Visit the Château de Saumur: prices, opening times and practical information

Castle

Romane

Published on 10/01/2026

Majestically overlooking the Loire, the Château de Saumur is the perfect embodiment of the Gothic elegance of the valley’s châteaux. One of the most emblematic monuments in the Loire Valley, this château-museum houses prestigious collections of decorative arts and horse exhibits, bearing witness to several centuries of history. An architectural masterpiece transformed over the centuries into a fortress, princely residence and museum, the Château de Saumur today offers visitors a unique insight into the lifestyle of the Dukes of Anjou, while offering an exceptional panoramic view over the town and the Loire. Whether you’re a history buff, art lover or simply curious, this visit promises an unforgettable cultural experience at the heart of Visiter Saumur.

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1. Rates for Château de Saumur

The Château de Saumur has a price structure to suit all visitors, with a range of packages to enable families, groups and individual visitors to enjoy this exceptional historic monument.

The full price is €9.50 for adults aged 19 and over, including full access to the château and permanent exhibitions. Young people aged 7 to 18, as well as secondary school pupils, apprentices, students, civic service volunteers, jobseekers and disabled people and their accompanying adults are entitled to a reduced rate of €7. Children under 7 are free.

For families, there is a special family rate of €26.50 for 2 adults and 2 children, with a supplement of €1.50 for each additional child. Groups of 12 or more can take advantage of a preferential rate of €7.30 for adults and €6 for the reduced group rate.

Themed tours with a cultural mediator are available for children for a supplement of €2. The belvedere, accessible from 3 June to 30 September, offers a breathtaking view of Saumur and requires a supplement of €3 per person for a 30-minute guided tour (groups limited to 8 people).

Note that the Château de Saumur is part of the Muséo Pass network, giving unlimited access for 12 months to 6 partner sites for just €12 a year, with a 5% discount on shop items (excluding books).

2. Opening times and visiting periods

The Château de Saumur’s opening times vary from season to season, depending on tourist numbers and weather conditions. We recommend that you plan your visit around these times.

From 7 February to 31 March 2026, the château is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5.30pm, with the last admission at 4.45pm. This winter period offers a more intimate atmosphere and fewer crowds.

From 1 April to 30 June and from 1 September to 30 September, opening times are from Tuesday to Sunday and on bank holiday Mondays from 10am to 6pm, with last admission at 5.15pm. Spring and early autumn are ideal times to discover the château in pleasant weather conditions.

During the high summer season, from 1 July to 31 August, you can visit the château 7 days a week from 10am to 7pm, with last admission at 6.15pm. The château is particularly open on 14 July and 15 August. It is also during this period that you can access the belvedere to enjoy the panoramic view.

From 1 October to 31 December, the château is back to its autumn/winter rhythm, with opening times from Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5.30pm. The château is closed on 25 December and 1 January.

The annual closure runs from 1 January to 6 February 2026. It is not necessary to reserve a date and time for individual visitors. Allow around 1? hours for a full self-guided tour.

3. How to get to Château de Saumur

Situated in the heart of the Loire Valley, the Château de Saumur is easily accessible by various means of transport, whether you are coming from the surrounding towns or directly from Saumur town centre.

By car

By car, there are several options via the A10, A85 or E60 motorways, then the D347 and D947 roads with the Ville de Saumur exit. From Angers, allow around 40-50 minutes to cover the 55 km via the A85, N147 or D952. From Tours, the journey of around 65 km via the A85 and N152 takes 1 hour. For those coming from further afield, Bordeaux is 320 km away (4 hours’ drive) via the N147 and N10.

A large free car park is available on the esplanade Hubert Landais. It is advisable to arrive early, especially in high season, to find a space easily. For people with reduced mobility, a PRM drop-off point is available in the courtyard of the Feuquières barracks, on the other side of the château, before the Pont Dormant. A charging point for electric cars is also available in the car park.

By train

Saumur SNCF station has regular TER services to the main towns in the region: Angers (20 minutes), Tours (40 minutes) and Nantes (1 hour). From the station, take bus line A to the “Résistance-Gare” stop and get off at the “Château” stop (1 minute’s walk afterwards). The bus service runs all year round between the station, the town centre and the château via the Ogalo Saumur Val de Loire network.

A partnership with SNCF TER Pays de la Loire means you can obtain a reduced fare on presentation of your mezzo, mezzo-26, tutti illimité or Forfait multi pass directly at the château ticket office.

On foot or by bike

From Saumur town centre, it takes around 15 minutes on foot to reach the château, enjoying the picturesque climb through the historic streets. For cyclists, theLoire à Vélo cycle route passes through Saumur: simply follow the signs to the château. Cycle parking is available on site.

Download the audio tour to discover Saumur on foot and on your own

For an even more rewarding experience, let yourself be guided through the streets of Saumur on theNavaway audio tour. This 3.2 km, 1 hour 15 minute tour takes you to 19 places of interest in the town, including of course the majestic Château de Saumur. With enriching commentary and historical anecdotes, you’ll explore Saumur at your own pace, in total autonomy, while enjoying a complete cultural immersion.

4. History and architecture of the Château de Saumur

The Château de Saumur has a fascinating history dating back to the 10th century. Initially built by Thibault le Tricheur, Count of Blois, the edifice served as a defensive fortress on the banks of the Loire. Owned by the Counts of Anjou and then the Plantagenets, it was transformed into a royal fortress in the early 13th century under the reign of King Saint Louis.

It was during the second half of the 14th century that the château underwent its most spectacular metamorphosis. Duke Louis I of Anjou, brother of King Charles V, transformed it into a sumptuous palace. In the 15th century, his son, Louis II, gave it its current silhouette, the one we can admire today. The château is also magnificently depicted in the illuminations of the Très Riches Heures of the Duc de Berry, a precious testimony to its medieval architecture.

King René d’Anjou stayed at the château for a long time in the 15th century, bringing with him his taste for art and festivities, which gradually transformed the fortress into an elegant holiday resort. This architectural evolution is a perfect illustration of the transition from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance.

Between 1810 and 1862, during the reign of Napoleon I, it was converted into a prison for common criminals, a use that had a profound impact on the site. Threatened with demolition at the beginning of the 20th century, it was fortunately acquired by the town of Saumur in 1906, which undertook to restore it and install a municipal museum.

Architecturally, the Château de Saumur is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture that is unique among the châteaux of the Loire Valley. Its slender octagonal towers, pepper-pot roofs and imposing ramparts give it a silhouette that is instantly recognisable. The château displays elements typical of defensive medieval architecture, while incorporating the Renaissance elegance that characterises princely residences.

Since 2000, the Château de Saumur has been part of the Val de Loire UNESCO World Heritage Site, an international recognition of its exceptional universal value.

5. The museum’s collections: decorative arts and horses

Today, the Château de Saumur houses a museum with prestigious collections spread over two levels, offering an exceptional cultural journey between the decorative arts and equestrian history.

The decorative arts collection

The first floor of the château is devoted to the decorative arts, with a rich variety of objects dating from different periods. You’ll discover magnificent antique tapestries, exceptional earthenware, finely decorated ceramics and furniture adorned with chiselled motifs. These pieces reflect the creativity and skills of craftsmen of yesteryear, bearing witness to the refined lifestyle of the lords and dukes who lived here.

The permanent exhibition rooms also feature objects from aristocratic daily life, antique musical instruments and works of art that provide a better understanding of court life through the centuries. The historical explanations provided along the way shed captivating light on the provenance and use of each object.

The horse museum

The second floor houses an exceptional exhibition entitled “Games and jousts on horseback”, featuring a remarkable selection from the château’s horse collection. Housed in the former stables, this museum traces the development of the relationship between man and horse from Neolithic times to the 19th century.

Here you can admire historic saddles, ornate harnesses and spurs from all eras (the jewel in the crown of the entire collection), as well as artistic representations of equestrian competitions. Explanatory panels detail the central role of the horse in military, cultural and sporting history. This collection is particularly relevant given its proximity to the famous Cadre Noir de Saumur, a world-renowned equestrian institution.

The exhibition “La fabrique à cheval” (The Horse Factory), presented in the past, brought together over 200 objects and works of art in an area of 220 m², focusing on three themes linked to the development of technology dedicated to equestrianism, testifying to the importance of this equestrian heritage.

6. What to see and do at Château de Saumur

A visit to the Château de Saumur offers a wealth of architectural, historical and panoramic discoveries to delight all types of visitor.

The parapet walk and the towers

The parapet walk, an essential part of the medieval defensive system, allows you to walk along the top of the curtain walls and admire the castle’s characteristic octagonal towers. Each tower was once used as a lookout post or storage area. With its stone railings, this trail offers a total immersion in the military atmosphere of the Middle Ages, while offering spectacular views of the surrounding area.

