THINGS TO DO IN Saumur: 1-DAY ITINERARY

Saumur is in the Loire Valley, a mere two-hour train journey from Paris. It has a long history stretching back centuries and people come to visit the stunning Chateau de Saumur and the many museums. Other draws include the vineyards and wineries, many producing the speciality of the area, sparkling wine, and the Cadre Noir, the illustrious riding school. However, Saumur is special in that it has a vast number of troglodyte caves with a total of 1,200 km of these underground galleries, rooms, and tunnels, some of which are open to the public.

We have prepared a one-day itinerary for you taking in many of the highlights of the town and have given you ideas of where else to visit if you have more time.

Day 1

Morning: Château de Saumur

The Chateau de Saumur is the highlight of the town, so it is fitting that you start your tour here. It was first built as a fortress in the 10th century but was converted into a chateau in the 15th century by Renee of Anjou. As a result, it is a mixture of Medieval and Renaissance styles. You can tour the chateau either under your own steam or on a guided tour. The Great Hall is spectacular as it has an enormous fireplace and ornate ceilings. Climb one of the towers for panoramic views of the town and the river.

The chateau houses the Musee des Arts Decoratifs (Museum of Decorative Arts). It showcases furniture, tapestries, and ceramics from the 14th to the 18th centuries. Because of Saumur’s connection with equestrianism, historic artefacts such as stirrups, harnesses, saddles, and bits are also displayed.

There is an excellent restaurant within the chateau called L’Orangerie.

Église Saint-Pierre

A seven-minute walk takes you to this lovely church built in the 12th century in the Gothic style. However, the current facade was added in the 17th century and is a prime example of the Baroque style. Go inside to see the stunning stained-glass windows and the 16th-century tapestry depicting the life of Saint Peter. Climb the tower for picturesque views of the town.

Île Offard

Walk over the bridge to this island in the middle of the Loire River. It should take you around 18 minutes but is worth the walk as you will be able to enjoy some beautiful views of the chateau and of the town. Take a walk by the riverbanks or, if you have children, head to the park so that they can let off steam in the playground.

Maison des Vins d’Anjou et de Saumur

Head back to the mainland and within 15 minutes you will be at this wine shop. It sells 26 appellations from the Anjou Saumur vineyards, and you will be invites to taste a selection of the wines and the staff will answer any questions you have. You can then purchase some bottles of wine and cellar items such as decanters and corkscrews. The shop is open from Tuesday until Saturday.

Musée de Cavalerie de Saumur

A further seven-minute walk takes you to the Musee de Cavalerie de Saumur which is in the old stables of the Cadre Noir. Here you will learn about the 600-year history of the French cavalry, starting with the early days in the 15th century during the reign of King Charles VII. There are two galleries in the museum showcasing armour, weapons, uniforms, and equestrian equipment. There is also an impressive collection of horse-drawn carriages and interactive displays which will entertain children.

By this time, you will be ready for lunch and there are plenty of restaurants in the vicinity.

Day 1, morning - Saumur Tour Map

Afternoon: Distillerie Combier

This artisanal distillery was founded in 1834 and started off producing triple sec. Now it makes a wide range of liqueurs, gins, vodkas, absinth, cream liqueurs, and syrups. You can book a tour of the distillery which lasts an hour and includes a tasting of a selection of the liqueurs and spirits. You can, of course, then buy your favourites.

Musée du Moteur

A brisk 20-minute walk takes you to this museum dedicated to the combustion engine. It showcases engines of all types, including those used in agriculture, industry, aviation, and cars. The collection includes 19th-century steam engines, oil and petrol engines from the 20th century, and contemporary engines. The museum is open on Tuesday and Saturday afternoons.

Caves Louis de Grenelle

The next stop is 19 minutes away and is the family-run Caves Louis de Grenelle, a winery that produces sparkling wines which is a speciality of the region. You can book a tour of their troglodyte cellars which are under the building at a depth of 12 metres. The wines are kept at a temperature of 12C, so you need to bring a jacket or jumper when you visit. Following the tour, you will have a tasting of a selection of the wines.

