Château de Baugé – Palais du Roi René

About the museum

The present château of Baugé was built between 1454 and 1465 for René I of Anjou, on the site of older fortifications linked to the Count of Anjou Fulk III Nerra. Designed by the architect Guillaume Robin, this pre-Renaissance château served as a pleasure residence and hunting lodge. King René last stayed there in 1471.

After his death the château was entrusted to a succession of lessees who maintained it poorly; it was badly damaged by 1790. In the 19th century the mounted gendarmerie moved in, part of the building was ceded to the town, and restoration began. The west wing housed the town hall for almost a century. In 1901 the Département returned the east wing to the town, where the fire brigade and the Baugé museum were installed.

The Museum of Art and History was founded in 1905 thanks to donations from local residents and personalities. Its collections consist mainly of coins, weapons and ceramics, together with a small cabinet of curiosities. Today the château is visited via an interactive scenographic route created in 2021, devoted to the life of King René; it contains no period furniture or collections. The Museum of Art and History presents temporary exhibitions there.

Highlights

• Multimedia route “Le Palais du Roi René”
• Salle du Banquet, the king’s chamber and chapel
• Palm-vaulted ceiling and giant tournament knight
• Family game app “Les 5 passions du roi René”
• Combined ticket with the Hôtel-Dieu and its apothecary

Permanent exhibition

• Le Palais du Roi René – Multimedia scenographic route through the château: Salle du Banquet, the king’s withdrawing room, state bedchamber, royal bedchamber, chapel, screening room and palm-vaulted ceiling.

Admission & discounts

The full price and the rates above apply to the château alone or to the Hôtel-Dieu alone (duration 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes). The “tribu” of 8 to 19 adults receives the reduced rate for tickets bought on site on the day of the visit. Payment by bank card, cash, cheque and holiday vouchers.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials
• Audio description: no information

The château route is accessible to about 80% of visitors with reduced mobility and to strollers. Two areas (the king’s withdrawing room and the oratory) have steps; a virtual visit on a tablet is available for them. A disabled parking space is 20 metres from the entrance and a lift is available. Tactile model in the king’s bedchamber, 15 audioguide points, audio version and written texts on tablet, and a document in easy-to-read French. The Hôtel-Dieu is not accessible to visitors with reduced mobility.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly

The château can be explored at your own pace with the game app “Les 5 passions du roi René,” available at reception. Workshops and family activities during school holidays, by reservation, and theatrical tours. At the Hôtel-Dieu, an activity booklet and hands-on activities around the apothecary’s table.

Getting there & parking

Baugé-en-Anjou is 18 km from La Flèche, 35 km from Saumur and 40 km from Angers. A11 motorway, Seiches-sur-le-Loir exit, 20 km.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop
• Lockers
• Wi-Fi

Relaxation area with free Wi-Fi and lockers. No food service on site; picnic tables in the gardens near the château. The shop sells souvenirs, local products and cold drinks.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit