Saumur Castle (château de Saumur) is located near the confluence of the Thue River into the Loire in the department of Maine-et-Loire.
Historical chronicles
The first military fort on the site of the Saumur castle was built by the Count of Blois Thibault I in the 10th century. Later, he was captured by the troops of the Count of Anjou, the new suzerain rebuilt and fortified the fortress. In 1203, under Philip Augustus, an important fortress and the surrounding lands became part of the royal domain.
In 1360, Louis I of Anjou rebuilds the fortress, while it acquires the features country palace... At this time, instead of the old round towers, polygonal buttresses with supporting walls were erected. In the years 1454-1472, the castle underwent even more significant changes, as a result of which only two small rooms remained from the old buildings.
In 1480 the castle of Saumur returned to the ownership of the French kings. During the wars of religion, Henry III, for the sake of concluding an alliance with Navarre, was forced to cede it to Henry of Navarre, who in 1589 handed over the management of the castle to F. Duplessis-Morne. Under his leadership, star-shaped fortress walls and watchtowers were erected around the castle, designed by the Italian architect Bartolomeo.
Under Louis XIII, the owner of the castle Saumur fell out of favor and lost his possessions, and the castle became a prison for two centuries. Among his most famous prisoners are Admiral Kerguelen and the Marquis de Sade. In the XVIII century. during the War of Independence of the American colonies, about 800 Englishmen became its prisoners. In the years 1811-1814, the prison was expanded by rebuilding and dividing the right wing of the castle into cells.
At the beginning of the XX century. the mayor's office of Sumer bought the castle from the state for 2,500 francs. During the subsequent restoration, the stained glass windows of the chapel and the fireplaces of the castle were restored. In 1912, part of the halls of the Saumur castle were transferred to the disposal of the regional history museum.
Features of the castle architecture
According to the original plan, Saumur Castle was built around the perimeter of an irregularly shaped rectangular courtyard. High towers are erected at its corners. In the walls of the southern and western towers, the masonry of the 13th century has been preserved. In the central part of the fortress, you can see the foundation of the donjon medieval castle built in the Romanesque style.
On the northwest side of the castle is main staircase, slightly protruding beyond the main volume of the main building. During the restoration of the castle at the turn of the XX-XXI centuries. the decor of the southern wing of the Saumur castle was restored from old drawings from the "Magnificent Book of Hours". At the same time, the chimneys, lancet pediments and pinnacles were restored.
Castle Museums
The collection of the Museum of Decorative Arts includes collections of works by masters and artists from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. Several halls of the museum display French porcelain and faience of the 17th-18th centuries, products with Limoges enamel, antique furniture, tapestries, church utensils and vestments of priests. 
The exposition of the second museum, also located within the walls of the castle, illuminates the historical stages of the use of the horse in various countries of the world. The exhibits of the museum are divided into several sections, in which items of horse harness are collected, a collection of works of art dedicated to this animal and highlights the main directions of the use of horses in the army, transport, agriculture and industry.
The city grew up on the site of a small settlement that was formed in the 4th century BC. Saumur's main attraction is its castle, which is considered one of the architectural symbols of the Loire Valley.
Staying in Saumur, you will find yourself in a real French ancient town. Don't miss the opportunity. Book hotels in Saumur using this link. And excursions to the Loire Castles.
Saumur castle
Saumur Castle was built in the middle of the tenth century. During its existence, it was used as a fortress, an estate, the residence of the city's rulers, a prison, and even as a military depot. The castle became the property of the city of Saumur in 1906, and after restoration work, it was equipped with a city museum. Today, the Château Saumur houses an extensive collection of medieval art, consisting of sculptures, furniture and French ceramics. It also houses the Horse Museum, where you can see interesting exhibits related to horse riding.
During the summer period, Saumur Castle is open daily from 10.00 to 18.30, the rest of the time it is open from 10.00 to 17.30 all days except Mondays. July to August entrance ticket costs 7 euros, in other months 6 euros.
