veterinary and farriery instruments<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the tower, a very nice collection of <strong>saddles from different continents<\/strong> (special mention to the Japanese saddle).<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Saumur\/i-HxjFDkM\/0\/d3bccf67\/L\/chateau-saumur-musee-cheval-2-L.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of a sled surrounded by windows displaying saddles  \"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><sup>18th<\/sup> century Russian sled and collection of saddles from 5 continents<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Virtual video tour of the ch\u00e2teau<\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Visiter le Cha\u0302teau de Saumur\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/yZsXtFSJLmI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box gb-block-container\" style=\"background-color:#d9e6f3;margin-top:8%;margin-bottom:8%\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\" style=\"max-width:700px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box_titre gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\">\n<h5 class=\"titre_box\">PLAN YOUR TRIP IN  <br\/><span class=\"titre_box_manuscrit\">Loire Valley<\/span><\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide hr-box-planif\" style=\"background-color:#ccd3dd;color:#ccd3dd\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box_sans_border gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns box_sans_border is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column texte_planif is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:60%\">\n<p class=\"option_titre2 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:16px\"><strong>The castles of the Loire Valley<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-castles-loire-valley\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Best ch\u00e2teaux in the Loire Valley<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/stay-chateau-hotel-loire-valley\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sleeping in a castle in the Loire Valley<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-loire-valley-castles-with-children\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Best family castles<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/loire-valley-castles-list-chateaux\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">List with over 100 castles<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top planif-radius is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:40%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large img-portrait\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-de-Chenonceau\/i-B8wzgnf\/0\/0c8c0706\/L\/chateau-chenonceau-1-L.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide hr-box-planif\" style=\"background-color:#ccd3dd;color:#ccd3dd\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns box_sans_border is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column texte_planif is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:60%\">\n<p class=\"option_titre wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:16px\"><strong>Other<\/strong> <strong>places to explore<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list ul_box\">\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-things-to-do-loire-valley-visit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Best things to do in the Loire Valley<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/towns-loire-valley-cities\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Most beautiful towns along the Loire<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/most-beautiful-villages-loire-valley\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Most beautiful villages<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-gardens-loire-valley\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Most beautiful gardens<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-things-to-do-nantes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Best things to do in Nantes<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/que-faire-angers-visiter\/\">Things to do in Angers<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-things-to-do-saumur-visit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Best things to do in Saumur<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-things-to-do-tours-visit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Things to do in Tours<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-things-to-do-amboise-visit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Things to do in Amboise<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/flight-hot-air-balloon-castles-loire-tips\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hot-air balloon ride<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top planif-radius is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:40%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large img-portrait\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/General\/i-DrhL7mp\/0\/bb0d2dae\/L\/vue-loire-L.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide hr-box-planif\" style=\"background-color:#ccd3dd;color:#ccd3dd\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns box_sans_border is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column texte_planif is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:60%\">\n<p class=\"option_titre wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:16px\"><strong>Practice<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list ul_box\">\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/where-stay-loire-valley-best-areas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Where to stay in the Loire Valley<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">See our tips for renting a car <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/renting-car-nantes-airport\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">in Nantes<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/renting-car-angers-station\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Angers<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/renting-car-tours-france\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tours<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/renting-car-cdg-aeroport\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CDG<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/renting-car-orly-airport-paris\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Orly<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/renting-car-beauvais-airport-paris\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Beauvais<\/a>...<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">How to get to the Loire Valley - article to come<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">Itineraries: <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/loire-valley-3-days-itinerary-castle\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">3 days<\/a> - <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/visit-loire-valley-castle-4-days-itinerary\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">4 days<\/a> - <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/visit-loire-valley-castle-5-days-itinerary\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">5 days<\/a> - <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/visit-loire-valley-castles-7-days-itinerary\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1 week<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">Weekends: <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/weekend-unusual-loire-valley\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">unusual<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top planif-radius is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:40%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large img-portrait\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Villes-Loire\/i-L5mq7xV\/0\/207cbe42\/L\/nantes-villes-elephant-L.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons planif_bouton is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-fe48e5de wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" style=\"border-radius:4px;font-size:14px\">All our tips (coming soon)<strong>  <strong>  <\/strong><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4676\" style=\"width: 16px;\" src=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/ArrowRight.webp\" alt=\"\"\/><\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box_texte gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box-texte gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box_auteur_voyage gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large img_auteur_voyage img_provisoire\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/emmanuel-robinson\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Region-Lovers\/Equipe\/i-rHp5vtv\/0\/DxhGfR3RHZSTt9vfBxH7TBtFTC5vkk673Gmjm7MHS\/L\/manu-L.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"titre_auteur_voyage\"><span>HE MADE THE TRIP AND WROTE THE ARTICLE \n <\/span><span class=\"titre_box_manuscrit\">Manu<\/span><\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For us, a visit to the Ch\u00e2teau de Saumur is a must if you take the time to travel up the Loire from Anjou. Proudly overlooking the old town, the impressive white tuffeau silhouette resonates in stark contrast to the Loire River flowing at its feet. Home to 2 museums, it&#8217;s not lacking in interest. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":3578,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[106],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3590","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-saumur-and-its-surroundings","entry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Visit the Ch\u00e2teau de Saumur (tip+photos)<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"All our practical advice and lots of photos to help you prepare your visit to the Ch\u00e2teau de Saumur, one of the jewels of the Loire Valley!\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" 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