Background

Château de Meung-sur-Loire: A Castle with Two Faces

Discover a Loire Valley gem with medieval roots and classical elegance, once home to bishops, poets, and even prisoners.

4.5

The Château de Meung-sur-Loire is a historic castle in the Loire Valley, showcasing both medieval and classical architectural styles. Once a residence for the Bishops of Orléans, it offers visitors a glimpse into French history, from its role in the Hundred Years' War to its use as a prison.

A brief summary to Château de Meung-sur-Loire

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves stairs and uneven surfaces, including a visit to the underground dungeons.
  • Allocate at least 2-3 hours to explore the castle and its extensive grounds fully.
  • Check the official website for special events and exhibitions that may be taking place during your visit.
  • Consider visiting between May and September to enjoy the gardens and natural sites.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Train

    The Meung-sur-Loire train station is approximately a 10-minute walk to the Château. Upon exiting the station, walk straight ahead on Avenue de la Gare, then turn left onto Place du Martroi. The Château will be directly in front of you. Train tickets from Orléans to Meung-sur-Loire range from €3 to €8. Trains from Tours to Meung-sur-Loire range from €15-€35. A direct train from Paris Austerlitz to Meung-sur-Loire is available once daily, with tickets costing €23–€50.

  • Car

    If arriving by car, take the A10 highway and exit at Exit 15. Parking is available in front of the castle, on the banks of the Loire. Note that parking on Place du Martroi is restricted to 1.5 hours with a blue parking disc. Electric vehicle charging points are available at Hypermarché U in Baule, Supermarché LIDL in Beaugency and Supermarché Leclerc in Tavers. Parking is free, but charging costs will vary.

  • Public Transport

    Rémi operates a bus from Châteaudun to Moulin du Coutelet 3 times a day. Tickets cost €3 and the journey takes 33 min. There are 5 buses a day from Orléans to Meung-sur-Loire which require at least one change with SNCF | Autocar. Tickets average $8 (€7).

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available from the Meung-sur-Loire train station. Ride-sharing services like Uber also operate in Meung-sur-Loire. The cost of a taxi from the train station to the Château is approximately €10-€20, depending on the company and time of day.

Unlock the Best of Château de Meung-sur-Loire

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Château de Meung-sur-Loire

The Château de Meung-sur-Loire, often called the "castle with two faces," is one of the largest and oldest castles in the Loiret. Its unique architecture reflects different eras, with an imposing medieval facade facing the town and an elegant 18th-century classical facade overlooking the gardens. Originally built in the 13th century, the château served as the prestigious residence of the Bishops of Orléans until the French Revolution. Its history is rich and varied, having been occupied by the English during the Hundred Years' War and later liberated by Joan of Arc after her victory in Orléans. The castle also served as a prison, most famously housing the poet François Villon. A visit to the Château de Meung-sur-Loire offers a comprehensive experience, taking you from the attics to the underground passages. Explore over 20 furnished rooms, discover more than 2,000 objects, and immerse yourself in the daily life of a Loire castle. The castle also features a 7-hectare park with remnants of an English garden. Special features include an odorama trail, video presentations, and activities designed for children, such as a visit with Walter the robot.

Popular Experiences near Château de Meung-sur-Loire

Popular Hotels near Château de Meung-sur-Loire

Select Currency