Saumur - Château

Saumur late afternoon.

The "Château de Saumur" built as a fortified stronghold in the 10th century against Norman raids. Overlooking the Loire river it got transformed in a "château" and changed hands several times. The castle was used as an army barracks in the 17th century. Under Napoleon I it was (just like Fontevraud Abbey) converted into a prison. Marquis de Sade was imprisoned here for a short time. In 1906 the City of Saumur acquired the castle and began a restoration program to house a museum.
Here is the website:

www.chateau-saumur.com/