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If you have done the things to do in France, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in Saumur.
With its majestic castles, sprawling vineyards, and scenic riverbanks, Saumur is a treasure trove waiting to be explored.
From indulging in gastronomic delights to discovering historical landmarks, there’s never a dull moment in this charming French town.
So put on your explorer hat and get ready to uncover the best things to do in Saumur!
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Saumur:
1. Château de Saumur
A Renaissance-style castle located in Saumur, France, that dates back to the 10th century.
What to see or do: Discover the rich history of the castle by exploring the various rooms and exhibits, including the Knights’ Hall and the Museum of the Horse.
Take a guided tour to delve deeper into the castle’s past and learn about its architecture, owners, and significance to the region.
Don’t miss: The stunning panoramic views of the city and Loire Valley from the castle’s top terrace. Also, make sure to check out the modern art installations and exhibitions located throughout the castle grounds.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the summer months to catch a performance by the French National Riding School, which is located nearby.
You can also enjoy a wine tasting at one of the nearby vineyards that produce the region’s famous Saumur Champigny wine.
2. Musée des Blindés
Musée des Blindés is a tank and armored vehicle museum located in Saumur, France. It boasts the largest collection of armored vehicles in the world.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the exhibitions on three levels and see tanks and armored vehicles from many different countries and eras, including World War I and II.
There are over 800 vehicles on display, including legendary tanks such as the Panther and the Tiger.
Don’t miss: Be sure to visit the Memorial Wall, which honors soldiers who fought in armored units during conflicts throughout history.
Another highlight is the World War II German Tiger tank, which is considered one of the most advanced tanks of its time.
Insider travel tips: – Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours here to fully explore the museum’s vast collection.
3. École Nationale d’Équitation
École Nationale d’Équitation is a renowned French institution for equestrian training and education.
What to see or do: Visit the school and attend a performance of Classical Riding, a discipline developed by the French tradition of equitation. You can also observe students and instructors training horses in various disciplines, such as dressage and show jumping.
Don’t miss: The Cadre Noir, a group of elite riders and horses that perform precision riding and high-level dressage movements. The group also offers behind-the-scenes tours and demonstrations.
Insider travel tips: – Book your visit in advance, as the school fills up quickly, especially during the summer months.
4. Parc Oriental de Maulévrier
Parc Oriental de Maulévrier is a historic Japanese garden located in the town of Maulévrier, in the Loire Valley of France.
It is considered as one of the largest Japanese gardens in Europe.
What to see or do: Visitors can stroll around the garden and admire its traditional Japanese landscapes, including lakes, bridges, waterfalls, pagodas, and a tea house.
The garden also features a bonsai collection, a bamboo grove, and an ornamental cherry tree avenue.
Don’t miss: The nocturnal illuminations, which are held during the summer months, offer a unique and magical experience to see the garden in a different light.
Insider travel tips: – The garden is open from March to November.
5. Abbaye de Fontevraud
Abbaye de Fontevraud is a former monastery located in the Loire Valley, near the town of Saumur. It was founded in the 12th century and has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the abbey’s church, cloisters, and other buildings, which offer a glimpse into the life of the monks and nuns who lived there.
There is also a modern art museum on site, which features temporary exhibitions throughout the year.
Don’t miss: Make sure to see the stunning Romanesque sculpture of Christ in Majesty in the abbey’s church. Also, take a walk through the abbey’s beautiful gardens, which offer panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Insider travel tips: – Consider visiting Abbaye de Fontevraud in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the site.
6. Caves Louis de Grenelle
A prestigious wine cellar dating back to the 19th century, located in Saumur, France.
What to see or do: Take a guided tour of the underground cellars and discover how the renowned sparkling wines are made.
Admire the impressive man-made caves that span over 4 kilometers, and learn about the production process of Crémant de Loire and Saumur Brut wines.
Don’t miss: The tasting room, where you can sample Louis de Grenelle’s award-winning wines and learn how to distinguish between different varietals. Make sure to try their famous Crémant de Loire, which has won numerous awards.
Insider travel tips: Book your tour in advance to ensure availability, and wear comfortable shoes as the cellars can be chilly and damp.
