About
The Château de Saumur is a medieval castle standing above the Loire River in the town of Saumur, in the Maine-et-Loire department of France. Its pale towers and steep roofs rise over the town and the river valley, making it one of the most recognisable landmarks in the area.
Today the castle houses the Museum of Decorative Arts, so a visit combines the building itself with its collections. Walking through the rooms gives a sense of the castle's long life as a fortified residence set on a commanding site above the water.
What to know before you go
- Location: Rue des Lilas, 49400 Saumur, France
- Setting: On a rise overlooking the Loire, close to the town centre
- Inside: The Museum of Decorative Arts
- Also known as: Castle of Saumur or Saumur Castle
- Contact: +33 2 41 40 24 40
Why it stands out
The castle is well known for its appearance in Les Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry, the illuminated manuscript. Visitors who know the book may recognise the building in its pages, which adds a further layer of interest to a walk around its walls and grounds.
Because the castle sits above the Loire, the views across the river and town are a natural part of the visit. Saumur itself is a pleasant base for exploring the Loire Valley, and the castle makes a good starting point for an afternoon in the town.