Montsoreau, Village in Maine-et-Loire, France
Montsoreau is a village in Maine-et-Loire, western France, set at the point where the Vienne river meets the Loire. Its streets are lined with houses built from soft tuffeau limestone, and the castle sits directly on the riverbank.
The castle of Montsoreau was built in the 15th century, replacing an earlier medieval fortification on the same site. It served as a noble residence for centuries before being converted into a museum.
The village is known for its troglodyte houses cut into the cliffs, which can still be seen in the upper part of the village. Some of these caves have been turned into mushroom farms and restaurants serving local dishes.
The main square, Place du Mail, is a good starting point for walks along the riverfront, and the tourist office there can help with local information. Parking is available nearby, and Sunday mornings bring a local market to the square.
Alexandre Dumas set his novel "La Dame de Monsoreau" here, which brought the castle lasting fame across Europe. The same building now houses a contemporary art museum, placing modern works inside rooms that are several centuries old.
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