Castle full of history with ramparts, fresco, medieval kitchen, stairs, defense towers and several hectares of vineyards
One can see from far away the massive yet finely chiseled ensemble of one of the most beautiful castles of the Loire Valley. Its long and heterogeneous ramparts enclose both the beautiful collegiate church and the different periods of construction of the citadel. Built at the time of Hugues Capet by a loyalist of the king, Foulque Nerra, Count of Anjou, the castle of Montreuil-Bellay went through the Hundred Years War, several successive sieges, the Wars of Religion, the French Revolution (it was then a prison for monarchist women), the First World War (it was then transformed into a hospital). Today, we discover its history thanks to a one-hour guided tour of the interiors, the gardens, the canons' lodgings, the kitchens and the ramparts. We learn that its old and massive keep was dismantled to reuse its stones for other constructions. Inside: monumental frescoes, staircases, medieval kitchen, bedrooms, dining room and furnished music room... But the outside is also worth a visit, if only to admire the views you get of the 650 meters of ramparts, the defensive towers and the sentry walk. Walking around the gardens of the ramparts is ideal not to miss anything of this exceptional castle combining character of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Last particularity: the castle has several hectares of vineyard and the wine of the property is sold there, between red or white saumur, cabernet-d'anjou and crémant de Loire.
Did you know? This review was written by our professional authors.
Book the Best Activities with Get Your Guide
Members' reviews on MONTREUIL-BELLAY CASTLE
The ratings and reviews below reflect the subjective opinions of members and not the opinion of The Little Witty.
Find unique Stay Offers with our Partners
Belle découverte !
Ce fut une très belle découverte. Le château en lui même est magnifique. Les caves et les pièces ouvertes à la visite sont biens mises en scène avec du mobilier d’époque, permettant à la fois la transmission de l’histoire mais aussi l’imaginaire.
D’ailleurs, une petite frustration persiste concernant les étages du château non ouverts à la visite puisque seulement quelques pièces de la structure principale sont ouvertes.
Le point de vue des remparts sur le Thouet est magnifique.
De plus, la collégiale édifiée aux abord du château est tout aussi charmante et chargée d’histoire.
Nous reviendrons visiter ce château dans quelques années avec grand plaisir !