Are you planning a trip to the Loire Valley and have a passion for history? Our selection of the 7 best museums in Saumur will help you discover the city's rich cultural heritage!
In the emblematic Musée des Blindés, we were intimidated by the formidable tanks. At the Pierre et Lumière Park and Museum, we explored troglodytic caves and admired illuminated sculptures. Saumur's museums make these and many other experiences possible!
We've put together some photo tips to help you visit them, and have a great time doing it!
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Saumur's best museums: tips + map
Discover our 7 favorite museums: a plunge into the art, history and culture of this historic city. This experience will help you better understand the heritage of this troglodyte city, and appreciate the artistic diversity of this region.
For more inspiration, check out our article on must-do activities in the city!
If you only need to visit 3 museums, we recommend it:
- Musée des Blindés: founded in 1977 at the instigation of Colonel Aubry, this museum offers visitors a fascinating insight into military history. Over 200 monsters of steel are on display! We have very fond memories of this visit, which was both enriching and necessary.
- Musée Pierre et Lumière (troglodyte park): visiting this unique site, with its galleries carved out of the limestone rock, was an immersive experience through the centuries. The underground history of the region is fascinating!
- Musée d'Art Moderne (Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud): opening in 2021, you'll discover an eclectic collection of works reflecting the unique vision of Martine and Léon Cligman, a couple with a passion for art. Take the opportunity to visit the incredible monastic city!
Our map of Saumur's museums will help you find your way around the town and its surroundings:
If you're planning to visit several museums during your stay in Saumur, we recommend the Carte Muséo Pass. For just €11 a year, you'll have access to 6 exceptional sites, including the Château de Saumur and the Musée des Blindés. Find out more here.
1. Armoured Museum
Why visit it? Our review
If you're a military history buff or a war machine enthusiast, we highly recommend a visit to the Armoured Museum. It's a unique opportunity to learn more about combat tactics, military engineering and the impact of armored vehicles on the battlefield. It's an enriching and memorable experience.
Featuring an impressive collection of battle tanks, the museum offers a fascinating insight into the evolution of modern warfare. We admired rare pieces, unique prototypes and equipment used in major conflicts.
Our 3 favorite moments
During our visit, 3 moments particularly struck us:
- The Allies of the Second World War Room: in a very concrete way, we became aware of the strong mutual aid that united the Allied countries. Thanks to their human resources and armored vehicles, France was able to achieve victory!
- The Cold War Room: beyond the section of the Berlin Wall we were able to see, you'll discover some disturbing Soviet steel monsters!
- The Contemporary France Room: the half-French, half-American military equipment on display plunged us into more recent conflicts, such as the Indochina War.
Useful tips
- Allow 1h30 to 2h to visit the site.
- From downtown Saumur, it's a 7-minute drive by car, or a 30-minute walk to the museum.
- Set up on one level, you won't encounter any particular difficulties during your visit. The aisles are wide and airy, making it easy to get around.
- Something to do with your children: the museum offers a family discovery trail in the form of a booklet-game. It's a fun way to combine history and pleasure!
- Price: €11 full price, combined ticket options with Cavalry Museum. Find out more here.
- Opening hours: open from 10am to 5pm from February to April and from November to December (closed on Thursdays), open daily from 10am to 6pm from April to November.
- There are no restaurants nearby, so you'll have to go to downtown Saumur.
See our full article on the Musée des Blindés.
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
2. Musée Pierre et Lumière (cave park)
Why visit it? Our review
In our opinion, the Pierre et Lumière troglodyte site in Saumur is one of a kind! It offers a fascinating insight into the region's underground history. Walking through its rock-cut galleries, we went back in time several centuries.
You'll admire captivating sculptures, staging and lighting effects that highlight the exceptional character of this troglodytic heritage. Explore the different rooms, and discover the secrets of these atypical dwellings, witnesses of an ancestral way of life.
Our 3 favorite moments
During our exploration, 3 moments particularly caught our attention:
- The sculptor's equipment: we learned about the different stages involved in making a sculpture, and the corresponding tools. Did you know about the stone-cutting woodpecker?
