The castle and the Hôtel-Dieu de Baugé, today managed by the city, are among the heritage riches of this thousand-year-old city, labeled “Most beautiful detour in France” and “Little City of Character”. Known for his numerous architectural achievements, King René, Duke of Anjou, had the castle built in the 15th century as his hunting lodge. Simplicity, charm and elegance are the key words of this architectural ensemble, as evidenced by the imposing spiral staircase overlooked by its palm tree vault.
Baugé castle first appeared at the beginning of the 11th century when Foulques III Nerra, count of Anjou and formidable warrior, had a fortress built on a rocky spur, at the confluence of the Couesnon and the Altrée, intended to secure east of its territory. No trace of this vast ensemble remains today, the last vestiges having been razed in the middle of the 19th century during the development of the current Place de l'Europe in front of the castle. Between the 11th and 14th centuries, a new castle was built on the site of the current castle, but the sources are incomplete for this period. It was probably burned down during the Hundred Years' War. On these bases the current castle was built between 1454 and 1465, commissioned by René I, Duke of Anjou (1409-1480) from its architect Guillaume Robin.
Discover the new scenography of the Château de Baugé inaugurated in May 2021: the Palace of King René. In this brand new journey, let yourself be told the stories of a great story, that of a unique knight-artist. Imagine... You are the guest of a royal banquet, you discover the precious works of the library or, surprise, you explore an astonishing forest in the attic of the castle until then closed to the public. Between history and poetry, daily life and imagination, the new route through the Palais du Roi René will leave you dreaming.
The visit to the Baugé castle goes hand in hand with the discovery of the Hôtel-Dieu de Baugé. The city's first hospital opened in 1650 thanks to the tenacity of two women wishing to offer a place of welcome and care to the most deprived in the region, it closed in 2001 after 350 years of hospital activity. In turn, the sick room, the baroque chapel, the convent buildings, the simple garden are revealed to visitors. The whole still constitutes today a coherent architectural ensemble and witness to the dual vocation of the place: care of souls and care of the body. Among the masterpieces to discover in the Loire Valley, the apothecary is one of the must-sees. A mysterious atmosphere reigns in this 17th century pharmacy, recognized as one of the richest and most complete in Europe.