Saumur is an ideal base for exploring the Loire Valley and surrounding area. Medieval abbeys, Renaissance castles, troglodytic caves, vineyards and picturesque villages are all less than an hour's drive away. We criss-crossed the region in every direction and loved discovering it.
In this article, discover our selection of the 12 best excursions from Saumur, illustrated with photos and practical advice to help you organize your stay.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Our 3 favorite excursions from Saumur
Before discovering our selection, here are our 3 favorites:
- The Royal Abbey of Fontevraud, one of the largest medieval monastic cities in Europe, home to an art museum, a Michelin-starred restaurant and a luxury hotel - Book your room at the Hôtel de Fontevraud now!
- The troglodyte village of Rochemenier, a fascinating open-air museum for young and old - Book your ticket now!
- A traditional boat trip on the Loire, to admire Saumur from the royal river - See prices, photos and availability
Find out all our ideas for things to do in Saumur in our What to do article.
WHERE TO STAY IN Saumur
Downtown
Enjoy the city, its restaurants and beautiful architecture.
- Hotel Saint Pierre - a historic stay! - see prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Château La Marquise - prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Anne d'Anjou - prices, pictures and availability
In the countryside around
Looking for a bit of peace and quiet, without straying too far from the city of Angers? Here's our suggestion:
- Hotel Demeure de la Vignole - prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Joly Foudres - unusual in barrels - prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel de l'abbaye de Fontevraud - prices, pictures and availability
1. The Royal Abbey of Fontevraud
Why do we recommend this tour?
The Royal Abbey of Fontevraud is one of Europe's largest medieval monastic towns. We were struck by the sheer size of the site as soon as we entered. The architecture is breathtaking, from Romanesque to Plantagenet Gothic.
Founded by Robert d'Arbrissel in 1101, the abbey served as a necropolis for the Plantagenet royal family, before being turned into a prison by Napoleon after the Revolution of 1789. Since 1975, it has been operating as a cultural center. It's also home to a Michelin-starred restaurant and hotel! We've tried them out, and we urge you to do the same.
What you will see
- The Romanesque abbey church and its royal Plantagenet tombstones
- The chapter house with its 16th-century murals
- The Gothic cloister and various convent buildings
- The Romanesque kitchen, one of the oldest in France still standing
- Temporary exhibitions in the cultural center
- The restaurant of Michelin-starred chef Thibaut Ruggeri.
- Official website here
How much time should I allow?
- From Saumur, it's about a 20-minute drive.
- Allow half a day or even a full day to explore the entire site.
- You can also choose to dine at Michelin-starred chef Thibaut Ruggeri's restaurant and stay overnight at the Hôtel de l'abbye!
- Book your room at Hôtel de Fontevraud
2. The Village of Rochemenier and other troglodytic sites
Why do we recommend this tour?
The Troglodyte Village of Rochemenier is an open-air museum. We really enjoyed wandering from cave to cave, discovering how the inhabitants of the region once lived in these dwellings dug into the tufa rock. The site is both fun and educational, and is suitable for adults and children alike. We gladly recommend it to families.
>> Book your ticket for the troglodyte village of Rochemenier.
Other troglodytic sites in the vicinity are also worth a visit. The Château de Brézé, just 15 minutes from Saumur, is particularly surprising: its 16th-century Renaissance architecture is complemented by a 4km underground network dug into the moats and beneath the château. Find out about other troglodyte sites to visit in our dedicated article here.
What you will see
- Rochemenier troglodyte dwellings reconstituted with their furniture and tools
- A 12th-century underground chapel
How much time should I allow?
- Allow 1 to 2 hours for Rochemenier, depending on your interest in the explanations.
- Visit the official website for more info here.
- Book your ticket for the troglodyte village of Rochemenier.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Loire
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars - one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a fairly compact car (many villages have narrowed the road).
- Think aboutfull insurance (parking in big cities is really tight).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
3. A traditional boat trip on the Loire
Why do we recommend this tour?
To appreciate Saumur from a different angle, nothing beats a trip on the Loire aboard a traditional boat. We were struck by the beauty of the Château de Saumur when viewed from the river: the reflection of the building in the water, on a clear day, offers a breathtaking panorama found nowhere else. This is an excursion we particularly recommend for families and heritage enthusiasts.
What you will see
- The Château de Saumur seen from the river, with its reflection in the Loire River
- The banks and islands of the Loire, a preserved natural landscape
- The characteristic flora and fauna of the Loire Valley
How much time should I allow?
- The outing lasts about 1 hour. It's a half-day excursion that can easily be combined during the day.