- Tours Cathedral: we were fascinated by the miniature reproduction of this religious edifice. The lacework on the façade was stunningly realistic! The bluish lighting made the cathedral all the more impressive.
- The cave with coloured walls: before ending your visit, you'll pass through a room bursting with color. White tuffeau stone has been combined with the blue-grey slate of the Angers basin to create a spectacular finish!
Useful tips
- Allow 1 to 1h30 to visit the underground miniature park and museum.
- To get to the site from downtown, you'll need a car (12min drive).
- A former troglodyte park, the ground is sometimes uneven, and some passages narrow. You'll have to travel beneath darkened underground galleries. We do not recommend this activity if you suffer from claustrophobia.
- If you're chilly, bring a sweater with you, as the temperature in the cellars is low.
- A fun activity for the whole family: at the end of the day, children can even try their hand at sculpture!
- Price: €9 full price, combined ticket options with the Mushroom Museum
and/or the Jardin du Puygirault. Find out more here. - Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in low season, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. from April to September.
- There are no restaurants nearby, so you'll have to go to downtown Saumur.
Our article on the Parc Pierre et Lumière will be available soon.
3. Museum of Modern Art (Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud)
Why visit it? Our review
In May 2021, the Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud opened the doors of its Museum of Modern Art. Following a donation of more than 800 works to the State and the Pays de la Loire Region, the museum has come to life.
Martine and Léon Cligman gave the monastic town a new cultural lease of life. The couple, passionate about art, collected throughout their lives paintings, drawings and sculptures by 19th and 20th century artists, as well as antiques and objects from outside Europe. We saw some exceptional works that we couldn't have seen anywhere else!
Our 3 favorite moments
During your visit to the museum, you'll admire an eclectic collection that reflects the vision of a couple of collectors. Here are our 3 favorite moments:
- Cephalomorphic funerary masks: we were intrigued by these strange and mysterious-looking works. 2 of them come from Peru and date from between 900 and 1200.
- The Germaine Richier collection: her humanoid sculptures directly reminded us of those by the artist Giacommetti (visible here). Although more substantial, these silhouettes seem rough and rugged, just like those of the modernist.
- Bernard Buffet's painting New York, view of Manhattan: in this synthetic, depopulated retelling of an urban landscape, we were transported to the streets of the Big Apple!
Useful tips
- Allow 30min to 1h to discover the museum. If you'd like to visit the monastery at the same time, allow half a day or even a full day.
- Save time and buy your ticket to visit the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud!
- To get to the site from downtown Saumur, you'll need a car (22min drive).
- To reach the Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud from the parking lot, drive through the village.
- If you're accompanied by children, we don't recommend visiting the museum, but rather the abbey.
- Museum ticket: €8 on average for an adult. However, prices fluctuate throughout the year, reaching as high as €11.
- Opening times: vary according to the season, from 10am to 6pm in low season (closed on Tuesdays) to 10am to 8pm in high season. Find out more here.
- Within the abbey grounds, you'll find 2 restaurants: La Terrasse Gourmande and Thibaut Ruggeri's Michelin-starred restaurant.
Read our full article on the Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud.
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.
4. Cavalry Museum
Why visit it? Our review
Are you passionate about the equestrian world? Visit the Musée de la Cavalerie and discover the evolution of French cavalry tactics, equipment and traditions over the centuries! What about visiting some of the former stalls of the Cadre Noir stables at the same time?
A highly instructive museum on the history of military troops on horseback right up to the arrival of the first tanks! If you have the opportunity, we strongly encourage you to discover the Musée des Blindés, which will complete your visit!
Useful tips
- Allow 30min to 1h to visit the site.
- Located in downtown Saumur, it's a 15-minute walk to the château.
- In the former stalls of the Cadre Noir, the floor is in relief. It's not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
- We do not recommend this activity if you are accompanied by children, unless they are horse enthusiasts of course!
- Price: €9 full adult price, €5 for children aged 7 to 15.
- Opening hours: open from 11am to 5pm from April to June and from September to mid-November (closed on Thursdays), completely closed in low season. Find the latest news here.