Les Jardins des Plantes

End your day’s tour at the Jardin des Plantes, the Botanical Garden of Saumur. It is just a seven-minute walk away from the winery. It is a lovely way to end the day as the garden is beautiful with a variety of plants and flowers, aromatic herbs, and ancient trees. You will come across sculptures as you wander through the gardens and there are seating areas where you can relax in peace and quiet.

Day 1, afternoon - Saumur Tour Map

Other Things To Do In Saumur

• Musee Des Blindes: This museum houses 900 armed vehicles and is one of the best tank museums in the world. Because there are so many vehicles, only a quarter of them can be shown at any one time. Over 200 of them are still driveable, even a Schneider CAT from 1916. Each year, some of the working models make an appearance at the Carousel Military Festival in July.

• Musee De Champignon: Saumur produces 80% of France’s white button mushrooms so it isn’t surprising that there is a museum dedicated to mushrooms. It is deep underground in a network of prehistoric troglodyte caves. 12 million tons of mushrooms are grown here each year making it the largest fungus producer in the continent of Europe. You can learn about the 500 edible species of wild mushrooms, how to grow mushrooms, and how to harvest them. There is a shop at the end of the tour where you can buy some of the mushrooms. The museum is next to another attraction called Pierre et Lumiere and you can get a combined ticket at a reduced rate.

• Loire Boat Trip: If you have been doing some hectic sightseeing, why not take a relaxing cruise on the River Loire? You board the boat from a jetty close to Pont Cessat and the Saumur tourist office. The cruise lasts for around an hour and runs from April until October. You will pass by some of the highlights of the town while listening to a multilingual guide. With a little luck, you will be able to spot some waterfowl and other birds. The cruise ends with a glass of the local sparkling wine, Bouvet-Ladubay Saumur. The same company, Croisieres Saumur Loire also offers cruises on Saturdays upriver to Candes-Saint-Martin and downriver to Le Thoureil.

• Dolmen de Bagneux: A dolmen is a single-chamber megalithic tomb, and you can find one of the largest in Europe, the Dolmen de Bagneux, two kilometres south of the town centre. It dates back approximately 5,000 years and is 18 metres high. It is made of 15 slabs of sandstone with two wedging stones to hold up the structure. The sandstone would have been quarried 400 metres away on the Bournand and Terrefort hills.

• Abbey Of Saint-Florent: This Benedictine abbey was founded in the 11th century and was built on the foundations of the Abbey of Saint-Florent-le-Vieil which was abandoned when the Vikings entered the region. The abbey has beautiful stained-glass windows, a large courtyard, and pleasant gardens. From here, you can enjoy stunning views of the Loire River.

• The Saumur Market Hall: If you want to get an idea of Saumur's everyday life, head to the Market Hall where locals gather to buy fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, artisanal cheeses, and regional specialities. There is a lively atmosphere with vendors interacting with the public. The market is held in the Place de la Republique from 7 am until 1 pm. If you want to buy clothes and accessories, head to the market on Franklin Roosevelt Street. For flowers and plants, the market on Place Bilange has a great selection sold directly by horticulturists so you should get a good price.

• Cadre Noir: The Cadre Noir is the French riding school named after the corps of cavalry instructors who always wore black. It was founded in 1825 and is still going strong today. You can take a tour of the building, including the stables and tack room. The highlight, however, is seeing a performance of the magnificent horses.

• The Historic Centre: The historic centre is charming, with its narrow alleyways and buildings built out of white tufa stone. There is a blend of architectural styles throughout the area. In Place Saint-Pierre, there are some mediaeval half-timbered buildings, but the main style is Renaissance. Take some time to admire the sculptures adorning the facades of these buildings.

• Gué-Péan Gardens: Take a leisurely walk in these beautiful gardens or have a picnic. Close to the Château de Saumur, they have been designed with pathways interspersed with colourful flower beds, towering trees, and perfectly trimmed hedges.