- Departure from Saumur.
- Book your traditional boat trip on the Loire.
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information, good addresses to make your stay in the Loire Valley a success, will soon be gathered in a single ebook!
If you wish to be informed of the publication of our guide on the Loire, register:
4. Château de Montsoreau
Why do we recommend this tour?
Just 15 minutes from Saumur, the Château de Montsoreau stands on the banks of the Loire between Gothic and Renaissance styles. It's one of the few castles in the valley whose feet almost touch the river, and the view from the guard-road terrace alone is worth the trip. Now dedicated to contemporary art, it offers an unexpected dialogue between historic architecture and contemporary creation. We found the combination of the two very successful.
The château is also known for its connection with Alexandre Dumas' novel La Dame de Monsoreau. We recommend taking the time to stroll through the village of Montsoreau after your visit: the quays of the Loire are pleasant and the atmosphere is calm.
What you will see
- The architecture of the château and the view from the guard-road
- The contemporary art collection in historic rooms
- The village of Montsoreau and the quays of the Loire
How much time should I allow?
- Allow 1h30 to 2h to visit the castle, plus 30min to stroll around the village.
- From Saumur: 15min drive.
- Book your ticket to Château de Montsoreau.
5. Château de Villandry and its gardens
Why do we recommend this tour?
Just 45 minutes from Saumur, Château de Villandry is best known for its gardens, which are among the finest in the Loire Valley. Redesigned in the 20th century according to Renaissance principles, they are laid out in terraces and maintain a constant dialogue with the architecture of the château. We were impressed by the precision and variety of the plantings, both in the ornamental vegetable garden and in the water garden. The château itself houses furnished rooms representative of the French Renaissance style. We recommend you allow plenty of time to enjoy the gardens, especially in spring and summer, when the colors are at their peak.
What you will see
- The ornamental vegetable garden, organized in squares of colorful crops
- The ornamental garden, the water garden and the labyrinth
- The furnished rooms of the Renaissance château
- View of the Loire Valley from the terraces
How much time should I allow?
- Allow half a day to enjoy the gardens and château.
- From Saumur: about 45min drive.
- A restaurant is available on site.
- Book your ticket to Château de Villandry.
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6. The village of Candes-Saint-Martin
Why do we recommend this tour?
Candes-Saint-Martin is one of those villages with a surprising character. Located at the confluence of the Vienne and Loire rivers, 20 minutes from Saumur, it has been awarded the "Les plus beaux villages de France" label and is certainly one of the most beautiful villages on the Loire. We loved the cobbled streets lined with tufa stone houses, the imposing facade of the 12th-century collegiate church, and the view of the confluence from the village heights. Nearby Montsoreau completes the visit. We recommend combining the two in a half-day trip. Warning: wear good shoes, as the streets are steep and cobbled.
What you will see
- The 12th-century collegiate church of Saint-Martin and its sculpted facade
- The village's tufa stone houses and cobbled streets
- View of the Vienne-Loire confluence from the heights
How much time should I allow?
- Allow 1 hour to explore the village.
- From Saumur: 20min drive.
- You can also opt for a guided tour of Candes-Saint-Martin.
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
7. Chinon, Royal fortress and vineyards
Why do we recommend this tour?
Chinon is a must-see in the Saumur area. The Royal Fortress, perched on a rocky spur overlooking the Vienne River, is one of the most impressive in the valley. It stretches for 300m and is made up of three separate castles dating from the 10th to 13th centuries. We were struck by the power of the site and the view of the city and river from the ramparts. It was in this fortress that Joan of Arc, the Lorraine peasant turned 15th-century French military figure, met the future King Charles VII in 1429.
Beyond the fortress, Chinon is also the heart of a vineyard renowned for its Cabernet Franc-based reds. We recommend extending your visit with a cellar tasting: a number of wineries open their doors to visitors, offering high-quality oenological experiences.
What you will see
- The Royal Fortress of Chinon and its three adjoining castles
- The medieval town of Chinon and its narrow streets
- The cellars and vineyards of the Chinon appellation
How much time should I allow?
- Allow a full day to visit the fortress, stroll around town and enjoy a wine tasting.
- From Saumur: about 35min drive.
- For a guided cellar tasting in Chinon: See prices, photos and availability.
8. Wineries: Ackerman, Langlois and Filliatreau
Why do we recommend this tour?
The Saumur region boasts one of the highest concentrations of troglodytic caves in France. Several wineries open their underground cellars to visitors for experiences that combine wine-making and tasting. We particularly appreciated Caves Ackerman, founded in 1811 and considered the Loire Valley's first fine bubbly house. The underground staging and lighting effects make for a pleasant visit, even if you're not a wine enthusiast.