Sights of Saumur
Saumur Castle is the main decoration of the city, but in addition to it, there are other places in Saumur that deserve attention. For example, Saumur is home to the French National Riding School (near St-Hilaire-St-Florent). You can take a tour of the school to see some of France's best riders train, or watch a performance featuring the school's instructors known as the elite Cadre Noir team, showing amazing agility and polished choreography.
Saumur is home to the famous Museum of Tanks (Musée des blindés, 1043 Route de Fontevraud), which displays a collection of tanks, cannons and other weapons. The size of the collection is impressive: it includes more than 200 tanks and other types of combat vehicles from 17 countries. The ticket price is 8.5 euros.
If you are more interested in architecture, then you should visit the Chapel of Our Lady of Notre-Dame des Ardilliers (Place Notre Dame), which for many centuries has been a place of pilgrimage for Catholics.
You can also visit the Château de Monsoreau, mentioned in one of Dumas' most famous novels. Monsoreau Castle is located about 12 kilometers from Saumur.
Saumur wines
A trip to Saumur would be incomplete without getting to know the local wineries, because the Loire Valley is famous not only for its castles, but also for its wine. Saumur is famous for its Cabernet Franc dry red wines, which are distinguished by floral and fruity notes of violets and slightly unripe plums. One of Saumur's best red wines is Domaine du Collier Saumur Rouge La Charpenterie.
Also, Saumur sparkling wines, which are made from Chenin Blanc grapes, often with an admixture of Chardonnay, are becoming more and more popular. In this category, you should try Bouvet-Ladubay Saumur Bouvet Brut and Bouvet-Ladubay Saumur Saphir Brut.
White wines occupy a very small niche in Saumur's wine production; the Chenin Blanc variety is used for their production. If you prefer exactly white wine, pay attention to Clos Rougeard Saumur Blanc Breze.
Where to eat in Saumur
Local wines can be tasted not only in wineries, but also in Saumur restaurants. The most popular restaurant in the city, Le Gambetta ( 12 rue Gambetta) there are several menu options that include a wine specially selected to enhance the flavor of the dishes. The average check will be 63 euros.
In L'Amuse-Bouche ( 512 Route de Montsoreau), which is located on the Saumur-Champigny vineyard, you can taste traditional French cuisine: foie gras with fig jam, duck confit, eel ragout, and for dessert - crème brulee or chocolate fondant with salted caramel. The average check will be 30 euros.
In the family bistro L'Alchimiste ( 6 rue de Lorraine) you will be treated to a simple homemade lunch - fried fish, Burgundy beef, duck pate. The average bill is 20 euros, and gourmets can try a special menu for 35 euros, which includes the best delicacies: oysters, foie gras, spiced duck breast, cheeses and a variety of desserts to choose from.
Where to stay in Saumur?
Although Saumur is completely small city, there is accommodation for every taste. If you want to immerse yourself in the luxurious atmosphere of French castles, you will surely love the rooms at the five-star Château de Verrières, a converted 19th century castle surrounded by a beautiful park. The hotel is close to Saumur's old town. It has only 10 rooms, but in terms of comfort it is not inferior to the most famous five-star hotels in Europe. It offers a heated pool, fitness room, massage therapist, playroom for children, closed park area and a bar with the best wines of the Loire. average price per night - 150 euros.
Have a good travel!
Saumur Castle is located in the city of the same name, in the French department of Maine-et-Loire. It rises above the confluence of the Loire and Thue rivers.
The castle was built in the 10th century by the Count of Blois, Theobald I, to defend against the attacks of the Normans. In 1026, the castle of Saumur passed into the possession of the Count of Anjou, Fulk the Black, who, in turn, passed it on to his heirs - the founders of the plantagenet royal dynasty. In 1067, the castle was destroyed, it was restored only at the end of the 12th century by order of the English king Henry II.