If you’re a wine enthusiast, consider taking a workshop to deepen your understanding of winemaking techniques and the aromas and flavors that characterize different wines.
7. Le Potager en Carrés
A charming garden in Saumur, France, designed in the “square-foot gardening” method.
What to see or do: Visitors can wander through the garden and admire the well-organized and productive plots of flowers, herbs, and vegetables. There are also workshops and classes offered on-site for those interested in learning more about square-foot gardening.
Don’t miss: The garden’s shop, which offers a variety of gardening tools and supplies, as well as fresh produce harvested from the garden.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as the garden has gravel paths. It’s also a good idea to bring a hat and sunscreen during the summer months.
Check the garden’s website for information on upcoming workshops and events.
8. Musée de la Cavalerie
The Musée de la Cavalerie (Cavalry Museum) is a national military museum located in Saumur, France. It showcases the history of the French cavalry, from medieval times to the present day.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire a collection of over 5000 objects, including weapons, uniforms, saddles, and equipment.
There are also various interactive displays that showcase the evolution of cavalry tactics, from the use of horses to modern armored vehicles.
Don’t miss: The museum’s highlight is the impressive collection of horse-drawn carriages, including one that belonged to Napoleon Bonaparte. There are also displays dedicated to famous cavalry units, such as the Republican Guard and the Foreign Legion.
Insider travel tips: – Guided tours in English are available, and they are highly recommended to fully appreciate the displays.
9. Le Mystère des Faluns
Le Mystère des Faluns is an underground cave system located in Saumur, France, that showcases the unique geological phenomena of the region, including fossilized marine animals and sedimentary rock formations.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a 1.
5 hour guided tour through the cave system, which includes a descent into the caves and a boat ride on an underground river.
Along the way, visitors can see a variety of ancient fossils and learn about the geological history of the region.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the tour is the “Galerie des Ancêtres,” a section of the cave that is home to a collection of fossilized marine animals, including ancient sea turtles and sharks.
Insider travel tips: – Be aware that the tour involves a lot of walking and some stairs, so wear comfortable shoes.
10. Le Musée du Champignon
Le Musée du Champignon, located in Saumur, is a unique museum that celebrates the cultivation and importance of mushrooms.
What to see or do: Explore the history of mushroom cultivation through a variety of exhibits and displays. Learn about the different varieties of mushrooms and their uses in cooking, medicine, and more.
Watch a fascinating video that captures the entire process of mushroom cultivation, from spore to harvest.
Don’t miss: Make sure to check out the impressive collection of over 250 different varieties of mushrooms. See if you can identify any of them based on their unique shapes, colors, and textures.
Insider travel tips: For an even more immersive experience, consider taking a guided tour of the museum with one of the knowledgeable staff members.
And if you’re a mushroom enthusiast, be sure to stop by the gift shop where you can purchase mushroom-growing kits and other related items.
11. La Route des Vins de Saumur
La Route des Vins de Saumur is a scenic wine route in the Loire Valley, France, that runs from the city of Saumur to the town of Saint-Hilaire-Saint-Florent.
What to see or do: You can visit numerous vineyards and wineries along the route, taste the local wines including the sparkling Saumur Brut, and indulge in delicious regional cuisine.
You can also take a scenic drive or cycle through the picturesque vineyards and rolling hills of the Loire Valley.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to visit the Château de Saumur, an impressive castle that offers spectacular views of the Loire River.
The nearby Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud is also worth a visit for its beautiful architecture and historical significance.
Insider travel tips: Carry cash with you as some of the smaller vineyards and wineries may not accept credit or debit cards. Also, book ahead for vineyard tours and tasting sessions to avoid disappointment during the busy season.
Finally, bring a picnic basket to enjoy a relaxing picnic in the vineyards.
12. Office de Tourisme de Saumur Val de Loire
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13. Eglise Saint-Pierre de Saumur
Eglise Saint-Pierre de Saumur is a historic church located in the heart of Saumur, France.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the beautiful Gothic architecture of the church, including its impressive stained-glass windows and intricate stone carvings. The interior features a soaring vaulted ceiling and stunning altar.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to climb the tower of the church for stunning views of the surrounding city and countryside.
Insider travel tips: – Entry to the church is free, but donations are appreciated.