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Chateaupedia

The castles of King René

5 châteaux listed

5 châteaux in Anjou and Provence where René of Anjou lived, built or held court, with admission prices and opening seasons.

René of Anjou, known as Good King René, held Anjou and Provence in the 15th century. His castles are divided between the two.

In Anjou, the dukes’ residence inside the walls of Angers, with its lodging and chapel, was enlarged in his time. At Baugé the hunting lodge was built for him on the ruins of an older fortress; his bedchamber and oratory, refurnished, have been open to visitors since 2011. He enlarged the castle at Les Ponts-de-Cé, which became one of his favourite residences, and in 1444 bought Launay, near Saumur, which he gave to his wife Isabella of Lorraine and where he held a tournament in 1446.

In Provence, Tarascon Castle, built in the 15th century on the Rhône by the counts of Provence and then the dukes of Anjou, was his residence. Its walls are almost intact.

The places, one by one

From the best known to the most discreet. Prices are for one adult; the season comes from the opening periods each place publishes.

  1. Château d'Angers

    Château d'Angers (Angers Castle)

    Angers, Maine-et-Loire

    The lodging and chapel of the dukes of Anjou, enlarged in King René’s time.

    Adult admission: €14Season not published

    Opening hours and access

  2. Château de Tarascon

    Château de Tarascon (Tarascon Castle)

    Tarascon, Bouches-du-Rhône

    King René’s residence on the Rhône.

    Adult admission: €8Open all year

    Opening hours and access

  3. Château de Baugé

    Château de Baugé (Baugé Castle)

    Baugé-en-Anjou, Maine-et-Loire

    Hunting lodge built for René of Anjou; his bedchamber and oratory can be visited.

    Season not published

    Hours to be confirmed

    Opening hours and access

  4. Château des Ponts-de-Cé

    Château des Ponts-de-Cé

    Les Ponts-de-Cé, Maine-et-Loire

    Enlarged by King René, who made it one of his favourite residences.

    Season not published

    Hours to be confirmed

    Opening hours and access

  5. Château de Launay

    Château de Launay (Launay Castle)

    Villebernier, Maine-et-Loire

    Bought by René in 1444 and given to Isabella of Lorraine; tournament of 1446.

    Season not published

    Hours to be confirmed

    Opening hours and access

The map

The 5 places on this page. Tap a point to open its page.

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The route

The four castles in Anjou fit into one day: Angers in the morning, Les Ponts-de-Cé just to the south, Launay near Saumur, then Baugé to the north. Tarascon, in Provence, is a separate trip.

StopFrom the previous stop
1.Château d'Angers (Angers Castle) · Angers
2.Château des Ponts-de-Cé · Les Ponts-de-Cé6 km
3.Château de Launay (Launay Castle) · Villebernier41 km
4.Château de Baugé (Baugé Castle) · Baugé-en-Anjou31 km

78 km in a straight line overall

Frequently asked questions

Where can you see King René’s bedchamber?
At the Château de Baugé, in Maine-et-Loire. King René’s private bedchamber and oratory, with reconstructed furnishings, have been open to visitors since 2011.
King René castles: which ones are open all year?
1 are listed as open all year: Château de Tarascon. The others open in season, and winter hours are often shorter.