Why Saumur Should be Your Next Loire Valley Getaway

Nestled in the heart of the Loire Valley, Saumur is a charming town full of history, culture, and character. With beautiful châteaux, underground wine cellars, picturesque streets and lively cafés, it offers everything you could want from a Loire Valley getaway.

Explore the town’s historic centre, enjoy wine tasting, or take in a mix of history and culture at local museums and landmarks. 
 
Saumur is easy to reach by train from Tours, with the nearest airport also in Tours. While public transport can get you to the town itself, hiring a car is helpful if you want to explore some of the more distant châteaux and vineyards in the surrounding area. 
 
Whether you’re planning a relaxed weekend in town or a more adventurous tour of the Loire Valley, Saumur makes a perfect base for discovering the best the region has to offer. 

Château de Saumur

No visit to the Loire is complete without seeing at least one château and Saumur’s castle is well worth a visit. As well as providing panoramic views of the town and the Loire River, the white-stone castle has a rich, varied and important history. Built in the 10th century it has served as a fortress, royal residence and even a prison. 

Tickets are €9.50 per adult, but entry is free at selected dates throughout the year (www.château-saumur.fr). You can also visit the gardens and explore the lower courtyard free of charge.  

Old Town 

Saumur’s Old Town is perfect for wandering through charming streets, browsing local shops, or people-watching at one of the cafés and bars. Place Saint-Pierre is a great spot to stop for an early evening apéritif and the surrounding streets are ideal for shopping. The square itself is striking, with timber-framed houses standing alongside the imposing Église Saint-Pierre de Saumur. Though the façade is 17th-century, inside, the building retains features from its medieval past – entry is free.

Cadre Noir 

The world-renowned Cadre Noir has showcased traditional French horse riding for nearly two centuries. Recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, équitation de tradition française emphasises harmony between horse and rider and is respected for its gentle, non-forceful training techniques. Moved from Versailles to Saumur in 1828, the Cadre Noir now trains both military and civilian riders. Behind-the-scenes tours, matinée shows, and evening galas are offered at select times throughout the year. Dates, times, and prices are available at www.cadrenoir.fr 

Musée des Blindés 

A must for history enthusiasts, you could easily spend hours in this meticulously maintained museum. Founded in 1977, the Tank Museum of Saumur now houses 880 vehicles, nearly 200 of which are fully operational. Its collection includes armoured equipment from across the world, as well as vehicles that have served the French military since 1917. There is a discovery trail for families and some of the exhibits are interactive. Entry is €11 per adult or €16 if you purchase a combined ticket for the Musée de la Cavalerie, a museum which details the history of the French Cavalry, starting from 1445. 

Wine Tasting

Saumur is famous for its wines, especially Crémant de Loire made using the méthode traditionnelle, Saumur Blancs, and Saumur-Champigny reds, grown in vineyards around the town. Louis de Grenelle, Ackerman, and Bouvet Ladubay, some of the most prestigious and well-known wine houses, are located in or very near the town centre. Many wine houses have underground cellars, making for an atmospheric tasting experience. A short drive north from Saumur, across the Loire towards Bourgueil and beyond, takes you along roads lined with vineyards, where you can enjoy tastings in a picturesque setting.

Troglodyte Caves 

Around Saumur, you’ll find a vast network of troglodyte caves; human-made dwellings, hollowed out of the limestone rock. Larger underground homes mostly date from the 15th century, though the area was in use as far back as the Gallo-Roman era. Uninhabited since the 1950s, many caves are now museums, tourist accommodations or restaurants. The Forges Troglodyte Houses, just 16 km from Saumur, is the closest Troglodyte village open to visitors. Head to www.ot-saumur.fr to find out more about this and other Troglodyte dwellings around Saumur. 

Château of the Loire

Some of the most beautiful and interesting Châteaux of the Loire are just a short drive from Saumur. Château de Brézé (12 minutes/11km) Built between the 11th and 19th centuries in the heart of a vineyard, Brézé is famous for its underground tunnels, medieval bakeries and one of Europe’s deepest dry moats. Château de Montsoreau (15 minutes/12km) A small but charming Renaissance château right on the Loire River, it also houses the world’s largest collection of works by the Art & Language movement.

Château d’Ussé (37 minutes/34km) Overlooking the River Indre, Ussé inspired Charles Perrault’s tale of Sleeping Beauty. The château is still privately owned, and its rooms are beautifully furnished, giving a glimpse into aristocratic life. If you have time, Château de Villandry (38 minutes/58km), famous for its stunning Renaissance gardens, and Château d’Azay le Rideau (44 minutes/63km), set on a small island in the River Indre with its elegant structure reflected in the “water mirror,” are both worth visiting. 

Saumur is a town that effortlessly blends history, culture, and charm. Wander through the pretty Old Town streets, sample local wines in underground cellars, or explore fascinating museums right in town; there really is something for everyone. With a variety of nearby châteaux and scenic vineyards just a short drive away, Saumur is the perfect base for enjoying the very best of the Loire Valley. 

Lead photo credit : Saumur © Shutterstock