The Caves Langlois, dedicated to Crémant de Loire, also offer a variety of formats combining visits and introductions to oenology. Domaine Filliatreau, in Turquant, is another address we like: it combines vineyards, troglodytic cellars and a listed building in a well-kept setting.
What you will see
- The underground galleries of the Caves Ackerman dug into the ancient tufa rock
- Contemporary art exhibitions at the Ackerman cellars
- Visit and tasting of Crémant de Loire at Caves Langlois
- Domaine Filliatreau's vineyard and troglodytic cellars in Turquant
How much time should I allow?
- Allow 45min to 1h per cellar, including tasting.
- The Ackerman cellars are an 8-minute drive from Saumur. Cellar temperature: 12°, allow for an extra layer.
- Caves Ackerman: visit the official website for more info here.
- Caves Langlois: Visit Caves Langlois and taste crémant - see prices, photos and availability.
9. Bike tours in the vineyards
Why do we recommend this tour?
Saumur is one of the ideal starting points for the Loire à vélo, a cycling itinerary that follows the river for over 800km. The surrounding area offers gentle roads through vineyards, villages and the banks of the Loire, ideal for a day in the saddle. We particularly appreciate this way of discovering the region, allowing you to stop wherever you like, at the whim of the wineries and the viewpoints.
What you will see
- The vineyards of the Saumur appellation along the cycle routes
- The banks of the Loire and their UNESCO-listed landscapes
- Villages and wineries, depending on itinerary
How much time should I allow?
- Depending on the itinerary: from 2 hours for an electric ride to a full day for a Chinon-Saumur tour, or a few days if you decide on a longer route!
- Take a guided electric bike tour departing from Saumur: see prices, photos and availability.
- Take a guided bike tour from Chinon to Saumur through the vineyards: see prices, photos and availability.
10. The Village of Montreuil-Bellay
Why do we recommend this tour?
Twenty minutes south of Saumur, Montreuil-Bellay is a small medieval town with an imposing château renowned as one of the "impregnable fortresses" of the Loire. Its defensive system includes no fewer than 15 towers, and the visit from the moat is particularly impressive. We were struck by the state of conservation of the complex and the quality of the interiors, particularly the medieval kitchens.
The medieval village surrounding the castle is also well worth a visit. After your visit to the castle, we recommend you take the time to stroll through the old streets.
What you will see
- The Château de Montreuil-Bellay and its 15 towers
- Medieval kitchens and castle interiors
- The medieval village and its ancient streets
How much time should I allow?
- Allow half a day for the castle and village.
- From Saumur: about 20min drive.
- Take a guided tour of Montreuil-Bellay through its ancient streets.
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
11. Château de Gizeux
Why do we recommend this tour?
Just 30 minutes from Saumur, Château de Gizeux is well worth a visit. We were particularly taken by the authenticity of this place, still inhabited by its owners. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the Renaissance galleries are among the most beautiful we've seen in the region. The many activities on offer for children also make it an ideal destination for families.
What you will see
- The Galerie des Châteaux, 400m² of walls representing fourteen of the greatest royal châteaux
- Children's activities: treasure hunt, bread oven workshop, giant chess game
- Gardens, chapel, stables
How much time should I allow?
- Allow half a day.
- From Saumur: about 30min drive.
- Visit the official website for more info here.
It's time to book!
Compare everything: companies, prices, schedules and availability.
12. Le Puy du Fou
Why do we recommend this tour?
Le Puy du Fou, located in Vendée about 1 hour from Saumur, is one of Europe's most famous theme parks. What sets it apart is its live shows: large-scale historical stagings, with hundreds of actors, trained animals and pyrotechnic effects, retracing episodes from French history. We were surprised by the level of show production. The care taken with costumes, sets and scenography is real.
The park caters for families and adults alike. Shows follow one another throughout the day, covering a variety of themes from the Middle Ages to the Second World War. We advise you to consult the program in advance to organize your day.
What you will see
- The park's great historical shows: the Sign of Triumph, the Last Panache, the Vikings
- The Grand Parc and its reconstructed historic villages
- Aerobatics and birds of prey shows
How much time should I allow?
- Plan for a full day. The park is vast, with a succession of shows from 10am to nightfall.
- From Saumur: about 1 hour's drive. Open from April to November.
- On-site catering in several themed areas.
- Book your 1-day ticket for the Puy du Fou.
PLAN YOUR TRIP IN
Loire Valley
The castles of the Loire Valley
Other places to explore
Practice
HE MADE THE TRIP Manu
