Château of Sully-sur-Loire

THE CHÂTEAU OF SULLY-SUR-LOIRE: A FASCINATING MEDIEVAL FORTRESS

Built on the banks of the Loire, the Château of Sully-sur-Loire and its unique architecture are reflected in the still waters of its moat. Its impressive towers and imposing silhouette conceal ravishing interiors in which the Great Sully lived in the greatest of splendour. This medieval fortress was designed to defend the Loire châteaux route and has many a tale to tell!

THE CHÂTEAU OF SULLY-SUR-LOIRE: A BUILDING STEEPED IN HISTORY

The Château of Sully-sur-Loire is the archetype of defensive châteaux at the dawn of the Renaissance. Ever since the 12^th century, its role has been to defend the river and, in spite of the many changes made, it has always kept its sturdy and very intimidating silhouette! The earliest evidence for the château dates it back to 1102, when it was a defence post on the left bank of the Loire. In the 14^th century, Guy de La Trémoïlle became the new owner of the château through marriage and launched a large-scale restoration project. He ordered work on the Keep, which was designed not only to defend the bridge over the Loire but also to host important guests during sumptuous parties. In 1429, the Château welcomed a particularly famous visitor: Joan of Arc, who came to meet the future Charles VII.

Femme devant les douves et le chateau de Sully-sur-Loire — V. Treney – CRT Centre-Val de Loire

After the upheaval of the French Wars of Religion, the château was bought and saved in 1602 by Maximilien de Béthune, then minister to Henry IV. The Great Sully, as he was known, began major work that concerned both the Renaissance interiors and the surrounding land with the creation of the adjoining park. The Artillery Tower was also built and connected to the château by two covered galleries, while another led from the Keep to the little château, thus enclosing the site fully for the first time. Although it was never a royal residence, the Château of Sully-sur-Loire has welcomed many illustrious guests within its walls, including Louis XIV, Anne of Austria and Cardinal Mazarin who sought refuge here during the Fronde of the Princes in March 1652, as well as Voltaire during his exile.

Tableau d'un homme à cheval au chateau de Sully-sur-Loire — Henneghien – CRT Centre-Val de Loire

VISITING THE CHÂTEAU OF SULLY-SUR-LOIRE

In spite of its turbulent history, the château’s features have been well preserved, including the wall walk, a tapestry of Psyche, a 14th-century arched timber roof, furnished rooms and the tomb of the famous Sully. The visit route is well designed with decors that present paintings, tapestries and period furniture. Your tour of the interiors will lead you to 19 different spaces and offer an exciting experience that is brought to life by exhibitions and events organised throughout the year!

D. Darrault – CRT Centre-Val de Loire

Offbeat tours are organised sporadically (subject to booking) and offer a unique opportunity to unravel all the mysteries of the place from the moat to the château via secret corridors hidden behind concealed doors and rooms not open to the public! Children are also catered for at the Château of Sully-sur-Loire with a range of fun activities. An escape game, a motif hunt, investigations in the château… there’s plenty of fun to be had while visiting this Loire Valley gem!

DON’T MISS THE PARK OF THE CHÂTEAU OF SULLY-SUR-LOIRE

The Château of Sully-sur-Loire is surrounded by a 42-hectare departmental natural park. Steeped in history, it is also an oasis of greenery that is ideal for discovering the natural riches of the Loire Valley! The park is comprised of two areas: the historic estate created from the 15^th century onwards, and a natural area to the south, called the Marçon Ponds. Stroll through the garden of the château, passionately designed by the Duke of Sully, and stop in front of the Lourdes cave built in 1883 at the request of the Countess of Sully, Marguerite Amelot de Chaillou, one of the curiosities in the park! Naturally preserved, the park of the Château of Sully-sur-Loire is a fabulous biodiversity reservoir home to nearly 90 species of birds, around 30 species of butterflies and hundreds of different plants. Don’t hesitate to download the château’s free quiz trail to explore it as a family!

Feuillage d'automne devant le chateau de Sully-sur-Loire — Christophe Mouton

Famille devant le Chateau de Sully-sur-Loire — Christophe Mouton

FAQ

Are there guided tours of the Château of Sully-sur-Loire?

Yes! Guided tours are available every day throughout the year. Please note that the route includes 235 steps, including ups and downs, but don’t worry, you will find plenty of places to have a sit down during the tour!