The main courtyard and gardens

At the heart of the château, the main courtyard is a harmonious space surrounded by arcades and Renaissance features. Once a place for ceremonies and court life, it bears witness to the influence of the great lords. The landscaped gardens, with their flowerbeds and centuries-old trees, are an invitation to take a stroll in a verdant setting. From spring to autumn, you can even enjoy a picnic.

The grand Renaissance staircase

An architectural masterpiece built around the 16th century, the grand Renaissance staircase links the different floors of the château. It features sculpted balusters and ornamentation inspired by Italian art. Its spiral architecture illustrates the period’s concern for aesthetics and functionality, with meticulous decoration on each landing.

The chapel

Built in the 15th century, the chapel is characterised by its pure Gothic architecture. Originally dedicated to the Holy Trinity, it was used for religious services and solemn court ceremonies. Its coloured stained glass windows diffuse a subdued light into the nave, creating an atmosphere conducive to meditation.

The belvedere and the panoramic view

From June 3 to September 30, don’t miss the guided tour of the belvedere (€3 supplement, groups of 8 people maximum). From the top of the ramparts, you can enjoy an uninterrupted view of the Loire, the town of Saumur and the surrounding vineyards. This exceptional panorama gives you an idea of the strategic importance of the château, perched above the waters and protecting the city for centuries. It’s the perfect place to take some memorable photos of your visit.

Temporary exhibitions

Throughout the year, the château organises temporary exhibitions on a variety of themes, including painting, photography, local history and equestrian themes. These events provide an opportunity to delve deeper into a specific aspect of Anjou’s heritage, or to discover contemporary artists. They are often enhanced by lectures or themed guided tours.

7. Guided tours and events

The Château de Saumur offers a number of tour options to enhance your discovery of the monument and its collections.

30-minute presentations on the history and architecture of the château are available in French and English at no extra charge. These guided tours provide a better understanding of the successive transformations of the building and its importance in regional history.

Every day at 10:45 and 15:00, a guided tour of the first floor of the museum is organised in French (duration 1 hour, at no extra charge, subject to availability of the guide). This guided tour will enable you to fully appreciate the decorative arts collections with the explanations of a passionate cultural mediator.

For children, themed tours with a cultural mediator are available for a supplement of €2. These fun and educational activities are specially designed to captivate young visitors and help them discover the history of the château in an interactive way.

The tour documents are available in seven languages: French, English, German, Dutch, Spanish, Italian and Chinese, enabling international visitors to make the most of their discovery on their own.

8. Practical information and visiting tips

To make the most of your visit to the Château de Saumur, here is some practical information and useful advice.

Length of visit: Allow around 1? hours for a full self-guided tour exploring the decorative arts collections, the horse museum and the outdoor areas. With a guided tour and access to the belvedere, allow 2h to 2h30.

Booking: It is not necessary to book a date and time to visit the château for individual visitors. However, in high season (July-August), it is advisable to arrive early in the day to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful visit.

Accessibility: The Château-Musée is listed as a Historic Monument and visiting conditions can be difficult. Access to the main courtyard and upper floors is by staircase only. People with reduced mobility can drop off their wheelchair in the courtyard of the Feuquières barracks. It is advisable to contact the château in advance to find out about suitable access options.

Instructions and restrictions: In order to ensure the smooth flow of visitors and to preserve the works of art, pushchairs, walking baby carriers and large bags are not permitted in the château. Free lockers are available at reception. Pets are not allowed, with the exception of guide dogs and assistance dogs for people with disabilities.

Weather: A large part of the tour takes place outdoors (walkways, courtyards, gardens). Check the weather forecast before your visit and bring appropriate clothing. In the event of a heatwave, the belvedere may be closed to the public for safety and comfort reasons.

On-site services: The château has a shop/bookshop with direct access, offering a wide range of craft products, local produce, jewellery, scarves and books for adults and children. There are restaurants in the immediate vicinity, and you can picnic in the château gardens from spring to autumn. Saumur town centre is a 5-minute walk away.

Don’t hesitate to let yourself be guided during your stay in Saumur by the Navaway itinerary, which will enable you to discover all the city’s treasures beyond the château, from the Notre-Dame de Nantilly church to the École Nationale d’Équitation and the quays of the Loire.

9. What to see and do around Château de Saumur

The,Homestead,Of,Troglodytes,Forged,In,The,Rock,Near,Saumur

A visit to the Château de Saumur can easily be combined with the discovery of other remarkable sites in the region, making your stay a complete cultural experience.

