Château des Ponts-de-Cé

The Château des Ponts-de-Cé is a medieval fortress beside the Loire River south of Angers, with a 15th-century tower featuring a distinctive five-sided design and slate roof. Today the town manages the building and operates a museum inside dedicated to traditional clothing and local heritage.

The fortress was built in the Middle Ages at a strategic crossing of the Loire that the Romans had previously controlled. In the 15th century it was reconstructed with stone, and for centuries it defended the region against local threats including battles involving French royalty.

The castle was deeply connected to local traditions and served as a center of regional authority for centuries. Today it houses a museum displaying traditional headdresses and crafts that reflect how people once lived and worked in this area.

The fortress is open from April through October and welcomes visitors without reservations, with guided tours available during summer months. Staff members are on hand to help you understand the collections and the site's history as you explore.

The museum holds a large collection of over 600 traditional headdresses and costumes from Anjou and France, each showing finely detailed handcrafted work. These carefully preserved pieces offer a direct window into how people dressed and the skilled techniques passed down through generations.