• Cavaliers A Nos Morts: The Cavalieres A Nos Morts is a monument dedicated to the horsemen who died fighting for France. It is in the square opposite the Saumur Cavalry School and the sculpture of men with horses is magnificent. On one side of it is a tank from WWII and on the other a more recent armoured vehicle. You can’t get close to the monument as it is in an enclosed area, but it can still be admired from a distance.

Day Trips From Saumur

• Tours: Tours is 80 km to the east of Saumur and is well worth the journey. Spend some time wandering the narrow streets of the old part of town with its mediaeval timbered houses. Visit the magnificent cathedral and one or two of the many museums in the city, such as the Musee des Beaux Arts de Tours and the Natural History Museum. Mix with the locals at the lively markets and relax in one of the large green open spaces. There are plenty of restaurants to suit all tastes, as well as bars and cafes.

• Angers: Angers, 67 km northwest of Saumur, is, like Tours and Saumur, a gateway to the chateaux and wineries of the Loire Valley. It lies on the banks of the River Maine and is steeped in history. You will see a mix of architectural styles, including mediaeval half-timbered buildings and spectacular Renaissance mansions. The Chateau d’Angers was built in the 13th century as a fortress and offers panoramic views of the city. It houses the famous Apocalypse Tapestry which is the largest mediaeval tapestry existing. Angers has many museums to visit including the Musee des Beaux Arts and there are green spaces to relax in.

• Loire à Vélo: There is an 800 km cycling trail starting at the Atlantic Ocean and ending at Nevers in Nierve. It passes through Saumur by the Loire River so why not hire a bicycle and enjoy the beautiful scenery. You don’t have to go far before you come across something interesting, for example, at Souzay-Champigny, a few kilometres upriver, you will travel through stunning troglodytic passageways created many years ago from tufa stone.

• Chateau Montsoreau - Museum of Contemporary Art: This chateau, with its museum, is 12 km southeast of Saumur. It is a magnificent Renaissance building and is the only chateau in the Loire Valley that was constructed on the riverbed. The museum houses the world’s largest collection of conceptual art created by the Art & Language movement.

• Château de Brézé: Chateau de Breze is 11 km south of Saumur and was built in the 16th century in the Renaissance style. It was commissioned by Arthus de Maille-Breze who feared being attacked so had a network of tunnels and rooms built underneath the chateau. Bedrooms, kitchens, cellars, and storage spaces were created, and they were connected by over 3 km of tunnels. There was even space for livestock and stables for horses. You can take a tour of both the above-ground rooms and the underground chambers and tunnels.

• Château de Montreuil Bellay: This chateau, 15 km south of Saumur, was originally built in the early 11th century as a fortress but was developed over the years into a comfortable home. You can still see the mediaeval fortified moats and ramparts, the kitchen with a central hearth, and the underground tunnels, but there are also elaborate Renaissance rooms and a magnificent staircase. Make sure you take a guided tour as it takes you to places you can’t visit if you explore on your own. The estate produces well-known and respected wines, and you will visit the cellar as part of the tour. Explore the beautiful gardens on your own and climb the castle walls for fantastic views.

• Moulin de la Herpinière: The Moulin de la Herpiniere is a semi-troglodyte cavier mill built in the 16th century and restored in 1979. It has canvas wings and is unique as it is the only mill in Anjou to have them. Unfortunately, it can only be viewed from the outside but if you are in the area, it is worth stopping to take a photograph. It is 11 km southeast of Saumur.

• Les Maisons Troglodytes de Forges: These troglodyte underground houses were built in the 19th century and give an insight into how people used the rock to create a village. It is like taking a step back in time as there is period furniture inside the houses, as well as clothing, domestic and farming implements, and even chickens running about. From the houses, you get a great view of the valley of Les Baux. They are 15 km west of Saumur.

• Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud: The abbey is 14 km south of Saumur and was listed as a historic monument in 1840 and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 as part of the Loire Valley’s designation. It was built almost 1,000 years ago and the abbey and grounds cover 13 hectares. You can take a guided or an audio-guided tour and there is a treasure hunt for children. You will visit the church, cloisters, and see the tomb of Richard the Lionheart. The church combines the regional styles of Poitou and Anjou. The slender choir is Romanesque, the cloister, Renaissance, and the kitchen Byzantine-Romanesque. There is also a museum of modern art at the abbey. Here you will see around 900 works of art, including glassware, paintings, sculptures, and drawings by artists such as Toulouse-Lautrec and Andre Derain.

• Les Troglos de la Sablière: This cave-dwelling is 19.5 km southwest of Saumur. It was built by Mr Gregoire who lived there between 1900 and 1950. You can’t visit on your own but must take a guided tour. You will see a 60-metre-long gallery, the living quarters and ‘La Tonnelle’ cafe which was run by Gregoire’s wife. There is also a collection of fossils which will particularly interest the little ones. Gregoire mined sand which was used for cemeteries and gardens but when mining came to an end, the dwelling was bricked up. Eventually a new owner opened it up again and started distilling rose liqueur. In addition, each year a sculpture is chiselled into the rock by a local artist.

• Troglodytes et Sarcophages: This troglodyte site is large, covering about a hectare. It was used in the 9th century as a hideaway from the Viking invaders. It is one of the listed UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Loire Valley. It is spectacular as when you go underground, you will find not only living quarters, but a chapel, a cathedral, a farm, a wine cellar, and the quarry of a sarcophagus manufacturer. It is 19 km southwest of Saumur.

• Le Mystere des Faluns: Le Mystere des Faluns is 17.9 km southwest of Saumur and is a show held in underground galleries 15 - 20 metres high. These galleries have an interesting history as they were first used as a mushroom farm, then as homes, and later as tourist accommodation. Now, they house the spectacular sound and light projection show, Le Mystere des Faluns. Lights are shone onto the rocks, creating a magical experience. Each scene has been influenced by science and the show lasts for one hour.

• Château de Brissac: Chateau de Brissac is 36 km northwest of Saumur and, at seven storeys high, is the tallest chateau in France. It has over 200 rooms and has been in the same family for 20 generations. Commissioned by Pierre de Breze, chief minister to Charles VII, in the 15th century, much of the Renaissance and Baroque design was created in the 16th century. Take a tour of the chateau and visit the elaborately decorated rooms, the wine cellar and a 250-metre underground canal for when the river flooded. In the cellar, you can have a tasting of Rose d’Anjou which is produced on the estate and purchase a bottle or two. A highlight of the chateau is the Belle Epoque theatre which was a 200-seat opera house.

• Château de Gizeux: Building of this chateau began in the Middle Ages and continued through the Renaissance and into the 18th century. You can tour the chateau on your own with an audio guide or accompanied by a guide. Visit the spectacular galleries, lounges, and cellars and then wander around the beautiful gardens. The estate also offers wine tasting and activities for children, such as treasure hunts, the musketeer school, and the costumed tour. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee at the tearoom which has large wooden games to keep the little ones occupied.

Things To Do With Kids In Saumur

• Château d'Ussé: Château d'Ussé is 40 km east of Saumur and is one of the chateaux in the Loire Valley that will particularly appeal to children. Throughout the chateau, there are life-size dummies dressed in period clothes and the tour ends with an exhibition retelling the story of Sleeping Beauty accompanied by a collection of wax dolls. The author of the story, Charles Perraut, was so taken with the chateau that he used it as the base for his fairytale.

• Parc de Montsabert: If you plan to visit Saumur, this campsite 30 km northwest is a great place to stay as it has many activities to keep your children occupied. They can enjoy a 25-metre semi-Olympic swimming pool, a 40-metre zipline, a playground, a giant trampoline, a slide and a children’s club.

