Welcome to the Troglodytes de Saumur, an underground world combining architecture, history and unique experiences.
In this article, we take you on an extraordinary adventure in Saumur, where attractions and troglodyte hotels capture the imagination of travelers. Dive with us into the depths of the earth to discover museums, historic villages, cellars, mushrooms and even swimming pools!
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
The troglodyte world of Saumur
The Saumur region in the Loire Valley is famous for its troglodyte dwellings and structures.
These houses were carved out of the region's soft limestone and have been inhabited for centuries.
Tuffeau, the limestone used in their constructions, is a soft, easy-to-work rock. This made it easy for locals to dig houses and other structures out of the rock. Tuffeau is also a good insulator, making troglodytic houses cool in summer and warm in winter.
Saumur's troglodyte houses have been used for a variety of purposes over the centuries. They have been used as houses, stables, barns, wine cellars and even mushroom beds.
In our opinion, these troglodyte sites are among the best activities in the Loire Valley.
Troglodyte villages to visit
Our recommendation: Rochemenier
The Village of Rochemenier is an open-air museum.
We really enjoyed wandering from cave to cave, troglodyte house to troglodyte house, discovering how people lived there and learning more about certain techniques.
It's a fun place for adults and children alike.
- Allow 1 to 2 hours for all explanations, depending on your level of interest.
- Admission €8.50
- Closed in December and January
- Open at least from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., but closed on Mondays
- Official website here.
Other options
- Les Maisons Troglodytes des Forges - official website here
- Turquant, wall with house entrances in the village
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.
Saumur's troglodyte attractions
Stone and Light" attraction
In our opinion, the Pierre et Lumière troglodyte site is one of a kind! It offers a fascinating insight into the region's underground history. With its galleries dug into the limestone rock, we enjoyed an immersive experience through the 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.
- Allow 1 to 1h30 to visit the underground miniature park.
- 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.
Mushroom Museum
The Musée du Champignon in Saumur is a working mushroom farm located in ancient troglodytic cellars. You can learn more about the different varieties of mushrooms, discover the collection of over 250 species of wild mushrooms and taste mushroom-based products.
- Allow 1h30
- Admission 9 euros
- Open at least from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed in December and January.
- Latest news on the official website here
Domaine Filliatreau - sensory experience
Domaine Filliatreau is a winery located in Turquant, in a magnificent troglodytic setting.
Even if you don't drink wine, we recommend a visit. But, of course, we also recommend a snack at the end of the tour!
On site, you'll discover troglodyte dwellings with several rooms, and a sound and light show (and a sensory one too!) in one part of the caves. The show is called "La Grande Vignolle". We won't tell you any more, so as not to spoil the surprises.
- Allow at least 1 hour
- See the latest news here
Other attractions
- The Mystery of the Faluns
- Troglodytes and Sarcophagi
Troglodyte hotels around Saumur
Hotel Demeure de la Vignole
During our stay at Logis Demeure de la Vignole, we enjoyed an extraordinary experience in enchanting surroundings. Nestled in the heart of the Loire Valley vineyards, this establishment is sure to leave a lasting impression.
In a unique troglodytic setting, you'll discover an incredible indoor swimming pool. If you look up, you'll see the rock that forms an integral part of the dwelling. We particularly liked this atypical, fairytale setting! The care taken to decorate our room made our stay all the more pleasant. We were totally convinced by the breakfast, which featured local produce.
See photos, prices and availability - and book!
Hotel Troglododo
We also really enjoyed our stay at Hotel Troglododo.
Here the pool was outside but the bedrooms and breakfast room were in the rock.
The bathroom was particularly interesting, carved out of stone.
See photos, prices and availability - and book!
Other troglodyte accommodation options (hotels, rentals and gîtes)
- Stylish apartment in Doué-la-Fontaine - See prices, photos and availability
- A spacious house in Doué la Fontaine - See prices, photos and availability
- A cottage with hot tub in the troglodyte zone! in Cravant-les-Coteaux - See prices, photos and availability
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
Troglodyte castle of Brézé
In the castle of Brezé, it's what you can't see that is the most interesting! Not that the Italian Renaissance building, erected in the16th century, is unattractive, but the troglodytic network that runs 4 km through the moat and beneath the château is simply incredible.
- Open all year round, closed in January
- Timetable on the official website 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
Troglodyte wine cellars in Saumur
The Saumur region is also rich in wineries and cellars.
In the town of Saumur itself, you can visit several troglodytic cellars and taste their wines!
Ackerman
We were very curious to visit the Caves Ackerman. The first and oldest fine bubbles house in the Val-de-Loire! We knew it from its renowned sparkling wine production. Founded in 1811, the cellars are dug into ancient tufa quarries, which provide optimal conditions for ageing wines.
During our oenological exploration, we really enjoyed the staging and lighting effects. We discovered the secrets of making great vintages, and delved into the history of the Saumur wine region. The vast cellars also host contemporary art exhibitions.
- Allow 45min to 1h to visit the troglodytic cellars.
- Price: €6 for a self-guided tour, €8 for a guided tour (only available in July and August).
- Opening hours: open at least from 10 to 12:30 and from 14 to 18:30
- Consult the latest timetables here.
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:
Other wineries in Saumur
- Langlois
- Nouvet Ladubay
- VinoValley
- ...
Restaurants in troglo
The region also boasts a number of restaurants with rooms carved out of stone.
We haven't had a chance to test them yet, but among the best-known are..:
- Restaurant Les Caves de Marson
- Restaurant Les Nobles Fouées
- Restaurant les Cathédrales de la Saulaie
- Restaurant les Caves de Genevraie
- Restaurant Les Pieds Bleus
- ...
PLAN YOUR TRIP IN
Loire Valley
The castles of the Loire Valley
Other places to explore
Practice
