Castle-palace, the last princely palace of the Valois dynasty, has beautiful collection pieces and houses a museum
Symbol of the city of Saumur, classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and richly endowed, this castle-palace of the Dukes of Anjou (14th and 15th centuries) is the last example of princely buildings erected by the Valois dynasty. It offers a remarkable panorama on the city, the Loire and its valley. King René, the emblematic figure of Anjou, regularly resided there until his death in 1480. At the same period, a miniature of the castle is represented in the famous book "Les Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry", which allowed historians to have a precise idea of its state at the time and of its importance. From the 16th century onwards, the governors of the city succeeded one another, then the monument became a prison (much used by the British navy!) and the building lost its superb appearance and especially its princely vocation. It was used as an arms and ammunition depot for the Ministry of War during the Restoration (1814-1830), before being classified as a historical monument in 1862, and opened to the public.
The castle houses the Museum of Decorative Arts and the Horse. You can admire one of the most beautiful collections of earthenware of the country, remarkable tapestries (from the 15th to the 18th century) and a space dedicated to the horse harnessing gathering old equestrian pieces, engravings, veterinary works or farriery.
Numerous animations and mediations, in particular for the young public and particularly in summer, temporary exhibitions, escape game, open-air cinema...
This establishment is also referenced as :
Le château est un palais princier du XIVe siècle transformé en musée, il ne ressemble pas aux châteaux XVII ou XVIIIe siècle avec de multiples pièces meublées à visiter. Du fait de son histoire, et notamment parce qu’il a été utilisé comme lieu de casernement et de prison, le château a subi bien des transformations et perdu son mobilier. Plus qu'une reconstitution historique factice avec des copies, nous avons privilégié l'exposition de collections authentiques.