Overlooking the river Loire, the chateau made famous by Alexandre Dumas in his novel 'La Dame de Montsoreau', was rebuilt in the15th century by Jean de Chambes, a diplomat and close advisor of Charles VII. This building, part-residence, part fortress, was originally rectangular in shape, flanked by four towers and surrounded by a deep moat supplied with water from the river Loire.

The chateau has always benefited from a strategic position. On the border of Anjou and the Touraine, at the bottom of a cliff, and 55m from the confluence of the Loire and Vienne rivers, the chateau was first built in the 11th century to both defend and dominate the area. It was associated with the Count of Anjou and later with the Counts of Blois.

At the start of 1993 the 'Conseil General de Maine et Loire' decided to look at developing the chateau as more of a tourist attraction. Work started in 1998 and is due for completion in 2001. A study showed that a potential 85,000 visitors a year will enjoy the new facilities and exhibitions.

20 million Francs have been allotted to the restoration of the chateau.

5m Francs to the moat construction, 5m Francs to peripheral works, and 15m Francs to the 16 part show and exhibition.

The exhibitions will tell the stories of the river, wars, windmills, troglodyte dwellings, and much more.

The chateau is also home to the museum of Goums (Moroccan Regiment).