Located between the Loire and Thouet rivers, Saumur is a small town in western France. Surrounded by vineyards on all sides, some of the best wine of the country comes from Saumur. No matter what your interests are, Saumur has something for everyone, from beautiful chateaus to churches, horse-riding to wine-tasting, museums holding important historical artifacts to a romantic boat ride across the Loire River and more. The best part is that with the availability of a wide range of Airbnb vacation rentals in Saumur, the tourists find the town extremely hospitable. A place with a rich cultural history, from the days of the early settlers till now, Saumur still holds onto the remnants of the past, telling a story through its beautiful architectural structures. It is definitely not a destination that anyone should miss. Read the article below to find out more about the top things to do in Saumur, France.
1. Catch a horse show at the Cadre Noir
Originally a part of the cavalry division, the Cadre Noir was transformed into a riding school to carry on the traditions of French horsemanship. Now, part of the National Riding Academy, the skills perfected over the years are displayed during shows that visitors looking for outdoor activities in Saumur, France, can come to see. Along with a tour of the Academy, they are shown the different breeds of horses being raised and their training formations. While the information given during the tour is in French, visitors are provided with pamphlets in various languages to help them understand everything that is going on. From animal lovers to anyone looking for a good show, the Cadre Noir is a perfect choice.
Cadre Noir
Address: av Ecole Nationale D Equitation,49400,Saumur France
Website: Cadre Noir
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9:30am - 11am, 2pm - 4pm (closed on Sun)
Price: 8.80 USD
2. Discover history in Chateau de Saumur
The Chateau de Saumur, one of the places to visit in Saumur, France is exactly what anyone would imagine a castle would be: towers piercing into the sky, a white and pristine structure that has braved the passage of time and still held on. If the beauty of the Chateau isn’t enough to attract tourists from all over the world, within its heart, there are the Museum of Decorative Arts, the Museum of the Horse, and the Museum of Toys. Carrying history in its walls and the artifacts it has to offer, the Chateau is certainly a diverse place. And after a long and sometimes exhausting tour of the whole place, visitors can unwind by taking a stroll through the royal grounds, surrounded by nature and serenity.
Chateau de Saumur
Address: Château de Saumur, 49400 Saumur
Website: Chateau de Saumur
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 2pm - 5:30pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 6.48 USD
3. Enjoy fine dining at L'Escargot
What is the point of a vacation if you don’t pamper yourself? One of the best ways to do so is by indulging in a fine-dining experience. Luckily, Saumur has just the restaurant to meet those needs. While the decor of the restaurant might be plain and nothing to Instagram about, the food is to die for. With their wide selection of wines and perfectly cooked dishes, the staff at L'Escargot strive to give their visitors the perfect day with the perfect food and service. Don’t forget to make a reservation to enjoy the best four-course meal that France has to offer. From mushroom risottos, scallops, roasted rack of lamb and snails in parsley and garlic, L'Escargot has only the finest to offer for its guests.
L'Escargot
Address: 30 Rue du Maréchal Leclerc, 49400 Saumur, France
Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 12pm - 1:30pm, 7:30pm - 9:30pm; Sat: 7:30pm - 9:30pm; Sun - Mon: 12pm - 1:30pm, 7:30pm - 9:30pm (closed on Tue)
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4. Go check out Eglise Saint-Pierre de Saumur
Located in the town square, Eglise Saint-Pierre de Saumur also known as Saint Peter’s Church is a major point of interest in Saumur, France. Built from the 12th to the 16th century, with its beautiful architecture, this is one of the oldest buildings in Saumur, giving it even more significance. With beautiful stained glass windows and stonework within the arches, Eglise Saint-Pierre de Saumur sings of the past and accepts the future within its structure. While the original structures of the church still hold, the building itself has been renovated and new pieces added to its beauty. Go to attend mass or to admire the architecture of the building, Eglise Saint-Pierre de Saumur’s doors are open for everyone.
Eglise Saint-Pierre de Saumur
Address: Place Saint-Pierre, 49400, Saumur, France
5. Taste the best wine at Langlois Chateau
The makers of some of the finest wines in the Loire valley, Langlois Chateau, a tourist attraction in Saumur, France, is a family business that was started in 1885. Unlike other wine-tasting sessions, Langlois Chateau not only offers a tour of their vineyard and caves but also of the factory where all their wine is produced. Visitors get a first-hand look at the process of wine-making and learn about it in depth before moving on to the tasting. With a tour that goes on for an hour, this is another educational spot for those visiting Saumur.
Langlois Chateau
Address: 3 rue Leopold Palustre, 49400, Saumur, France
Website: Langlois Chateau
Opening hours: 10am - 12:30pm, 2pm - 6:30pm (daily)
Price: 10.79 USD
6. Say a prayer at Chapelle Royale des Ardilliers
Opened in 1534, Chapelle Royale des Ardilliers is considered a place of miracles. Before the Chapel came to be, it is said that a farmer found a statue on his farm one day while he was plowing his fields. Fascinated, he took the statue home only for it to disappear the next day. When he went searching, he found the statue back on the farm. He decided to take it home again and the next day, the cycle repeated itself. Believing that the statue was a sign, the people of Saumur began the construction of Chapelle Royale des Ardilliers on the banks of the Loire, where it stands to this day, answering the prayers of all those who visit.