• Kayaking On The Loire: Enjoy a day on the river while getting some exercise as well. Rent a kayak and enjoy the views of the town and the valley. Pôle Nautique de Saumur offers kayaks for rent. You must be able to swim but still wear the life jacket you are provided with. They also provide a waterproof canister for your belongings. One-, two-, and three-seater kayaks are available and those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. They offer 9 routes from 5 km to 54 km.

• Mini Train: This isn’t a real train but a road vehicle that looks like a train and is a great way to see the town at a leisurely pace. It leaves from Quai Carnot in front of the Saumur Tourist Office. You will pass sights such as the Ile Offard, the Cavalry School, the Protestant Temple, and the Château de Saumur.

• Doue-La-Fontaine Bioparc: This is the only troglodyte zoo in the world, giving the animals a more natural setting. You go from one area to another through tunnels chiselled into the rock. The zoo is dedicated to protecting endangered species and houses over 1,200 animals. Highlights include the Ghosts of the Himalayas area, which is home to mountain goats, snow panthers, and vultures, and the Valley of the Rhinoceros, which houses black rhinos, lions, cheetahs, and gazelles. It is 21 km southwest of Saumur.

• Les Chemins De La Rose: Les Chemins De La Rose is a beautiful rose garden which offers five themed trails to follow to find the rose garden. There is a treasure hunt for children with Leon the Peacock and a playground to keep them happy. Take them to the Garden of Horoscopes to find out which is their protective tree and take a ride in a 2CV to find fields of roses. The garden is 23 km southwest of Saumur in Doué-La-Fontaine.

• Pierre et Lumiere: Pierre et Lumiere is 5 km north of Saumur and is an underground exhibition of models of churches, chateaux, and towns in the Loire Valley, all carved out of tufa stone. There are 20 models chiselled in great detail, the highlight being the village of Bauge. Remember to take a jumper as it is only 13C in the underground galleries.

• Les Jardins du Puygirault: 5 km north of Saumur, this is an unusual garden as it is devoted to vegetables. It covers 2 hectares and there are more than 1,000 different species located in 14 themed gardens. Children will have fun trying to identify the different vegetables, especially the more unusual ones.

• Rochemenier Village Troglodytique: Children will love going underground to see how people lived in the past. The highlights of these troglodyte caves are a 16th-century underground chapel, a room with fossils, and an exhibition about troglodyte people from all over the world.

Wineries Close To Saumur

• Caves Bouvet-Ladubay: Caves Bouvet-Ladubay is only 2.4 km out of town. It was founded in 1851 and produces sparkling wines using the traditional method. It has enormous cellars so you can take a tour on a bicycle. It’s not mandatory, however, and you can do a tour by foot. The cellars tour includes visiting the archives, the Petit Theatre Bouvet Ladubay, and the office of the founder, Etienne Bouvet. Of course, it ends with a tasting.

• Langloise Crémant de Loire: Langloise Crémant de Loire is also close to Saumur, just 2.8 km out of town. It has been producing three sparkling wines for over 130 years, Vintage Brut, Gross Reserve, and Brut Rose. You can enjoy wine tastings, vineyard walks, and cellar visits. From May until September, you can visit the vineyard in a horse-drawn carriage.

• Château De Parnay : The Chateau De Parnay is 7 km southeast of the centre of Saumur. The vineyards cover 35 hectares, and they produce organic wines. You can take a tour of the vineyards, underground cellars, and have a tasting of five wines. As well as the day tour, you can take an evening tour by torchlight.

• Caves Ackerman: Caves Ackerman is 3 km from Saumur. It was founded in 1811 and is the oldest estate in the Loire Valley producing sparkling wine. Using the traditional method, it produces the Saumur and Crémant de Loire appellations. It offers tours of the underground cellars and a tasting which lasts for up to an hour. It puts on events throughout the year such as exhibitions and a festival of lights.

• La Grande Vignolle: La Grande Vignolle is 10.4 km southwest of Saumur. It produces sparkling wine, white wine, red wine, and rose wine using organic and biodynamic practices. It offers tastings and serves wines according to the taste of each customer. You can even try wines from their whole range.

