Would you like to visit Saumur in 2 days? You're right, it's the ideal length of time to discover this pearl of the Loire Valley. We fell in love with this pretty town, which has so much to offer: exceptional panoramas, equestrian sites, amazing museums, unique troglodyte sites, a famous castle and renowned vineyards.
Our itineraries will guide you through Saumur. Optimize your stay and make up your own mind about this destination with our practical tips and plenty of photos!
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Practical tips for a 2-day visit to Saumur
Getting around Saumur
Saumur has a lively and, depending on the season, bustling town center! There may be traffic jams. In the center of town, we recommend walking. It's not very extensive and is ideal for walks. We encountered a few inclines on our way to the castle, which is on a hill. A car, on the other hand, is preferable for visiting tourist attractions in and around the city.
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.
Museo Pass card
To visit Saumur, you can opt for the Muséo Pass. It's a great way to discover the city's major cultural sites. The pass also entitles the holder to discounts on items in the Château de Saumur store and at the Tourist Office. To find out more, visit the official website here.
Map of Saumur's main attractions
Here's a map of Saumur's main tourist attractions to help you find your way around:
Where to stay in Saumur for a weekend
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
Our ideal itinerary: 2 days in Saumur
Day 1 - 10am-12.30pm: Visit the Château de Saumur
Start your day in style with a visit to the Château de Saumur! Proudly perched on a rocky outcrop (aptly nicknamed the "Emerald Rock" by René I d'Anjou), the stronghold towers 60m above the river and blends magnificently into the landscape.
With its ramparts, typical Loire tufa walls and slate roof, it can be seen from 20km around and is instantly recognizable. Inside, you'll discover a 360° panoramic view of the city from the belvedere, the Musée du Cheval and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, both unexpected and fascinating! We were charmed by the view of the historic building from the other side of the river. A magnificent play of mirrors across the water.
Day 1 - 12:30-14:00: Savouring local cuisine
Taste the typical gastronomy of the region at Restaurant L'Essentiel, in our opinion one of the best restaurants in Saumur. Close to the Loire River, in downtown Saumur, push open the doors of the establishment. You'll be seduced by the decor, but above all by the elegant, tasty, local cuisine. We loved it! Recommended by the Michelin Guide, you can compose your own menu, choosing from delicious dishes, starters, desserts and cheeses! There's also a menu for vegetarians and children.
Day 1 - 2pm-3:30pm: Visit the Pierre et Lumière Troglodyte Park
Continue your journey with the Pierre et Lumière troglodyte site in Saumur. In our opinion, a unique place! It offers a fascinating insight into the region's troglodyte history. With its galleries dug into the limestone rock, we enjoyed an immersive experience through the centuries.
As you explore the sculptures representing the Loire's finest monuments, you'll venture into ancient tufa quarries. Admire the captivating staging and lighting effects that highlight the region's exceptional heritage.
Day 1 - 3:30 - 4:30 pm: Discovering the Combier distillery
Didactic and dynamic, the tour of the site is rich in information and anecdotes. We learned some fascinating things about the history of Maison Combier, as well as about distillation techniques. The final tasting of the distillery's signature products rounds off the experience in style!
Distillerie Combier is renowned for its long history and innovation. It's one of the oldest in the Loire region. Recognized for the excellence of its elixirs, it was awarded the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant label in 2016. It's a mark of recognition from the French state, distinguishing companies with exceptional know-how. We enjoyed the tour!
Day 1 - 4:30-6pm: Taking advantage of your hotel's services
Why not take a break and enjoy the comfort of your hotel? With a rich and varied offering, Saumur is home to accommodations with interesting and even unique features! In addition to the spa, some establishments will surprise you with their troglodyte swimming pools. See our hotel suggestions above.
Day 1 - 18h-19h: Stroll through the city center and admire the city from the Loire River
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 its medieval half-timbered houses. If you're really curious, we recommend a guided tour of the city! Extend your exploration by crossing the bridge over Ile Millocheau. The view of the city and castle from here is breathtaking!
Day 1 - 7-9pm: Dinner in a bistronomic restaurant
Conclude the day with bistronomic flavors in one of the city's finest establishments! With a name so emblematic of French gastronomy, Restaurant L'Escargot is bound to seduce. This was the case for us! In a sleek, designer decor, the chef served up warm, authentic dishes. Try the stuffed snails starter, which is excellent!
A LITTLE MORE patience
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Day 2 - 10am-12pm: Option 1 - Immerse yourself in the equestrian world at Le Cadre-Noir
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. Visiting the town, we noticed the many references to horses: between the Musée de la Cavalerie, and the Musée du Cheval at the Château de Saumur.
The Cadre-Noir is renowned for its excellence in the equestrian art. You can 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. More info on the official website here.
Day 2 - 10am-12pm: Option 2 - Dive into military history at the Musée des Blindés
If you're a military history buff or a war machine enthusiast, we highly recommend a visit to the Musée des Blindés. 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 armored vehicles, from battle tanks to transport vehicles, the museum offers a fascinating insight into the evolution of modern warfare. We admired rare pieces, unique prototypes and equipment used in major conflicts.
Day 2 - 12pm-2pm: Enjoy a fresh lunch
Take a gourmet break at Restaurant Masama, one of our favorite lunch spots in Saumur! Behind the green storefront lies an equally colorful kitchen. We felt the restaurant's touch of craziness in the fresh dishes we tasted. A blend of Asian and American influences, the menu also features revisited dishes from the Pays de la Loire region. It will also appeal to fans of healthy, vegetarian dishes.
