CHÂTEAU-MUSÉE DE GIEN - HUNTING, HISTORY AND NATURE
Go there and contact
Castle-museum in Gien, built in 1482 by Anne de France, with collections related to hunting techniques.
The Château de Gien, overlooking the town, is a hymn to hunting, be it flying, courting or shooting. These three styles of predation have been widely presented since the 1950s. For those who know nothing about hunting, it's an educational and surprising starting point, where a whole part of the Loire's history linked to these practices, during royalty and after the Revolution, can be discovered on the 16-room tour. Paintings, sculptures, accessories, weapons... there's something for everyone.
Did you know? This review was written by our professional authors.
Further information
Opening time and information on CHÂTEAU-MUSÉE DE GIEN - HUNTING, HISTORY AND NATURE
Low season: from October 1st to April 30th from 13h30 to 17h30 on weekdays and from 10h to 12h then from 13h30 to 17h30 on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. Closed on Tuesdays. High season: from May 1st to September 30th from 10am to 6pm. Closed on Tuesdays. Closed in January and December 25. Free for children up to 6 years old. Adult: 8 € (guided tour: 10 €). Child (from 6 to 17 years old): 5 € (guided tour: 6 €). Reduced rate: 5 €. Family pass: 22 €.
Owner's Message
It was rebuilt for Anne de Beaujeu, Countess of Gien and eldest daughter of Louis XI. This great royal castle, all brick and stone, prefigures the Renaissance. This remarkable building dominates the city of Gien and the Loire. It has been visited by several great figures in French history: Joan of Arc, François I, Henri II, Catherine de Médicis, Charles IX, Anne of Austria and Louis XIV.
Acquired in 1654 by the chancellor Séguier, the county of Gien was abolished during the Revolution. Since 1823, the castle of Gien is the property of the Loiret Department. It housed the sub-prefecture, the court and the prison. Restored in 1869, the latter was badly damaged in June 1940 and underwent further restoration work. Today, it houses the famous International Hunting Museum.
Annual opening :
From February 1 to March 31 and from October 1 to December 31: from 10 am to 12 pm and from 2 pm to 5 pm, except on Tuesdays
April 1 to June 30 and September 1 to 30: 10 am to 6 pm, except Tuesday
From July 1st to August 31st : from 10am to 6pm
The castle is closed on December 25th and in January
The castle of Gien is a partner of the Route Jacques-Cœur :
Created in 1954 on the initiative of the owners of the castles of Culan, Ainay-le-Vieil and Meillant, the Jacques-Coeur Route is the oldest historical route in France, offering visits as well as night-time discoveries and illuminations.
www.route-jacques-coeur.org
Book the Best Activities with Get Your Guide
Members' reviews on CHÂTEAU-MUSÉE DE GIEN - HUNTING, HISTORY AND NATURE
The ratings and reviews below reflect the subjective opinions of members and not the opinion of The Little Witty.
Find unique holiday offers with our partners
Cependant, c'était un bon endroit à visiter pour être honnête. Le Château-Musée de Gien explique l'histoire de la chasse et les différents types de chasse existant depuis des siècles sur le territoire, ainsi que leur déroulé, les objets utilisés (exposés aussi), etc. Il y a par exemple les instruments de musique employés avec les différents sons pour chaque étape de la chasse, qu'on peut entendre.
On a pu voir l'exposition sur les mamouths et sur un explorateur originaire de Gien, qui nous a fasciné. J'aimais beaucoup les lunettes faites en défense.
La chasse au vol a été intéressante à mes yeux, mais j'ai été touchée encore plus par la chasse à la courre car mon grand père avait beaucoup de chiens pour chasser. Il y allait à pied et dressait ses chiens lui même, ils étaient très nombreux. Il chassait pour se nourrir et nourrir son village, et j'espère qu'Allah lui pardonnera ses péchés pour avoir nourri et aidé autant de personnes, qui encore après sa mort, se souviennent bien de lui.
Merci pour ce souvenir ravivé ❤
Pour les intéressés, c'est fermé aux horaires du midi. En attendant, vous pouvez descendre les marches d'escaliers pour longer les murs en bas du chateau et découvrir le coeur de la ville et les quais de Loire. La ville est vraiment jolie, et il y a plusieurs choses intéressantes à visiter dans les alentours.