Château de Baugé

Baugé en Anjou, France

The Château de Baugé is a castle, extensively altered and restored, in Baugé-en-Anjou. In 1007, Foulques III Nerra, Count of Anjou, built a powerful fortress on a rocky outcrop at the confluence of two rivers, the Couasnon and the Altrée. The fortress had to withstand the later attacks of his enemy, the Count of Blois.

In the 15th century, Yolande of Aragon, mother of René, Count of Anjou, began construction of a castle within the fortress. She burnt it down during the Hundred Years' War to prevent it being taken by the English. The present structure dates from 1442, when René of Anjou inherited the ruin. He decide to build a majestic residence on the site to benefit from the well-stocked game forest of the country and to reside. In 1454, he appointed as his architect Guillaume Robin and construction began the same year. By 1462, some parts were occupied, and the whole was completed in 1465. René also designed the gardens which were planted with shrubs and flowers. The château became one of his favourite homes and he often visited to hunt and for magnificent banquets.

After René's death in 1480, Anjou was annexed under the crown by Louis XI. The barony of Baugé and its château passed through several hands and noted families, notably the family of Alençon, the Comte d'Enghien, the Comtesse de Soissons, Louise et Marie de Savoie-Carignan, the Duchesse de Luynes, the Duc de La Rochefoucauld and the Duc d'Estissac. Eventually, the barony was given to 'Monsieur', the King's brother, Count of Provence, the future Louis XVIII.

Upkeep of the château was neglected by successive owners who preferred to live elsewhere. In 1790, it was very dilapidated. During the 19th century it was partly used as a cavalry barracks; part was given to the municipality and a theatre was installed in 1844. Various piecemeal attempts at repair and restoration were made. In 1960, a major project was begun for the restoration of the exterior of the château.

The castle is the property of the municipality  and is now a municipal museum.

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More Information

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User Reviews

Ann Potter (9 months ago)
A very interesting place, opted to also visit Hotel de Dieu, which included a guided tour. The guide was very pleasant and knowledgeable. Lots to see. The Hotel is a short walk away in a nearby street (follow the arrows on the floor), recommend an umbrella if it is raining, but definitely worth walking to.
Noel Aucott (2 years ago)
Really enjoyed our visit. The audio guide in English was excellent, loved how some of the building fabric had been left exposed so you see its construction and the changes of use.
lucie leonard (3 years ago)
The chateau was less interesting than the apothecary. The lace exhibit in the gardens was lovely.
Vince Creaney (3 years ago)
Lovely little campsite. Very friendly, large pitches, toilets/Showers very clean. A few minutes walking distance to the Town.
Robert Barton (4 years ago)
We really enjoyed our visit to this castle. There was some nice features for our son to interact with, he enjoyed designing his own shield. We liked how some of the rooms were decorated as it was under King René. This made us feel what it was like to live in the castle during that time. The visit was informative and we learnt a lot.
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