Chapelle Royale des Ardilliers
Address: 1 Place Notre Dame des Ardilliers, 49400 Saumur, France
Website: Chapelle Royale des Ardilliers
Opening hours: 9am - 6:30pm (daily)
7. Admire the exhibits at Pierre et Lumiere
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
After falling in love with Loire, over the span of three years, Yann Bouchard and Phillipe Cormand collaborated to recreate the image of the valley. From historical buildings, houses and churches, every aspect of Loire can now be found in the underground route of Pierre et Lumiere. Displayed under low light to showcase every aspect of the models made from limestone, people from all over the world flock to see this display of dedication and craftsmanship. With one trip through Pierre et Lumiere, visitors can see the entirety of Loire and appreciate it’s beauty the way Bouchard and Cormand did.
Pierre et Lumiere
Address: Route de Gennes | St Hilaire St Florent, 49400, Saumur, France
Website: Pierre et Lumiere
Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 2pm - 6pm; Thu - Sun: 2pm - 6pm (closed on Wed)
Price: Children: 6.48 USD, adults: 9.72 USD
8. Explore the Vineyards of Le Secret des Papillies
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Started by Vanessa Godfrin, at Le Secret des Papillies, guests not only get to taste the finest wine that Saumur has to offer, but they also gain more knowledge on the subject matter. Offering full-day and half-day tours, attendees are first taken through the vineyard where they are given the history as well as the process of wine-making in Saumur. Later, they are shown the Tusseau caves before heading back to the shop. Once the bottles are popped open, guests learn how to taste wine, try local delicacies and find out how to pair wine with food. Hoping to accommodate local and international guests, tours are given in English as well as French. With its competitive prices and educational approach, this is a place that simply should not be missed.
Le Secret des Papillies
Address: 13 rue Léopold Palustre 49400 Saumur& Route de Vauchrétien 49320 Brissac
Website: Le Secret des Papillies
9. Visit the iconic Cavalry Museum
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Nestled within the storied former stables of Cadre Noir, a legendary institution, lies the enchanting Cavalry Museum of Saumur. This remarkable museum is not just a place; it’s a journey through time and a celebration of the art of French cavalry.
From the humble beginnings in 1445 to the pinnacle of equestrian excellence, the museum traces the captivating history of the French Cavalry. Each exhibit is a window into the past, offering a profound understanding of the noble art of horsemanship.
For those who seek to delve even deeper, the museum houses a documentation center brimming with 18 meticulously curated books. The center serves as a treasure trove of knowledge for history and horse enthusiasts alike.
Cavalry Museum
Address: Pl. Charles de Foucauld, 49400 Saumur, France
Website: Cavalry Museum
10. Witness convergence of art and nature at Caves Ackerman
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Caves Ackerman is not your typical art gallery. Here, art takes the form of grandiose and ephemeral works, perfectly harmonized with the raw beauty of the caves’ architecture and the tuffeau stone they’re carved from.
In the spirit of land art, artists utilize the caves’ unique nature and cathedral-like ceilings to craft creations that enhance the site’s enchantment. This art form celebrates accessibility and proudly showcases the splendor of the surrounding region.
The artist’s residency, a three-year interval, brings fresh perspectives, unveiling ever-evolving galleries that leave visitors in awe.
Caves Ackerman
Address: 19 Rue Léopold Palustre, 49400 Saumur, France
Website: Caves Ackerman
Opening hours: Mon-Sat: 10am – 12:30pm, 2pm – 6:30pm; Sun: 10am – 12:30pm, 2:30pm – 6:30pm
11. Try finger-licking food at Saumur 1929
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Whenever you’re traveling to a new place, even if you choose to relax at your hotel for the entirety of your trip, one thing you should never miss is the local cuisine. One of the best restaurants in the town, those who visit always sing praises of Saumur 1929 for being versatile and unique. With a hands-on approach, at Saumur 1929, one can see the enthusiasm of the chef as he walks the customers through each dish available and helping everyone pick something that would suit their palate. Vegetarian-friendly, modest prices and big portions, this restaurant has everything, so why would you want to miss it?
Saumur 1929
Address: 52 rue Saint Nicolas, 49400, Saumur France
12. Explore the beautiful Château de Montsoreau (from USD 11.37)
Located at the junction of two rivers, the Loire and the Vienne, Château de Montsoreau is an architectural beauty to be built on a riverbed. If the view isn’t enough to make this chateau a beautiful destination, it is also home to the Museum of Contemporary Art, which is famous for having the world’s largest collection of works started by the Art & Language movement. For art lovers across the world, this is a spot that simply cannot be missed because skipping this chateau means skipping some revolutionary pieces. This place can sate your thirst for beautiful creations and also add some breathtaking moments to your Instagram feed.
Montsoreau: Château de Montsoreau Museum Entry Ticket
Experience Saumur's charms
Despite being a small town, Saumur is the ideal location for anyone looking to unwind and relax. With its beautiful attractions, delicious food and unforgettable wine-tasting sessions, once you visit Saumur, you’ll want to come back again and again.
If you love vineyards, you might want to take a look at the Airbnb vacation rentals in Maine-et-Loire as they’ll put you close to many great vineyards and a mellow climate here.
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