1,000 years of Montreuil-Bellay
In 2025, the Château de Montreuil-Bellay celebrates a remarkable milestone : 1,000 years of living heritage, fortified architecture and cultural legacy in the Loire Valley.
A rare event not to be missed in western France.
1,000 Years of the Château de Montreuil-Bellay : A Millennium of history and heritage to celebrate
In 2025, the Château de Montreuil-Bellay celebrates its millennium: 1,000 years of history, architecture, fortifications and daily life in the heart of Anjou.
Located between the Loire, Tours and Angers, this iconic medieval fortress stands out for its towers, moats and ramparts, as well as its historic residence, AOP Saumur vineyard, gardens, and breathtaking views over the Thouet Valley.
A major site of French medieval heritage and a listed Historic Monument, the château will host a series of exceptional cultural events to mark this symbolic anniversary.
From March to October 2025, guided tours, exhibitions, concerts, historical reenactments and family-friendly workshops will bring the site to life.
It’s the perfect opportunity for history enthusiasts, curious minds and passionate visitors to (re)discover this jewel of the Loire Valley.
A millennium-old fortress in the heart of Anjou
Overlooking the river from its rocky promontory, the Château de Montreuil-Bellay has served as a military stronghold, seigneurial residence, royal bastion, and later as a wine-producing and tourist destination.
It is one of the most impressive medieval fortresses in the Maine-et-Loire department and remains a vibrant cultural hub today.
Visitors can enjoy an immersive journey through time: from the medieval keep to elegant 17th-century salons, via vaulted kitchens, Renaissance-inspired gardens and the majestic Gothic chapel.
You can also explore former armouries, furnished attics, vintage posters, architectural models, and a unique panoramic view over the slate rooftops of the town of Montreuil-Bellay, officially recognised as a “Petite Cité de Caractère”.
As part of the 2025 programme, special focus will be placed on the architectural evolution of the château across the centuries.
Cultural conferences will explore the history of France, the role of the fortress, its former owners, and the strategic importance of Montreuil-Bellay during the medieval wars.
2025 Programme : concerts, performances and living heritage
To mark this historic occasion, the château will offer a wide-ranging schedule of events, designed for all audiences :
- Special guided tours in costume: “1,000 Years of History”
- Concerts and live performances in the courtyard or the André de Vallbray Hall
- Children’s workshops on medieval architecture and historic trades
- Exhibitions about the château’s noble families, including the Lords of Montreuil
- Night-time scenographic tours
- Heritage Days and wine-themed activities celebrating the estate’s wines
- Guided tastings of local vintages
- Medieval banquets in the former guardroom
- Cultural and historical lectures on the château’s role in Maine-et-Loire
Each month will focus on a different theme: the feudal era, Renaissance lifestyles, the Wars of Religion, or the French Revolution.
In addition, historians, cultural mediators and passionate specialists will enrich the experience, making each event unique and captivating.
Medieval reenactments and immersive experience
Large-scale medieval reenactments will be held, with living history camps set up in the château’s moats.
Visitors can enjoy fencing demonstrations and themed tours exploring traditional crafts (blacksmithing, stone cutting, tapestry-making).
Together, these experiences promise total immersion in the world of the Middle Ages.
Night-time audiovisual projections on the castle façade will retrace key periods of its history and enhance the immersive atmosphere of the celebration.
A wine tourism experience at the Château
The Château de Montreuil-Bellay is more than just a monument – it’s also an active wine estate producing certified AOP Saumur wines.
In 2025, a dedicated programme will highlight the vineyard and local terroir.
Guided tastings will take place in the historic wine cellar. Visitors can also join workshops on local grape varieties to better understand winemaking techniques.
Meet-the-winemaker events will also be scheduled.
You’ll have the chance to taste red, rosé and sparkling wines on site. The link between heritage and terroir is particularly strong here, where history, culture, farming tradition and natural landscapes all converge.
The perfect destination for a cultural getaway
Easily accessible from Saumur, Angers or Tours, the Château de Montreuil-Bellay is an essential stop during any cultural stay in western France.
Its architectural heritage is complemented by the availability of nearby lodgings: charming guesthouses, hotels and vacation rentals.
Several local accommodations offer package deals that include a château tour, a dinner and an overnight stay.
Nearby guesthouses provide excellent value for money, with options suitable for couples, families or groups.
Seasonal rentals and partner hotels also allow visitors to stay within walking distance of the site.
A visit to the Château de Montreuil-Bellay is a great opportunity to plan a full getaway.
Whether for a heritage-themed weekend or a gourmet escape, the Saumurois region offers something for everyone.
Many visitors share glowing reviews about the area’s cultural richness and natural beauty.To make your stay easier, the official website also provides a form for group quote requests (weddings, corporate events, etc.).
Thanks to the château’s proximity to the centre of Montreuil-Bellay and a wide variety of nearby lodgings, planning your visit is simple – whether you’re seeking a countryside escape or a historic overnight stay.
Montreuil-Bellay : a town of character and living heritage
Beyond the château, the town of Montreuil-Bellay is well worth exploring. Its flower-filled streets, Saint-Pierre Church and historic washhouses give it unique charm. Local artisans and weekly markets add to the vibrancy of this charming community.
Officially recognised as a “Petite Cité de Caractère”, Montreuil-Bellay attracts thousands of visitors every year in search of authenticity, tranquillity and cultural depth.
Wine lovers can enhance their stay with a vineyard hike, a wine-tasting stop at a partner guesthouse, or a visit to local cellars in the Montreuil-Bellay or Saumur area.
Portraits, exhibitions and artistic partnerships
Special attention will also be given to the women who shaped the château’s history. The 2025 programme includes themed walking tours and a temporary exhibition. A gallery of portraits will showcase their lives through letters, personal belongings and archival stories.
Partnerships will be developed with local festivals, historical associations and contemporary artists to keep the château vibrant all year long.
Art performances, author residencies, temporary exhibitions and craft markets will enrich the calendar of events.
A year not to be missed
Through this ambitious programme, the Château de Montreuil-Bellay reaffirms its place at the heart of Saumur’s cultural life. In 2025, this anniversary will be much more than a celebration.
It will be an invitation to relive a millennium of stories, encounters and shared heritage.
Practical information & booking
- Adress : Château de Montreuil-Bellay, 49260 Montreuil-Bellay.
- Open all year round. Special hours during event periods.
- Languages : tours available in French and English.
- Advance booking recommended on the official website.
- Easy car access. Free parking nearby.
- Group tours available by reservation – ideal for family outings, cultural weekends or Loire Valley escapes.
In summary : Why visit the Château de Montreuil-Bellay in 2025 ?
- Celebrate 1,000 years of living medieval heritage.
- Enjoy immersive cultural events for all audiences.
- Explore a historic site in the heart of the Saumur vineyards.
- Plan a complete getaway: wine, history, charm and nature.
- Discover one of the Loire Valley’s most beautiful castles.
For more details, visit the official Château de Montreuil-Bellay website or check with the local Tourist Office to help plan your stay.