Château de Saumur

In the famous Les Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry at the Château de Chantilly, the 15th-century illuminated manuscript depicts Saumur as a fairy-tale castle of bell turrets and gilded weathercocks. Those adornments are largely gone, however, leaving a stark and foreboding fortress towering on a promontory over the Loire. Under Napoleon, the castle became a prison, then eventually a barracks and munitions depot. The town of Saumur acquired it in 1908 and began preservation efforts that culminated in a complete restoration of the château's western tower and its south wing in 1999.

It now houses an interesting regional museum, Musée des Arts Décoratifs, noted for its 16th- to 18th-century ceramics collection. The series of 13th-century enamel crucifixes from Limoges is remarkable. Also here is the Musée du Cheval, which is devoted to the history of the horse through the ages, complete with stirrups, antique saddles, and spurs. Note: The château will be under renovations until 2013, so access is limited.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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