- For lunch, there's a wide choice of restaurants nearby. Look out for our article on the city's best restaurants soon!
5. Mushroom Museum
Why visit it? Our review
Just a short drive from downtown, this museum will amaze you with its impressive, one-of-a-kind collection. Immerse yourself in over 250 species of mushrooms, and learn all there is to know about this curious natural phenomenon!
As we made our way through the troglodyte galleries, we learned all about the biology, cultivation and use of mushrooms. Their role in the ecosystem is also addressed. The educational mushroom farm is particularly suited to a visit with your children.
Our 3 favorite moments
During our visit, we noted 3 key moments:
- Handicraft workshops: ready to get your hands dirty and grow your own mushrooms? We followed the process step by step. It's a great experience for the whole family.
- The exotic mushroom room: we were amazed by the diversity of shapes and colors of the mushrooms!
- The troglodyte mushroom house: carved out of the tufa stone, this atypical dwelling houses over 1,000 mushroom-shaped objects! We were drawn to the wooden pieces and their organic form.
Useful tips
- Allow between 1h and 1h30 to visit the site.
- To reach the museum from downtown, you'll need a vehicle (8-minute drive).
- A former troglodyte park, the ground is sometimes uneven. You'll have to travel beneath darkened underground galleries. We do not recommend this activity if you suffer from claustrophobia.
- If you're chilly, bring a sweater with you, as the temperature in the cellars is low.
- A fun and educational activity for the whole family! Your children will love playing with their senses: sight and touch.
- Price: €9 full adult price, combined ticket options with Pierre et Lumière or Jardins du Puygirault. Find out more here.
- Opening hours: open from 10am to 6pm in February, March, October and November, and from 10am to 7pm from April to September.
- For lunch, there's a picnic area on site. Otherwise, you'll have to head for downtown Saumur.
Our article on the Mushroom Museum will be available soon.
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:
6. Musée du Cheval and Musée des Arts Décoratifs (Château de Saumur)
Why visit them? Our review
These 2 museums are located within the walls of the magnificent Château de Saumur, which overlooks the town from its rocky promontory. As you wander through the various rooms of this majestic building, you'll be immersed in equine history and the decorative arts through the centuries.
We explored unique collections and period settings. The exhibition, dedicated to the world of the horse, features saddles, tack, stirrups, equestrian artworks and accessories. It has been awarded the "Musée de France" label. Find out more here.
Our 3 favorite moments
On our visit to the château, we loved 3 moments in particular:
- The decorative art collection: from the splendid tapestries hanging on the walls to the delicate ceramic tableware, it was a feast for the eyes!
- Rider's equipment: the close ties between Saumur and the equestrian world can even be felt in the château! It also hosts temporary exhibitions, all about horses of course!
- The breathtaking view: the 360° panorama of the city from the top of the belvedere was awe-inspiring!
Useful tips
- Allow 2 to 2h30 to visit the castle and its museums.
- Overlooking the valley, you reach the building by climbing a slope.
- During your visit, you won't be able to escape the steps. It should also be noted that the ground in the yard and basement is not always even.
- If you're planning to climb up to the lookout, you'll need good knees and suitable footwear. The staircase is particularly steep and cramped.
- We didn't notice any play areas for children.
- Price: €9 full price, free for children under 7.
- Opening hours: open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5:30pm in low season, and daily from 10am to 7pm in July and August. Check out the latest info here.
- For lunch, 2 establishments await you at the foot of the château: Restaurant L'Orangeraie and Restaurant Le Terrier du Château.
For more information, see our full article on the Château de Saumur.
7. Engine Museum
Why visit it? Our review
Created in 1986 by former students of the École Industrielle de Saumur, the City of Saumur and the Lycée Sadi Carnot, this is the first museum entirely dedicated to the combustion engine.
Here you'll discover an atypical collection of industrial works of art used in a variety of fields, from transport to generators. Whether you're a mechanical enthusiast, a vintage car fan, or simply curious about how engines work, this is an amazing and unique experience!
Useful tips
- Allow 30min to 1h to visit the site.
