Château de Saumur

Soaring above the town’s rooftops, Saumur’s fairy-tale castle was largely built in the 13th century by Louis XI and has served variously as a fortress for protection from the Normans, a Renaissance palace, a Protestant stronghold and an army barracks. Today it houses Saumur's municipal museum, whose exhibits include excellent collections of furnishings, faience (earthenware) and equestrian gear, housed in a one-time abbey church.