Looking for inspiration for your vacation in the Loire Valley? Wondering why you should go to Saumur?
Bordered by the Loire River, this small town is famous for its château and its gastronomy. It offers many other surprises: a heritage worth seeing, astonishing museums, mysterious basements, bike rides and activities for horse lovers.
In this article, we give you 10 good reasons to discover Saumur and draw your attention to a few points.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is Saumur worth visiting?
The answer is yes! Nestled in the heart of the Loire Valley, the town of Saumur is well worth a visit for more than one reason. We were first impressed by its castle. Caressing the surroundings with its tall silhouette, its prestigious stature seduced us. We enjoyed wandering through its historic corridors and discovering superb panoramic views of the river from the top of the towers.
Saumur is also well worth a visit for its heritage and its attraction to the equestrian arts. Nestled in a setting of vineyards and forests, the town is home to a wealth of architectural treasures and a history of horse-riding. From streets to museums, we got a glimpse of this cultural wealth.
Visiting Saumur also means discovering France and the Loire through its gastronomic specialties. Let yourself be tempted by this town of many flavours, where a host of other activities await you! You can also read our article on the best ideas for things to do in Saumur (available soon).
WHERE TO STAY IN THE Loire Valley
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
Reason 1 - For its hilltop castle
Are you a fan of history and old stones? The Château de Saumur will seduce you with its imposing beauty and glorious past. We were as captivated by its princely medieval architecture as we were by the diversity of its collections. You'll be transported into several worlds, from delicate French earthenware to historic horse harnessing and the tumultuous history of this palace-chateau.
Perched on a hill, the château offers exceptional views over the town and the Loire River. Through the large windows of the main building, we enjoyed the poetry of these grandiose panoramas. Like us, let your imagination sail on the emerald waves of the river.
Other magnificent châteaux can be found near Saumur. Read our dedicated article!
Reason 2 - For its historic center
You'll also be charmed by Saumur's historic center. We enjoyed strolling along the town's beautiful alleys, where the white tufa stones of the buildings light up the strides of passers-by. A blend of different architectural styles, the town is dominated by Renaissance and 19th-century styles.
Look up and take time to contemplate the finely sculpted decorations that adorn the façades and pediments here and there. Scrolls and pilasters took us back in time. Linger in Place Saint-Pierre and admire the few medieval half-timbered houses, remnants of the town's medieval past.
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Reason 3 - For its heritage
Saumur is home to other eye-catching buildings. For example, we were struck by the splendor of the town hall. You'll be seduced by the building's flamboyant Gothic style, with its splendidly crafted decorations. A few steps away, we were also impressed by the Church of Notre-Dame de Nantilly, emblematic of Anjou Romanesque art. Step inside to see its remarkably large nave. The Church of Notre-Dame des Ardilliers was another highlight of our visit. Why not cross the river and admire it from the other side? The view is breathtaking!
Don't be surprised! The city's heritage is not only made up of stone, but also of green. In addition to the beautiful countryside and vineyards that surround Saumur, there are some amazing gardens that will introduce you to the European history of vegetable gardening. Stroll through the 14 areas of the Jardins du Puygirault and finish your visit with a pick-your-own! Find out more here. Why not take your adventure a step further and visit the beautiful villages nearby? Read our article on the most beautiful villages in the Loire. You'll be convinced!
Reason 4 - For the love of horses
Are you passionate about everything to do with horses? Saumur is made for you! Equestrian art has left its mark on the city's history. You can find out more about the subject on the 2nd floor of the château in La Fabrique à Cheval, as well as in the Musée de la Cavalerie. The town is also the birthplace of the famous Cadre Noir, a school of excellence that trains the elite of French and international equestrianism. Enjoy extraordinary equestrian demonstrations in the large riding arena! Click here to find out more.
The surrounding green landscapes also invite you to go for a ride! Try one of the many organized horseback excursions. A myriad of circuits and itineraries criss-cross the Saumur hinterland. Discover the Loire Valley in a different way, on horseback! All walks here.
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Reason 5 - For its many museums
Saumur is also worth a visit for the number and variety of its museums. The choice is yours! In addition to those already mentioned, the town is also home to the Musée des Blindés. Discover these camouflage-colored iron giants weighing in at hundreds of tons. A little further on, the Engine Museum will reveal all the secrets of the internal combustion engine. There's something for every mechanical enthusiast! Here's the museum's official website.
Just a few minutes from downtown, the Musée des Champignons (Mushroom Museum) will amaze you with its playful itinerary. Immerse yourself in over 250 species of mushrooms and learn all there is to know about this curious natural phenomenon.