At the beginning of the 13th century, King Philip II Augustus of France annexed Saumur to his royal domain, making it part of his personal domain.
In 1227, King Louis IX the Saint still fortified the castle, and in 1367 the grandson of King Philip VI replaced the round towers of the fortress with octagonal ones. In the 15th century, the castle was slightly renovated by Duke René the Good, who also erected the Tarascon fortress, located in the south of France.
Saumur Castle is captured in a unique 15th century manuscript "The Magnificent Book of Hours of the Duke of Berry", namely, on the miniature "September" from the "Seasons" cycle. It is impossible to accurately determine the artist, but it is believed that the authors are the brothers Limburg and Jean Colomb. The painting shows the grape harvest at the southern façade of Saumur Castle. The castle itself is depicted as it looked around 1410.
In the 16th century, the idea of a new fortification of the castle appeared - to build deeper bastions and curtains. It is worth noting the uniqueness of such a project - only the great military architect Vauban succeeded in realizing this idea a hundred years later.
In 1589, King Henry IV of Navarre handed the castle over to one of his associates - Philippe Duplessis-Morne. But soon the castle was abandoned. Since 1621, it housed a barracks and an arms depot, and then, during the time of Napoleon Bonaparte, it housed a prison.
In 1862, the Saumur castle was included in the composition of the monuments of culture and art of France. At the beginning of the 20th century, the city authorities became the owners of the castle and began restoration work. Now the castle houses several museums at once: decorative arts, horses, old toys and figurines depicting French kings. The dungeons of the castle and its watchtower are also open to visitors.
The first fortified structures on a high river bank at the confluence of the Loire and Thue were built in the 10th century by the Count of Blois, Thibault I-Dodger. The fort was intended to defend against Norman raids. The famous "Black Falcon" Fulk Nerra took possession of Fort Saumur in 1026. After Nerra, the fortress was inherited by the Plantagenets, and in 1203 Philip Augustus annexed it to [...]
The first fortified structures on a high river bank at the confluence Loire and Thue built a count in the 10th century Blois, Thibaut I-Dodger... The fort was intended to defend against Norman raids.
The famous "Black Falcon" Fulk Nerra took possession of Fort Saumur in 1026. After Nerra, the fortress was inherited Plantagenets, and in 1203 Philip August added it to the possessions of France.
In 1227-30. grandson of Philip Augustus - Louis IX Saint- built a new castle. Saumur (Сhâteau de Saumur) at that time it had the shape of an irregular quadrangle with powerful fortified towers at the corners. (Remnants of ancient foundations are visible today at the foot of the western and northern towers.)
Louis of Anjou, brother of King Charles V, was the owner of the castle in 1367. He decided to change the old building and turn it from a gloomy fortress into a holiday residence. The old round towers were demolished, and new polygonal towers with faceted slate roofs were erected on the preserved foundations.
Since that time, Saumur has acquired a sublime romantic appearance. Rene of Anjou, the grandson of Louis I, known for his poetic talents, called Saumur "The Castle of Love".
During the reconstruction period 1454-72. René renovated old buildings, restored two towers and built a new staircase on the eastern side of the castle. Italian architect Bartolomeo in the 16th century he surrounded the building with bastions built in the shape of a star.
Since the death of Rene of Anjou (1480), the castle again belonged to the French crown. Henry of Navarre appointed commandant and head of the garrison of the fortress Philippe Duplessis-Morne- a staunch Protestant. (In 1593, Morne established a Protestant academy in Saumur.)
After the repeal of the Edict of Nantes, which gave Protestants freedom of religion, Saumur's prosperity ended. In 1621, Louis XIII appointed a new Catholic commandant to Saumur. The castle became a prison for prisoners of noble birth for two centuries. The regime of their detention was mild - they were even allowed to go out into the city. Among the prisoners of that time were Marquis de Sade and the treacherous admiral Kerguelen.
