Château de Saumur
Château de Saumur, Castle and museum on a cliff in Saumur, France
Château de Saumur is a castle and museum perched on a cliff overlooking the Loire River in Saumur. It features four octagonal towers with conical roofs and stone walls that command views of where the Loire and Thouet rivers meet.
The castle originated in the 9th century as a fortress to protect religious relics, but was damaged during Norman invasions. It was later rebuilt and modified into a fortified residence that served the region for centuries.
The castle contains two museums displaying decorative arts from medieval and Renaissance times, as well as an extensive collection of equestrian equipment and horse-related objects. These collections reflect how craftsmanship and horsemanship were important parts of local life.
Visiting on weekdays or early in the morning helps avoid crowds. The stairs are steep throughout, so wear comfortable shoes and allow time to explore all levels at a steady pace.
The castle appears in the medieval manuscript Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry, preserving its appearance from around 1410. This illustration is one of the few detailed visual records of how the structure originally looked.
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