• Gratien and Meyer: Gratien and Meyer is 3.3 km southeast of Saumur, located in what once were quarry caves. They were turned into cellars in the 19th century. The winery offers free tastings of its Fines Bulles sparkling wines and champagne as well as tours of the cellars all year round.

Golf Courses Near Saumur

• Golf De Saumur: Golf De Saumur is 5.6 km northwest of the city centre. It offers a 9-hole golf course in a lovely setting of woods and ponds. There is also a 4-hole school course, a putting green, and 22 driving ranges, 10 of which are covered. There is a clubhouse which is open to visitors.

• Golf de Loudun-Fontevraud - Domaine de Roiffé: Located 16 km south of Saumur, this golf course was designed by the French architect, Hubert Chesneau in 1985. This diverse course has 18 holes on 60 hectares of land, some of it hilly, some wooded. The golf course is attached to a Domaine de Roiffé hotel,  which has a restaurant and bar.

Racecourse Near Saumur

• Hippodrome De Veine Saumur: The racecourse is almost 10 km west of the city centre and offers five days of horse racing every year. Three are held in the spring and two in the autumn. Each race day has at least seven races comprised of cross-country, steeplechase, trotting, and flat racing. The steeplechase and cross-country races have 20 obstacles. At the end of October, a stage of the French cross-country Championship is held at the Hippodrome De Veine Saumur.

Where To Eat In Saumur

There is something to suit most tastes in Saumur from traditional bistros to fine dining experiences. Here are a few of them.

Traditional

• Auberge Saint-Pierre: This traditional French restaurant is close to the chateau in the centre of town. It is cosy and designed in a mediaeval style with half-timbering, beams, a big fireplace, and suits of armour. Starters include burgundy snails marinated in Chablis and foie gras. A popular main course is the Charolais beef entrecote with pan-fried sweetbreads and morels. Deserts include creme brulee and iced souffle with Royal Combier.

• Bistrot Les Tontons: The dishes served in this restaurant are seasonal and are prepared each day. You won’t get leftovers from the day before, so everything is fresh. The service is excellent which is always a bonus. Starters include beef gravlax and sea bream ceviche. Beef tartare, duck breast and eggplant cannelloni are some of the main courses, and deserts include chocolate mousse and poached pear.

• Bistrot de la Place-Saumur: This bistro offers a seasonal and fresh menu and a massive wine list of 400 wines, 40 by the glass. It is one of the best wine lists in town. Try the country terrine with pickles to start or the dry ham from the Les Aldudes Valley. Mains include chicken supreme and Angus beef steak as well as a vegetarian dish, chickpea and lentil steak with eggplant caviar.

Fine Dining

• Le Moulin Des Saveurs: Located in a 4-hectare wooded park, Le Moulin Des Saveurs is elegant and offers refined cuisine. Dishes include rabbit with foie gras, eggplant, and fruit chutney, and Pays de Loire fillet of beef with a port sauce and seasonal vegetables.

• L’Essential: L’Essential is well known for excellent food and wine pairing and knowledgeable staff. The food is exquisite and includes foie gras and The Perfect Egg, cooked at 65C and runny, served with fruit crumble, tomatoes, and tangy lemon hints. Mains include The Veal, which is veal chuck, confited for six hours, then seared and served with potatoes, spinach, and mushrooms. Try the chocolate mousse or souffle for dessert. They are both sublime.

Other Restaurants

• Le 30 Février Ferme: A little unusual for France, this is a vegan restaurant. It is unassuming and reasonably priced with local wines served by the half bottle or bottle. It serves pizzas made with fresh ingredients, delicious desserts, and digestives. There is seating inside and out.

• Creperie La Biguodon: France is famous for its crepes and this creperie doesn’t disappoint. It serves tempting savoury and sweet crepes made with organic ingredients. The service is friendly, and it is a great place if you’re looking for a casual meal.