- From downtown Saumur, it's a 5-minute drive or a 20-minute walk to the museum.
- Set up on one level, you won't encounter any particular difficulties during your visit. The aisles are fairly wide and airy, making it easy to get around.
- We do not recommend this activity if you are accompanied by children, unless they are mechanically inclined of course!
- Price: €8 full adult price, €4 for children aged 10 to 16.
- Opening hours: open from 2pm to 6pm, Wednesday to Sunday, in high season; closed all year round in low season. More up-to-date info here.
- For lunch, head for downtown Saumur and its fine restaurants!
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... and Le Cadre-Noir (guided tours)
Why take a guided tour? Our review
The town of Saumur and the equestrian world are closely linked, thanks to the presence of the École Nationale d'Équitation. It is one of the world's most prestigious centers in this field. The school is particularly renowned for its Cadre-Noir, a corps of teaching riders.
It is renowned for its level of excellence in the equestrian art. Explore the site on a guided tour, or take part in a spectacular gala or matinee. We really recommend this activity to families looking for contact with animals.
Useful tips
- Allow 1 to 2 hours for a guided tour of the estate.
- There are different visit formats: "classic", "family" or "initiated". It's up to you to choose according to your personal interests and level of knowledge on the subject.
- To get to the site from downtown, you'll need a car (9min drive).
- For those with reduced mobility, please note that the tour route and the Grand Manège are wheelchair-accessible. It is also possible to request a wheelchair or seat cane from reception.
- The price will depend on the guided tour you choose. It fluctuates between €8.50 and €12. There are discounts for families. Consult the current rates here.
- Opening hours: Mondays from 2pm to 5:30pm, Tuesdays to Fridays from 9:30am to 12:30pm and from 2pm to 5:30pm. Finally, on Saturdays from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.
- There's no catering nearby, so you'll have to picnic on site, or head for downtown Saumur.
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
Other museums around Saumur
In the Saumur area, you'll have access to many other exciting sites, including..:
- Champignonnière Le Saut Aux Loups (Montsoreau): a 15-minute drive from Saumur, this former tufa quarry has been transformed into an impressive mushroom cellar!
- Musée de la Marine de Loire en Anjou (Saint-Clément-des-Levées): a 15-minute drive from Saumur, discover the region's river history through the traditions, trades and innovations associated with navigation on the Loire.
- Musée Savon et Publicité (Fontevraud-l'Abbaye): a 20-minute drive from Saumur, this small museum traces the evolution of soap-making and advertising.
- Musée du Village Troglodytique (Rochemenier): a 25-minute drive away, explore the dwellings carved into the limestone rock, which offer a fascinating insight into traditional troglodyte life in the region!
Our article on the Musée du Village Troglodytique de Rochemenier will be available soon.
Castles around Saumur
Nestled in the western part of the Loire Valley, Saumur is surrounded by numerous historic buildings. Take a look at our article on the best castles around the troglodyte town. Or take a look at our selection of nearby castles:
- Château de Montsoreau - Museum of Contemporary Art (14km),
- Château de Montreuil-Bellay (18km),
- Château de Brézé (11.5km)
- Château d'Ussé (34km),
- Château de Brissac (36km).
Choose a Châteaux de la Loire Pass to visit 3 must-see sites at a reduced rate!
Do you dream of living the castle life? Discover all our tips for an exceptional night near Saumur!
Frequently asked questions
Where to see tanks in Saumur?
In Saumur, you'll discover tanks at the Musée des Blindés. It boasts one of the world's largest collections of armored vehicles, from different eras and countries. A must-see for history and military technology enthusiasts!
Does the Musée des Blindés organize events and demonstrations?
Yes, the museum organizes dynamic vehicle demonstrations every year. It also takes part in the Concours International de Maquettes, and in one-off events with other cultural venues such as the Overlord Museum and the Normandy Victory Museum.
He also takes part in the Carrousel de Saumur, held every year at the École Nationale d'Équitation. Find out more about the event here.
PLAN YOUR TRIP IN
Loire Valley
The castles of the Loire Valley
Other places to explore
Practice
HE MADE THE TRIP Manu
