His Serene Highness Prince Albert II continued his journey through central France this week with visits to the historic towns of Bridoré and Saumur, retracing the footsteps of his ancestors while strengthening the enduring ties between Monaco and France…
In Bridoré, located in the Indre-et-Loire region, the Sovereign was warmly welcomed by local residents and schoolchildren before visiting the medieval Château de Bridoré, once closely linked to Humbert de Batarnay, an ancestor connected to the Grimaldi family history. The village recently joined the Grimaldi Historic Sites network and shares deep historical ties with nearby Montrésor, another important location visited earlier in the week.
During the visit, HSH Prince Albert II unveiled a commemorative plaque before touring the château, whose architecture reflects centuries of transformation from military fortress to family residence.
The afternoon programme in Saumur carried a more military focus. The Sovereign visited the renowned cavalry school once attended by Prince Louis II in the late 19th century, paying tribute both to his grandfather’s legacy and to the French armed forces ahead of commemorations marking the end of the Second World War in Europe.
The visit also highlighted the close relationship between Monaco and France, with the French military continuing to guarantee the Principality’s independence and sovereignty under the Franco-Monegasque treaty. Prince Albert II concluded the day by attending a charity race supporting wounded soldiers.
Image: Princely Palace