Château de Sully sur Loire – All You Need to Know Before Visiting

The impressive Chateau de Sully sur Loire sits at the confluence of the Loire and the River Sange. The castle was built on a group of three small islands: the main keep sits on the northern island; the Inner Courtyard is on the southern island, and the Outer Courtyard takes up the eastern island. 

Château de Sully may not share the fame of the iconic Chenonceau, or Amboise, but it’s equally beautiful. Just when you think you’ve seen the most stunning castle in Loire Valley, here comes another one to take your breath away!

A Brief History of the Chateau de Sully sur Loire

The first traces of the château date back to the 1100s. At the time this was just defense post for the “royal” river. The actual Château de Sully was built much later, in 1567, for the Maréchal Gaspard de Saulx who was an important figure at the court of King Henri II of France.  

In 1602, Maximilien de Béthune, a famous French minster and counselor of King Henry IV, acquired the castle and began an extensive work of restoration. 

He strengthened the exterior walls to protect the town from occasional flooding, built an artillery tower equipped with walls and cannons and created the gardens. 

Over the course of history, the château has suffered many trials and tribulations: the French Revolution in 1789, a devastating fire in 1918, and the bombardments of World War II.

For four centuries, this imposing fortress remained the property of the Duke of Sully family and their descendants.

In 1962 the Département du Loiret acquired the Château de Sully-sur-Loire and declared it a Historic Monument. They made substantial repairs to the castle, bringing it to its old glory and splendor.

During its history, the castle has welcomed the visits of many celebrities. Although Henri IV never came here, King Louis XIV, Voltaire, Joan of Arc, Mazarin and Anne of Austria, all paid visits to the château.

Visiting the Château de Sully Sur Loire

The castle layout that you see today is different from the original construction. From the 18^th century onwards, the Château of Sully-sur-Loire underwent numerous demolition and re-construction projects which gradually changed its appearance.

Château de Sully sur Loire is an impressive medieval fortress, complete with towers, strongholds, rampart walks and surrounded by a romantic moat filled with water. The castle has four prominent cylindrical towers that emerge high above its roof.

The Gardens

To the east of the Outer Courtyard is a 25-hectare garden that you can reach via a stone bridge. The reflections of the castle in the water make for some great pics! 

In the garden there is a number of canals that were dug in order to help protect the castle against possible floods. The area is now almost completely occupied by trees. Only the pathways indicate the original layout of the garden.

In the Outer Courtyard there is a life-size statue of white Carrara marble representing the first Duke of Sully, Maximilien de Béthune. 

Inside the Château

The interior of the château has some very nice elements. You will find the usual array of tapestries, paintings, sculptures and French period furniture. The Louis XV wing has rooms decorated in a 17th century style to view.

One thing not to miss when visiting the château is the barrel-vaulted ceiling, which is a true masterpiece. The ceiling which dates back to the 14th century is part of the original construction. Considering its old age, the ceiling looks remarkably well and its sheer size and its beauty are quite stunning!

Also remarkably beautiful are Sully’s private apartments. The bedroom walls contain six tapestries recounting the story of Psyche. They date back to the early 17th century and are part of a prestigious series made for François I. 

Visiting the château is quite a voyage through history, from the Middle Ages through to the 19th century. The tour will take you into the lives of the Béthune family.

You will learn about their history and family anecdotes,which makes the visit very attractive.  The Sully apartments and their collections of paintings, tapestries and period furniture are really beautiful.

Château de Sully-sur-Loire is one of the favorite venues for the music festivals in the Loire Valley.

Practical Information for Visiting the Château

Depending on the time of the year, there is at least one guided tour (only in French) each day lasting approximately 1.5 hrs. However, you can take a self guided tour of the castle at any time. There are audioguides and maps of the château available in French, English, German, Dutch, Italian and Spanish.

Getting to Château de Sully

By car: Château de Sully is only 70 miles away from Blois, which is a great base for exploring the Loire Valley castles. The easiest and most direct way to get to Sully is by car (1 hour and 15 minutes drive).

For driving directions for the Château de Sully, click on the map below

By train/bus: the next convenient way is to use a combination of train and bus, by hoping on the train in Blois and then changing to a bus on Orleans. This will take about 2 hours and 45 minutes.

By bus: this is the least convenient option as there is no direct bus from Blois to Château de Sully-sur-Loire. There are bus services departing from Blois and arriving at Sully sur Loire – Porte de Sologne via Bourie Rouge and Orléans – Gare Routière. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 3h 30m.

Admission Fees

• General admission for adults (18 years ad older): €8.00 • Children 6-17 years of age and students: €5.00 • Children under 6: free • Guided tour (only in French): €10.00 • Family Rate: €22 for 2 adults and 2 youths (children over 6)

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