In the town centre of Visiter Saumur, don’t miss the Notre-Dame de Nantilly church, a 12th-century Romanesque building housing exceptional tapestries, including the famous hanging of the Virgin. The Cavalry Museum (a Museo Pass partner) traces the history of the French armoured cavalry. The Musée des Blindés (also a Museo Pass partner) has one of the largest collections of tanks and armoured vehicles in the world, with over 800 pieces of equipment.

Just a few kilometres away, the Abbaye de Fontevraud (16 km) is a must-see. This exceptional monastic city, one of the largest in Europe, is home to the remains of the Plantagenets and offers a fascinating cultural tour.

Wine lovers will love a visit to Saumur’s troglodytic cellars, carved out of the tufa rock, where the famous Saumur sparkling wines are made. Many wine houses offer tastings and guided tours of their spectacular cellars.

For a break from nature, the banks of the Loire offer magnificent walks or cycle rides along the Loire à Vélo itinerary. The royal river reveals all its splendour here, with its islands, sandbanks and unspoilt wildlife. Cruises on the Loire (Croisières Saumur Loire, Muséo Pass partner) allow you to admire the château from the river, offering a unique perspective on this majestic monument.

Finally, the École Nationale d’Équitation and the famous Cadre Noir de Saumur offer guided tours and, depending on the season, breathtaking equestrian performances. It’s an opportunity to discover the excellence of French equestrianism in a prestigious setting.

The Château d’Angers, 44 km away, is also well worth a visit, with its impressive fortress and the famous Apocalypse Tapestry, a masterpiece of medieval tapestry.

In conclusion, a visit to the Château de Saumur is a must for anyone interested in the history of the châteaux of the Loire, equestrian art or simply the beauty of medieval and Renaissance architecture. With its prestigious collections of decorative and equestrian arts, exceptional Gothic architecture and breathtaking views over the Loire, this monument offers a rich and varied cultural experience. Whether you’re visiting as a family, with friends or on your own, the château will win you over with its elegance and fascinating history. Make the most of your stay in Saumur to also explore the town and its surrounding treasures thanks to the Navaway audioguided itinerary, which guarantees a complete and enriching discovery of this pearl of the Loire Valley.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to book in advance to visit the Château de Saumur?

No, it is not necessary to reserve a date and time to visit the château for individual visitors. You can come directly during opening hours. However, in high season (July-August), it is advisable to arrive early to avoid crowds.

Is the château accessible to people with reduced mobility?

Access to the château is difficult as it is a listed historic monument. The main courtyard and upper floors are only accessible by staircase. A wheelchair-accessible drop-off point is available in the courtyard of the Feuquières barracks to facilitate arrival. It is advisable to contact the château in advance to find out about suitable access options.

Can we take photos in the castle?

Yes, photographs are generally permitted in the château for personal use. However, the use of flash and tripods may be restricted in certain rooms in order to preserve the works of art. We recommend that you ask the staff on site for further information.

How long does it take to visit the castle?

A full self-guided tour takes around 1? hours. If you wish to take part in the guided tours and have access to the belvedere (in season), you should allow 2 to 2? hours to fully enjoy all the castle has to offer.

Is there a restaurant or café at the château?

There are no restaurants directly in the castle, but there are several in the immediate vicinity. You can also picnic in the château gardens from spring to autumn. Saumur town centre, with its many restaurants and cafés, is a 5-minute walk away.

Is the Museo Pass profitable?

The Muséo Pass costs €12 for 12 months and gives unlimited access to 6 partner sites (Château de Saumur, Musée de la Cavalerie, Musée des Blindés, Musée du Moteur, Distillerie Combier and Croisières Saumur Loire). If you plan to visit at least two of these sites, or come back several times, the Pass is a great value. It also offers a 5% discount on items in the château shop.

When can I visit the lookout?

The belvedere is open from 3 June to 30 September, for 30-minute guided tours (€3 supplement per person). Groups are limited to 8 people and must be booked in advance on the day of the tour. Please note: in the event of a heatwave, the lookout is closed to the public for safety and comfort reasons.

Can children visit the castle?

Yes, the château is a great place to visit as a family. Children under 7 enter free of charge, and a special family rate is available (€26.50 for 2 adults and 2 children). Themed tours with a cultural mediator are specially designed for children (€2 supplement). Please note that pushchairs are not allowed inside, but lockers are available at reception.