Top 4 Castles around Candes-Saint-Martin
Best castles around Candes-Saint-Martin are found in a picturesque village situated at the confluence of the Loire and Vienne rivers. This region is known for its historical significance and natural landscape. The area features both ancient edifices and renovated châteaux, offering insights into centuries of regional history. Visitors can explore various architectural styles and historical contexts within a compact area.
Best castles around Candes-Saint-Martin
- The most popular castles is Montsoreau Castle, a castle that stands directly on the banks…
Last updated: October 8, 2026
Montsoreau Castle
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Above all, since 2016 Montsoreau …
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Velors Castle
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Route to the Château de Montreuil-Bellay
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The Little Hureau Guesthouse
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We visited the castle in July 2025, the moat is empty and it all locked up but unoccupied. Its worth having a look at because you can get a good view through the front fence and gate.
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A beautiful chambres d'hôtes, stay in the small Château de Hureau or in the Gites du Jardin. Very friendly and helpful hosts, very concerned about the well-being of their guests, and a beautiful garden to end the day. Highly recommended! We felt very comfortable there ❤️
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The bridge and its remains can be discovered along the Rue de la Douve and the Rue des Perrières which adjoins it. It is impossible not to be touched as you walk through this tunnel of centuries-old stones.
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the paths of the castles - and another castle!
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Access via small steep alleys. Viewpoint of the Montsoreau castle.
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Beautiful climb to a viewpoint over the confluence
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The Château de Montsoreau is located in the department of Maine-et-Loire, in the Pays de la Loire region, in France. It is located on the banks of the Loire, near the town of Saumur. Built in the 15th century, the castle of Montsoreau is one of the rare castles of the Loire built in the major bed of the river. It has been the scene of many battles and has known several owners over the centuries, including the famous family of the Dukes of Anjou. In the 19th century, the castle was transformed into a prison, then into accommodation for the guards of the nearby bridge. In the 20th century, it became the center of a contemporary art movement called Art in the Raw. Today, the Château de Montsoreau houses a museum of contemporary art and is open to the public for guided tours. Visitors can admire the historical rooms of the castle as well as the modern works of art displayed in the exhibition halls. The view of the Loire from the castle is also magnificent and deserves to be contemplated.
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The Château de Montsoreau has been immortalized many times, notably by Alexandre Dumas in his novel La Dame de Monsoreau, written between 1845 and 1846. Above all, since 2016 Montsoreau has been a Museum of Contemporary Art with the world's largest collection of works from the Art and Language movement. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main castles to visit near Candes-Saint-Martin?
The most prominent castle to visit in the immediate vicinity is Montsoreau Castle. It stands directly on the banks of the Loire River and houses a Museum of Contemporary Art. While the historic Château des Archevêques de Tours is in Candes-Saint-Martin, it is not open to visitors.
Are there family-friendly castles to explore in the region?
Yes, Montsoreau Castle is categorized as family-friendly. Its unique blend of historical architecture and a contemporary art museum can appeal to various ages. The village of Candes-Saint-Martin itself offers a charming environment for families.
What kind of historical significance do the castles around Candes-Saint-Martin hold?
The region is rich in history. Montsoreau Castle is famous for being immortalized by Alexandre Dumas in his novel La Dame de Monsoreau and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Candes-Saint-Martin also features the Château des Archevêques de Tours, a 15th-century edifice that served as a summer retreat for the Archbishops of Tours, reflecting its deep historical roots.
Can I combine a castle visit with outdoor activities like hiking or cycling?
Absolutely. The area around Candes-Saint-Martin is ideal for combining castle visits with outdoor adventures. You can find numerous hiking routes, such as the 'Montsoreau Castle – Troglodyte houses loop', and traffic-free bike rides that pass by scenic viewpoints and historical sites.
What makes Montsoreau Castle unique compared to other Loire Valley castles?
Montsoreau Castle stands out as the world's first castle to become a Museum of Contemporary Art, housing the largest collection of works from the Art and Language movement. This offers a distinctive blend of Renaissance architecture and modern art, directly on the Loire River.
Are there any castles in the area that are not open to the public?
Yes, the historic Château des Archevêques de Tours in Candes-Saint-Martin, also known as Château Vieux de Candes, is a significant historical monument but is not open to visitors. Similarly, Velors Castle is currently enclosed and not accessible for visits, though its beautiful red brick exterior can be admired from a distance.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Candes-Saint-Martin?
The Loire Valley, including Candes-Saint-Martin, is beautiful throughout the warmer months, typically from spring to early autumn (April to October). During this period, the weather is pleasant for exploring castles and enjoying outdoor activities. Some castles may have reduced hours or closures in winter, so it's always best to check specific opening times.
Where can I find accommodation near the castles?
Candes-Saint-Martin offers charming accommodation options. For example, The Little Hureau Guesthouse provides a beautiful chambres d'hôtes experience, allowing you to stay in a small château or gites with friendly hosts and a lovely garden.
Are there good viewpoints to see the castles and the surrounding landscape?
Yes, the region offers several scenic viewpoints. The route to the Château de Montreuil-Bellay offers a beautiful climb to a viewpoint over the confluence of rivers. The village of Candes-Saint-Martin itself, situated at the confluence of the Loire and Vienne, provides panoramic views.
What kind of dining options are available near the castles?
Candes-Saint-Martin and nearby villages offer local dining experiences. The contemporary Château de Candes (Art & Spa) in the village has a small restaurant, Le Baladin, focusing on local and organic produce. You can find cafes and restaurants in the charming villages surrounding the castles.
Can I learn more about the history of the Château des Archevêques de Tours, even if I can't visit inside?
While the Château des Archevêques de Tours is not open to the public, its historical significance as a former summer residence for the Archbishops of Tours is well-documented. You can find more information about its heritage and architectural details on resources like Wikipedia.
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