• L’Cancuna: L’Cancuna is a Mexican restaurant. The decor is rustic, the food delicious, and the service friendly. All the popular Mexican dishes are on the menu including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, and chilli con carne. There is a good choice for vegetarians.

Where To Stay In Saumur

• Hôtel Anne D’Anjou, The Originals Collection: This four-star hotel is near the town centre with views of the river and the chateau. The rooms are stylish and have a TV, free Wi-Fi, a private bathroom, and room service. Some rooms have a view of the river or the chateau and five have the original decor which is Louis XVI Restoration. The hotel has excellent facilities, including a spa and wellness centre, a heated swimming pool which opens from April to October, and a bar. A continental buffet breakfast can be purchased each morning.

• Mercure Bords de Loire Saumur: This four-star hotel is in a prime position, located on the banks of the river, just over 2 km from the chateau. If you go for a drink in the bar, you will have fantastic views of the Loire River and of the town. The rooms all have air conditioning, a TV with satellite channels, a tea/coffee maker, a private bathroom, and room service. All are modern in design. You get complimentary access to the gym and massage treatments can be arranged for a fee. A continental buffet breakfast is on offer which has gluten-free options.

• Ibis Styles Saumur Gare Centre: The Ibis is a three-star hotel, a 10-minute walk from the city centre. The rooms are soundproofed, ensuring that you get a good night’s sleep, have air conditioning, a TV, free Wi-Fi, and a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries. Enjoy a continental buffet breakfast in the morning. There is a bar offering drinks and snacks and there is a private car park 30 metres away.

• Hôtel Saint Pierre Boutique Hotel: This hotel is in the centre of town, next to the river and at the foot of the chateau so has lovely views. The rooms all have air conditioning, a TV with satellite channels, free Wi-Fi, a tea/coffee maker, and room service. Breakfast is continental with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Facilities in the hotel include a bar with an extensive whisky selection, a garden, a terrace, a currency exchange centre, a beauty salon, a barber, and a car and bike rental service. The hotel is four-star.

Best Time To Visit Saumur

The warmest weather is between May and October although there can be a lot of rain in May and June. If you want it hot, go in July or August but it can get crowded. To avoid the crowds, head to Saumur in September or early October when it will still be warm. The coldest months are December, January, and February and December has a lot of rain, so this isn’t the best time to visit Saumur. Also, a lot of the attractions will be closed.

Festivals In Saumur

• Festivini Wine Festival: The Festivini Wine Festival lasts from June until September, reflecting the area’s number of vineyards and wineries. It doesn’t only attract locals, but people from all over the world come to taste the local wines. Different activities are arranged, including wine tastings, culinary workshops, art exhibitions, and concerts. Not only is wine offered but locally produced food.

• The Carousel of Saumur: This festival is held in July and lasts for two days. It is a free event and introduces locals and tourists to the military world. There are demonstrations at the Cadre Noir, with shows of armoured vehicles and other events at different locations throughout the town, such as the Place Charles de Faucauld and the Musee Cavalerie de Saumur.

• Les Grandes Tables Du Saumur Champigny: This event is held in August for two evenings in The Place de la Republique opposite City Hall. The square becomes an open-air restaurant where people come to taste local food and wine. It is organised by the winegrowers and their friends who volunteer to serve and introduce everyone to their wines. There is live music all evening with several bands taking to the stage.

• Les Foulées Du Saumur-Champigny: This is held on a Sunday in September and invites everyone to take a walk or run through the vineyards of the region. On offer is a troglo-trail of 29 km, trail races of 9 and 18 km, walks of 9 and 18 km, and Nordic walks of 9 and 18 km.

• Harvest Festivities At The Chateau De Saumur: These festivities take place on one day in September in the courtyard of the chateau. There are tastings of grape juice, wine, and artisanal food products. At lunchtime, a picnic is held accompanied by music. Other events during the day include a horsemen’s show and an oenological tour. The great thing is that it’s free to get in.