Reason 6 - For its basements
Saumur still has some surprises in store for you. It's a troglodyte mecca. You can explore the city both above and below ground! While the Mushroom Museum takes you into its dark, damp tunnels, the Pierre et Lumière Park trail lets you explore Saumur's underground world. As you explore the sculptures representing the Loire's finest monuments, you'll venture into ancient tufa quarries. Used as cellars, these eternally cool places also preserve myriads of bottles!
Just a few kilometers from the center, the troglodyte village of Rochemenier is also worth a visit! You can access 2 of the site's 40 underground farms. Excavated in the Middle Ages, the rooms are adorned with objects and accessories that let you project yourself into the daily life of the inhabitants. A real immersion in the bowels of history!
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Reason 7 - For its tasting courses
Are you a wine and liqueur lover? A land of gastronomy, Saumur is renowned for the excellence of its spirits. The town is home to many world-renowned distilleries and distilleries! Surrounded by vineyards, the town also prides itself on the quality of its wines. Why not discover the Loire through your senses and try a tasting tour?
At the Distillerie Combier, you can discover the secrets of distillation and taste some of the famous Combier liqueurs. Savor Louis de Grenelle's delicate wines in the coolness of its cellars buried more than 12m below ground. Maison Ackerman will open the doors to the fine bubbles of Anjou. Would you like to discover the Loire Valley through its vineyards? Book a guided tour now to discover the Loire Valley in a different way and read our article on the subject here.
Reason 8 - For its fine dining
Saumur is no slouch when it comes to restaurants! With its emphasis on local produce, the city's culinary offering is rich and there's no shortage of good restaurants. You'll be tempted by the tempting addresses we recommend.
The menu at Restaurant L'Escargot featuring these as starters piqued our curiosity. We were seduced by the sweet madness of the dishes. We were also tempted by the fresh, colorful menu of bistronomic restaurant Masama. Last but not least, the refined seasonal cuisine of Restaurant L'Essentiel delighted our taste buds!
Reason 9 - For its bike rides
If you're into cycling, Saumur is the place to be! Part of the famous Loire à vélo cycle route, the commune offers some great cycling. It's a great opportunity to discover not only the city, but also its verdant, hilly surroundings!
You can choose between several tours. Why not try the loops of the Thouet Valley or a trip across the Authion river? Check out the tourist office website for all possible itineraries here. Or opt for a guided bike tour of the vineyards!
Reason 10 - For its location in the heart of the Loire Valley
Ideally located, Saumur is at the heart of the Loire region, one of the most beautiful in France! The town is also one of the most important stops on the route of the Loire castles. Stop off here during your stay in the region.
Bordered by the river and the surrounding countryside, the town is also the starting point for many excursions inland and on the water! Let yourself be tempted by boat trips to admire the beautiful towns on the banks of the Loire. You might also like to take a trip to the vineyards. Check out all our excursion offers and book your tickets here!
DISCOVER Saumur
- Best things to do in Saumur
- Where to sleep in Saumur: best hotels
- Where to eat in Saumur: best restaurants
- Visit the Château de Saumur
- Visit Fontevraud Abbey
- The most beautiful castles around Saumur
- Saumur's troglodytes
- itineraries: weekend
The few drawbacks of a trip to Saumur?
A sloping city
Although on the banks of the Loire, Saumur is partly built on high ground. If you want to explore the city on foot, be prepared for gentle climbs and take comfortable shoes. The château, for example, is located on a hilltop. Be brave, it's worth the detour!
The rates
Visiting the Loire Valley isn't cheap. Accommodation as well as restaurants and excursions cost a certain amount. We recommend booking in advance to take advantage of special rates at the city's top-rated accommodations. But don't worry, there are always last-minute offers for impromptu weekends! See our article on the city's hotels (coming soon).
The weather
Saumur enjoys a mild climate in summer. But at this time of year, temperatures can also be quite hot. If you're sensitive to heat, go out in the morning and second half of the afternoon. In winter, the weather can become more changeable, with clouds darkening the white walls of the buildings. Why not visit the city and surrounding area in spring or autumn?
How to get to Saumur
Saumur is located in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France. It is accessible by car. To reach the town, take the A85, then the D347 or D952. Take note of your starting point. Would you like to rent a car in France? Here's our advice.
The town is also served by train. To get there, it takes around 3h30 from Paris, 2h from Nantes and 1h from Tours and Angers. You can book your tickets here. Allow a 20-minute walk from the station to the city center. Turn this walk into a stroll and contemplate the banks of the Loire! You can also take advantage of bus tours departing from Paris that include a stopover in Saumur. Some even include a detour to Normandy and Mont-Saint-Michel. Book them now!
Finally, Saumur can be reached by bike. As Saumur is part of the Loire à vélo circuit, you can opt for multi-day cycling tours that stop off in this pretty town!
PLAN YOUR TRIP IN
Loire Valley
The castles of the Loire Valley
Other places to explore
Practice
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