Day 2 - 2pm-6pm: Visit Fontevraud Abbey
Just a 20-minute drive from Saumur, the Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud is one of Europe's largest monastic cities, inherited from the Middle Ages. This historic site in the heart of the Loire Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We were amazed by this architectural feat from another era. During the visit, so many details are revealed to the curious eye!
The beauty of the place, its architecture and its green spaces make the visit very pleasant. We were charmed by the Cuisines Romanes and their distinctive aesthetic. The tranquility of the Grand-Moûtier cloister and its garden, as well as the chapter house, dazzled us. Book your tickets now!
Day 2 - 6pm-9pm: Dinner in the Abbey's gourmet restaurant
Extend your trip with the Abbaye's Michelin-starred table (1 star in the Guide Michelin). The Fontevraud L'Ermitage restaurant is nestled within the grounds of the site, and it literally won us over. In an extraordinary setting, this unique table transported us into the history and gastronomy of the place. The menu is just like the place: exceptional and intriguing. With a nod to the abbey's past, the surprising names of the dishes aroused our curiosity. Drawing on the region's rich terroir, Chef Thibaut Ruggeri, Bocuse d'Or winner, showcases exceptional products!
Alternative 1: Excursions in the Loire Valley
Loire castles and surrounding villages
Nestled in the heart of the Loire Valley, Saumur is surrounded by superb châteaux. For example, we recommend a visit to the Château de Brissac-Quincé, the highest in France! The Château de Montreuil-Bellay is also well worth a visit. We also loved the Château d'Ussé, which looks just like Sleeping Beauty's! For more ideas, see our article on the most beautiful châteaux around Saumur.
Beautiful villages enliven the town's verdant surroundings. Just a 20-minute drive away, visit Candes-Saint-Martin, one of the most beautiful villages on the Loire! We also recommend Montsoreau and its equally charming château. Tickets for the château and its museum of contemporary art are available now. More picturesque villages around Saumur here.
Escapes to troglodyte sites
Saumur is famous for its troglodytic sites. Former dwellings carved out of the region's soft limestone, many of these places have become tourist attractions. We explored them and even slept in them! Do the same and sink into the bowels of the Loire.
Some of the galleries are now atypical hotels, with underground spas and pools, such as the Hôtel Demeure de la Vignole. Others are home to famous wineries and museums! The Pierre et Lumière Park or the Mushroom Museum, for example.
Alternative 2: Saumur on the Loire wine route
Cellars and vineyards
The area around Saumur is lush with vineyards. The city and countryside are ideal for wine tasting, and are home to some of the region's finest cellars! Here are our suggestions for spending a pleasant moment around fine wines:
- Cave Ackerman: pioneer of fine Loire bubbles!
- Caves Gratien & Meyer: troglodytic site, tickets here.
- Caves Langlois - Crémant de Loire: wine tasting, introduction to oenology and tour of the winery. Find out more here.
- Domaine Filliatreau: vineyard, troglodytic cellars and historic monument.
- Domaine Ratron - Le Clos des Cordeliers (Souzay-Champigny): walk through a vineyard in the company of a winemaker.
Getaways on foot, by bike or on a vehicle tour
Saumur lies on the famous Loire wine route and the Loire cycle route. On foot, by car, by bike or on a tour, it's great to discover the region from this angle! Hiking enthusiasts can opt for long walks. Find out more here. Here are our suggestions for those who prefer cycling or touring by vehicle:
- 2 days cycling on a wine theme: - See prices, photos and availability.
- Country walks between Chinon and Saumur: - See prices, photos and availability.
- Wine expedition by bike: - See prices, photos and availability.
- 3-day excursion between Normandy and the Loire castles from Paris: - See prices, photos and availability.
- One-day wine tour: - See prices, photos and availability.
Alternative 3: Family visits to Saumur
Places to visit with children
Visiting Saumur with your family? Here's our list of places that will appeal to young and old alike! Please see our ideal itinerary above, which details our experience of some of these places.
- Musée du Cheval at the Château de Saumur
- Mushroom Museum
- Puygirault Gardens
- Troglodyte village Rochemenier
Family activities
Saumur also offers family-friendly activities that will delight parents and children alike.
- Traditional boat trip on the Loire
- Petit train du Val de Loire (Saumur) - Official website here.
- Bioparc-zoo de Doué-la-Fontaine - Official website here.
- Champignonnière Le Saut Aux Loups (Montsoreau) - Official website here.
- Cave Vivante du Champignon (Le Puy-Notre-Dame).
- Roseraie - Les Chemins de la Rose (Doué-la-Fontaine) - Official website here.
What you need to know for your weekend in Saumur
The weather in Saumur
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. Watch out for the rain, which may also come. Raincoats are preferable to umbrellas, which blow away in the wind.
The crowds in Saumur
Just a stone's throw from some of the Loire Valley's finest châteaux, Saumur attracts more and more people in summer. We advise you to book your accommodation in advance. Read our article on where to sleep in Saumur to get some ideas! You can also come unannounced outside the high season. Prices are more affordable and there are some interesting last-minute offers. Saumur in winter is a town full of charm!
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
HE MADE THE TRIP Manu
