The Pierre et Lumière miniature park in Saumur is a unique place! This troglodyte site offers a fascinating insight into the region's underground and architectural history. Walking through its rock-cut galleries, we went back in time several centuries. Rediscover the Loire Valley by admiring the sculpted miniatures of emblematic monuments and towns!
Here are some useful tips for planning your visit to the Musée Pierre et Lumière in Saumur.
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 a visit to Parc Pierre et Lumière worthwhile?
Yes, the park is well worth a visit. Located in the beautiful town of Saumur, it showcases the architectural gems of the Maine-et-Loire region. It's one of the city's finest museums and one of the many troglodyte attractions in the area.
We admired the captivating sculptures, staging and lighting effects. Delve into the bowels of the city and discover the secrets of white tufa stone!
What you can see
Caves and underground passages dug by man
The miniature park is housed in galleries dug out of the rock and extending underground. We enjoyed entering these storied underground passages.
Lighting effects
We were greeted by blue and white light effects that enhanced the sculptures of miniature cities and buildings.
Stone villages
Several sculpted villages bear witness to the skills of the sculptors. We particularly liked the village of Vieil-Baugé.
White cities
We admired several towns in the Loire Valley, including Saumur. This mural in Angers is remarkable for its delicacy.
Miniature churches
Several churches punctuate the visit. Adorned with warm lights, they came to life before our very eyes.
Loire castles
Among the miniatures, we spotted several Loire castles, including the Château de Montsoreau. We liked the fine details!
Emblematic religious monuments
We were fascinated by the miniature reproductions of major religious buildings such asFontevraud Abbey and Tours Cathedral. The lacework on the facades was stunningly realistic! The bluish lighting made the monuments all the more impressive.
Tracking and tracing tools
Before carving, it is necessary to mark out and mark out the area. We were able to observe the tools used for this purpose. Compass, level, square and straightedge.
Tools for carving and sculpting
Surprisingly named tools that we didn't even know existed help us understand what sculptors used to create their works. Did you know about the stone-cutting woodpecker?
The stages of a sculpture
We discovered the different stages involved in creating a sculpture, a real immersion in the art of stone carving!
Blocks of tufa stone
Stacked one on top of the other in the shape of a pyramid, blocks of tufa stone allowed us to appreciate the material in its raw form. You can buy them and try your hand at sculpting them!
Photographs on mossy backgrounds
Before ending our visit, we passed through a room bursting with color. The white tufa stone combines with the blue-gray slate of the Angers basin. Photos of surrounding towns from the air contrast with the mossy green of the walls to create a spectacular effect.
Pierre et Lumière in Saumur: how to get there
Where to find the miniature park
- In the town of Saumur, 8 minutes from the town center
- 100m from the Mushroom Museum
- 10min from Château de Saumur
- 1 hour's drive from Angers and Tours
- Here's a map of Saumur's best museums to help you find your way around:
Access by car and parking
The Pierre et Lumière miniature park is easily accessible by car. Take the A85 and A87 freeways towards Saumur. From Saumur, follow Gennes Saint-Hilaire-Saint-Florent D751. You can park in the on-site parking lot, located right next to the entrance.
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.
Public transport access
A public transport network exists, but you'll be limited in terms of timetables. The car remains one of the most comfortable means of accessing the area. Would you like to rent a car in the region? Here's our dedicated article.
Cycling is also an attractive option. Read our article on La Loire à vélo, it will inspire you!
Visiting difficulties
A 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.
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
Tips for visiting the Pierre et Lumière miniature park
Schedules and prices
The park is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in low season, and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. from April to September.
The full price is €9. Combined ticket options are available with the Musée du Champignon and/or the Jardin du Puygirault. Find out more here.
How long
Allow 1h to 1h30 to visit the underground miniature park.
Best moment
In summer, the site is even more popular. If you decide to visit the city and the museum at this time of year, choose the mornings for a more exclusive tour. In winter, there will be fewer visitors. In fact, why not take advantage of the low season? Discover all there is to do in Saumur in winter!
Direction of visit
When you visit, simply follow the path cut into the rock. Let the play of light be your guide.
Visiting with children
This is a great museum to visit with the whole family. Discovering miniature monuments and burrowing into caves can be a fun activity for youngsters. There's also a treasure hunt for children to discover the secrets hidden in the stone. At the exit to the site, a workshop is also available for young and old to try their hand at sculpture. We were tempted to try it out!
Eating out
There are no catering facilities in the vicinity of the site. The best place to visit is downtown Saumur, which is full of good addresses. Discover our selection of the best restaurants (article coming soon).
Hotels
You'll find the right hotel in Saumur, just a few minutes from the park. Take a look at our selection of hotels here and let yourself be tempted!
- Extend your troglodyte experience with atypical accommodations like the Hôtel Logis Demeure de la Vignole, with its underground swimming pool! See prices and availability.
- Opt for a downtown stay at the charming boutique hotel Saint-Pierre. Book your room now.
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
PLAN YOUR TRIP IN
Loire Valley
The castles of the Loire Valley
Other places to explore
Practice
HE MADE THE TRIP Manu
