The Château-Parc de Meung-sur-Loire
This is the must-see monument during your say in the Terres du Val de Loire. The Château de Meung-sur-Loire, one of the largest and most ancient châteaux in the Loiret, has many surprises in store for you! Nicknamed the “two-faced château”, as it is distinct in that it has two façades dating back to two different eras. The first Medieval façade dates from the 13th century, whereas the second dates from the 18th century.
The tour will take you from the upper floors to the cellars, an opportunity to admire more than 2,000 objects and items of furniture. Step through the gates of this imposing building and experience life as a castle!
5 good reasons to visit the château de Meung-sur-Loire
- One of the largest and oldest castles in the territory.
- A unique architecture: a castle, two architectural styles.
- A castle that can be visited from the attic to the underground.
- A collection of more than 2000 objects to discover.
- Events throughout the year.
A historic castle
The residence of the Bishops of Orléans
Until the French Revolution, the Château de Meung-sur-Loire was the prestigious residence of the Bishops of Orléans. It is one of the rare châteaux built by and for bishops. During the 13th century, the bishop Manassès de Seignelay built a true palace, worthy of his rank. The Château was extended during the following centuries, and in particular during the Hundred Years War, when the bishops further extended the château and added a new tower to it.
In 1706, the bishop Fleuriau d’Armenonville restored the Château, which was then considered as dilapidated. The Château de Meung-sur-Loire kept its medieval architecture on the town side, however, on the garden side, the façade was modified and the walls painted, to offer the appearance of a classical Château. The Château de Meung-sur-Loire is one of the rare painted châteaux in France.
The Red Castle
In 2022, the 18th-century pavilion of the Château de Meung-sur-Loire was restored. It now has a flamboyant roof and oxblood coloured facades. In the past, the castle was often referred to as « the red castle » in reference to its colour, which evokes religion.
Photo credit © Pierre Holley
A Château that can be visited from the attic to the vaults
Come and live the château life in Meung-sur Loire! The tour will lead you from the attic to the dark vaults, including the magnificent neoclassical chapel and the 18th century bathrooms, in which over 2,000 objects are exhibited. The perfect opportunity to discover the daily life in a seigneurial residence through the centuries. Visiting the Château de Meung-sur-Loire is the promise of a true voyage back in time!
The visit includes original and surprising elements such as an odorama course, “boitakois” (boxes) which highlight objects in the form of fun quizzes, and a video show in the vaults
Photo credit © Pierre Holley and Whoisreno
The Château-Parc de Meung-sur-Loire and its leisure activities
On this 7-hectare estate, new leisure activities have recently been set up. Young visitors will be delighted to discover the miniature animals of the Minimes farm, but also to be able to take the Knights’ Trail with its nets suspended in the trees. The Land of Dragons with its fantastic animated creatures also has many surprises in store!
Finally, enjoy the superb wooded park of the Château de Meung-sur-Loire, located in the city centre, which offer the nostalgic reminiscence of foregone splendour. Although nothing subsists of the French-style gardens which adorned the terrace, traces still remain of the English-style gardens created just before the French Revolution.
Photo credits © Château de Meung-sur-Loire et Pierre Holley
Information and booking
Opening hours of the château-Parc de Meung-sur-Loire :
Every weekend in December, from 2pm to 6pm.
23 December and from 26 to 30 December, from 2pm to 6pm.