In 1811, a new restoration began in Saumur. Within three years, the northeast wing of the building was divided into cells, but soon the new government ordered the release of all prisoners.
For some time there was a warehouse of military ammunition in the castle. In 1889 Saumur was given the status of a historical monument.
In 1906, the city authorities of Saumur bought the castle for 2,500 francs. The idea of its restoration belonged to the leadership of the Academy of Fine Arts. During the repairs, the remains of large fireplaces, enamel tiles, and a chapel stained glass window were found.
There used to be a square donjon in the center of the fortress - only the outline of the foundation remained from it. West wing, which housed ceremonial hall- completely destroyed today. The main staircase has been preserved in the northwestern part of the courtyard. The facade of the south wing has been restored in every detail according to old images.
Since 1912, the northeast wing has housed Municipal Museum. It houses collections of sculpture, household items, furniture and ceramics. Here you can see products from the famous Limoges enamel, plaster and wood sculptures, paintings and tapestries, a collection of old French porcelain from the workshops of Marseille, Rouen, Nimes and Nevers. (Products from Nevers are made in yellow and blue tones; samples of Marseille porcelain are made in the traditional Rococo style.) There is also a historical exposition of the Saumur castle in the Museum.
On the third floor of the building there is equestrian museum... (Saumur is home to the world famous equestrian school-club Cadre Noir, observing the ancient traditions of training.) The museum is dedicated to the history of the horse and the art of riding in different times... Its exposition includes samples of harness and harness; horse care items, model Cadre Noir, whose pupils defended Saumur in 1940. It also displays a collection of 18th century prints dedicated to the horse - the work of the English artist Stubbs.
For two summer months at the Château Saumur every evening there are historical performances called: "Treasures of the Counts of Anjou".
49400 Saumur France
chateau-saumur.com
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About the castle
Saumur Castle is one of the most beautiful and famous castles in the Loire. It is located in the Maine-et-Loire department, at the confluence of the Loire and Thue rivers. Saumur Castle looks like an irregular quadrangle with round towers at the corners. The western and southern towers still have preserved the 13th century masonry. East tower restored, its vault is decorated with the coats of arms of the Anjou family. The ancient and magnificent Saumur, with its white towers and walls, sets the tone for the architecture of the entire city, towering over it.
This castle is so beautiful that the poet-king Rene the Good (Anjou) chose it to describe the castle of Love in his novel Heart Captured by Love. This castle was erected on an emerald rock. The walls of the castle were of pure crystal, and at the end of each wall was a tower made of ruby stones that burned with a bright light. The towers were covered with platinum, and the house itself was covered with tiles of pure gold, on which the motto of the God of love was inscribed in enamel: "To a quivering heart." This is how King Rene described Saumur - one of the legendary castles of France.
Castle history
In the heart of France, among vineyards and lush green meadows, the ancient town of Saumur lives its quiet and measured life. Its name comes from the Latin "salt murus", which means " small fort in the swamps. "
Count of Anjou recaptured this fortress from Tybalt the Evil (Count de Blois). He completed the then still weak tower, expanded and strengthened it. Then the fort was rebuilt by Geoffroy Plantagenet. And in 1203 Philip Augustus included the castle of Saumur in the royal lands.
According to historians, during the regency of Blanca of Castile, a powerful fortress was erected on the site of the fort, so that the French Crown could regain Angers and Anjou, lost at the conclusion of the Treaty of Vendome. Saumur was a military fortress for a short time - only two years from the time of construction.
In 1360, Louis I of Anjou took possession of Saumur, and through his efforts the old, crude fortress acquired the features of a country castle. The duke did not begin to demolish the heritage of his ancestors, but decided only to make his own adjustments. He used the old building plan, without changing, but only complementing it. On the basis of the round towers, he ordered to erect polygonal ones, providing them with high buttresses, which would support the sentry belt with toothed hinged loopholes. The following changes occurred with Saumur in 1454. According to the records of the intendant and the accounts kept in the National Archives, we can say that work was carried out in the castle in 1454-1472. Their scale and grandeur can be judged by the funds spent. From the early buildings, only two small vaulted rooms located in a square tower, a chapel on the second floor and an alley leading from a steep slope to the tower, remain.
