Now managed by the municipality, the château and the Hôtel-Dieu (hospital) of Baugé epitomize the patrimonial richness of a thousand-year-old city labeled “most beautiful detour of France” and “Little Town of Character”. Known for his manifold architectural accomplishments, King René, Duke of Anjou, had the château constructed in the 15th century as an essentially personal hunting lodge. Simplicity, charm and elegance are key to this architectural complex, one example being the imposing cantilever spiral staircase with its palm tree-shaped vault.

Baugé first appeared in the early 11th century when Foulques III Nerra, Count of Anjou and a formidable warrior, had built on a rocky spur at the junction of the Couesnon and the Altrée rivers, a fortress to safeguard the eastern section of his territory. No trace of what was once a vast complex subsists today, the last remaining vestiges having been razed in the mid-19th century when today’s Place de l’Europe was brought into being in front of the château. Between the 11th and the 14th centuries, a new castle was built on the site of today’s, but source materials on that epoch are few and far between. In all likelihood, the building was burnt to the ground during the Hundred Year’s War. In any event it was on that foundation that from 1454 to 1465, following commission by King René I to his architect, Guillaume Robin, today’s building was erected.

Projections in the rafters, the first-floor scenography, the reimagined royal chamber, the play activity centers, digital exploration areas, family-oriented entertainment, dramatized visits… These are just some of the attractions placed at the disposal of visitors of all ages wishing to understand the life of the Good King René, at heart an artist and by duty a seigneur

A visit to the Château de Baugé goes hand in glove with discovery of the Baugé Hôtel-Dieu. As the first hospital to exist in the town, its opening in 1650 was a tribute to the tenacity of two women intent on offering a place of welcome and care to the deprived and the destitute. Only in 2001, after 350 years of hospital activity, did it close its doors. And now? Little by little, room after room, the ward for the sick, the baroque chapel, the monastic buildings, and the “garden of the humble” uncover their secrets. An architecturally coherent complex attests to the double vocation of the site: nursing for the soul, care for the body.

Among the many small masterpieces to be discovered in the Loire valley, the apothecary house occupies a peculiar place; a mysterious atmosphere permeates the 17th-century pharmacy, long since recognized as one of the richest and most complete in Europe.

Photo gallery of Château de Baugé

Visits

  • Free individual visits
  • Average duration of the individual visit : 1h
  • Groups welcome from 20 people up to 40 people
  • Free group tours
  • Guided group tours
  • Guided group tours on request
  • Group educational visits
  • Average duration of the group visit : 1h15
  • Point of interest visible without visit
  • Available languages
    • Audio : Français
    • Panneaux : Français, Anglais
    • Parlées : Français, Anglais

Activities

  • Animation thématique spécifique
  • Atelier pour enfants
  • Expositions temporaires

Opening time

From May 25 to June 11, 2021
Monday02 PM - 06 PM
Tuesday02 PM - 06 PM
Wenesday02 PM - 06 PM
Thursday02 PM - 06 PM
Friday02 PM - 06 PM
Saturday02 PM - 06 PM
Sunday02 PM - 06 PM
Details on opening hours : ouverture tous les après-midis
From June 12 to September 20, 2021
Monday10 AM - 12:30 PM and 01:30 PM - 06:30 PM
Tuesday10 AM - 12:30 PM and 01:30 PM - 06:30 PM
Wenesday10 AM - 12:30 PM and 01:30 PM - 06:30 PM
Thursday10 AM - 12:30 PM and 01:30 PM - 06:30 PM
Friday10 AM - 12:30 PM and 01:30 PM - 06:30 PM
Saturday10 AM - 12:30 PM and 01:30 PM - 06:30 PM
Sunday10 AM - 12:30 PM and 01:30 PM - 06:30 PM
Details on opening hours : ouverture tous les jours
From September 21 to November 07, 2021
Monday02 PM - 06 PM
Tuesday02 PM - 06 PM
Wenesday02 PM - 06 PM
Thursday02 PM - 06 PM
Friday02 PM - 06 PM
Saturday02 PM - 06 PM
Sunday02 PM - 06 PM
Details on opening hours : ouverture tous les après-midis

Prices

Tarif indiv. adulte : € 9.00

Tarif indiv. réduit : € 7.50 15-18 ans, étudiant, demandeur d'emploi, personne en situation de handicap

Tarif indiv. enfant : € 4.50 7-14 ans

Formule famille : € 22.50 2 adultes + 2enfants (7-14 ans)

Further information

Labels

  • Accueil Vélo
    Accueil Vélo
  • Welcome ! C'est beau ici !
    Welcome ! C'est beau ici !

Payment method

  • Cartes bancaires
  • Chèques bancaires et postaux
  • Chèques Vacances
  • Espèces

Access

  • Route (nationale/départ.) RN 23 at 20 km
  • Autoroute A11 sortie Seiches/Loir at 20 km
  • Aéroport/aérodrome Aéroport Angers/Marcé at 20 km
  • Gare SNCF Angers at 40 km
  • Gare routière Baugé - place de l'Europe

Services and equipments

  • Boutique
  • WiFi
  • Aire de pique nique
  • Salle de réunion équipée