Soaring above the town’s rooftops, Saumur’s fairy-tale château was largely built during the 13th century by Louis XI, and has variously served as a dungeon, fortress and country residence. Its defensive heritage took a knock in 2001 when a chunk of the western ramparts collapsed without warning. After a decade-long restoration, the castle’s porcelain collection reopened on the 1st floor. The 2nd floor is due to reopen soon; for now its impressive collection of vintage equestrian gear is housed in the adjacent abbatiale.
There’s an equestrian spectacle in summer which include jousting, acrobatics and swordplay. Park in the lots up the hill from the château for free or walk up from town.