In 1480, after the death of King Rene, the Duchy of Anjou passed into the possession of the French Crown. The castle houses the royal garrison.
A century later, in connection with the Reformation, Saumur's fate changed dramatically. Religious wars due to the intrigues of the League and the intrigues of Spain, forced Henry III to ask for help from the King of Navarre. At Tours, an agreement was signed that Henry III ceded Saumur Castle to the King of Navarre. The future Henry IV gave the military leadership of the fortress to his friend and ambassador, Philippe Duplessis-Morne.
In 1589, on April 15, Duplessis-Morne introduced his garrison to the castle. The King of Navarre arrives in Saumur a day later. He, rejoicing that he received such a "tidbit" of the Loire, gives the new governor an order to strengthen this place. For this purpose, the engineer of King Bartolomeo arrives at the fortress, he is entrusted "with nothing stingy" to draw up a project of the castle and bring it to life. He erects city fortifications, a fortress wall with battlements and watchtowers, which still surrounds the castle.
Arriving in Saumur Morne with his family, they settled in the town house number 45 on Grand Rue. But in 1596, he decides to settle in the castle because of the conspiracy of the townspeople, who threatened the ambassador to seize him and inflict reprisals on him. To bring the castle into a habitable condition, Duplessis-Morne had to spend a considerable amount, but the cost was justified. An experienced diplomat and former military man, Morne was, among other things, a learned theologian. And in 1593 he created a Protestant academy in the castle, which brought glory to the city for a whole century.
Despite the fact that Mornay was loyal to the Crown, in 1621 he fell out of favor. Louis XIII replaces him with a Catholic ruler, and from that time on, Saumur ceases to play an important political and military role. It becomes a prison for two centuries.
As a prison, Saumur Castle became famous. Here were kept people of noble birth and rank, who ended up in prison on secret denunciations. As a rule, these prisoners enjoyed a free regime - they were allowed to have a servant or a small retinue, they could be in the city. Very often these gentlemen were invited to the table of the Lieutenant of His Highness the King, who "ruled" the settlement.
It is worth noting some people who have visited the castle-prison. Admiral Kerguelen served a sentence here for four years for leaving his ship on the high seas with people on board. The Marquis de Sade, famous for his debauchery, stayed here for two weeks before being sent to Pierre-Anciz prison. In 1779, during the American War of Independence, 800 British prisoners languished in the castle. Most of them were sailors, as evidenced by the signatures and images of ships left on the walls.
In the years 1811 - 1814, restoration work was carried out in the castle. At this time, the entire northeast wing was divided into cells, as the engineer was ordered not to forget that there must be many isolated rooms in the prison. As soon as the prison began operating, the interim government ordered the release of all prisoners.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the city of Saumur bought the castle from the state for 2,500 francs (an insignificant amount) and decided to restore it. This idea was implemented at the expense of the city and the administration of the Academy of Fine Arts.
It was during the restoration that large fireplaces, a chapel stained glass window, enamel tiles, and a coin depicting Louis XIV were discovered.
To our great regret, the restoration, carried out very carefully and painstakingly, could not recreate the splendor and that elegance that were inherent in Saumur of the XIV century.
In 1912, the Municipal Museum was opened on the second floor of the castle. The third floor is occupied by the Equestrian Museum.
Tourist information
Schedule:
01 April-30 June and 01 September-03 November: 10: 00-13: 00/14: 00-17: 30 (from Tuesday to Sunday)
01 July-31 August: 10: 00-18: 00 (from Tuesday to Sunday)
Entrance fees:
Adult - € 3
Children from 7 to 16 years old - € 2.50
Children under 7 years old - free.
