Summary of Best Activities in Saumur
If you are passionate about horses and seeking holiday inspiration, the town of Saumur in the Loire Valley presents a captivating option.
France’s cavalry has established its presence in Saumur since the 1700s, and visitors can observe horse training practices at the renowned riding academy, the Cadre Noir.
Horses were phased out from combat duty a century ago, being supplanted by armored vehicles. The Musé des Blindés provides an insightful glimpse into this aspect of Saumur’s history, showcasing one of the finest tank museums globally.
As you stroll through the town’s streets, you will be struck by the brilliance of the stones in Saumur’s monuments. This luminous stone, tufa, is a type of soft limestone that emits a yellow glow when illuminated by sunlight.
Let us explore the top attractions in Saumur:
1. Musé des Blindés
This museum ranks among the world’s premier tank museums.
The Musé des Blindés houses nearly 900 armored vehicles, with only a quarter displayed at any one time.
This extensive collection of armored vehicles was established in 1977 by Colonel Michel Aubry, with the objective of preserving as many operational tanks as possible.
Over 200 vehicles are operational, including a Schneider CA1 from 1916, as demonstrated during the annual three-day Carrousel military tattoo every July, a tradition that has persisted for 160 years.
2. Château de Saumur
Upon entering Saumur for the first time, the stunning view of the château soaring above the Loire is unforgettable.
This landmark, which began as a fortress in the 900s, dominates the skyline from a prominent ridge.
René of Anjou transformed it into his elegant “Château d’Amour” in the 1400s, and its layout has remained largely unchanged since.
Although the structure has undergone restoration and has been enveloped in scaffolding, visitors can still enjoy expansive views of Saumur and the Loire, as well as visit the decorative arts museum contained within.
3. Musé des Arts Décoratifs
The first floor boasts an exquisite collection of decorative items from the 1300s to the 1700s.
A significant portion of the space is dedicated to ceramics, particularly fine porcelain from the 17th and 18th centuries, alongside remarkable tapestries and flawlessly preserved furniture.
Given Saumur’s rich equestrian heritage, a dedicated section features a variety of horse equipment including harnesses, stirrups, bits, and saddles, some of which date back to antiquity.
4. Pierre et Lumière
Located within a cavern, Pierre et Lumière pays tribute to the scenic wonders of the Loire Valley in Anjou and Touraine, featuring 20 miniature representations, including churches, châteaux, and towns (notably the village of Baugé), all meticulously carved from tufa stone.
The artistry is astonishing, with each sculpture elegantly illuminated within these solemn subterranean galleries.
This attraction serves as an excellent respite during the summer, maintaining a consistent temperature of 13°C, ideal for escaping the heat.
5. Musé du Champignon
Adjacent to Pierre et Lumière, the Musé du Champignon offers another subterranean adventure, accessible with a combined ticket.
Mushrooms are a significant agricultural product in Saumur, contributing over 80% of France’s white button mushrooms.
Visitors can explore a working facility that produces 12 million tons annually and houses the largest mycological collection in Europe.
You will delve into a network of cellars situated within prehistoric troglodyte caves, discovering information about the 500 edible species of wild mushrooms and gleaning insights on cultivation and harvesting techniques.
A shop is available at the conclusion where visitors can acquire mushrooms for culinary use.
6. Cadre Noir
The French National Horse-Riding School is a crucial aspect to understand Saumur’s long-standing connection to equestrian traditions.
The term Cadre Noir refers to an elite group of cavalry instructors, established in 1828, who continue to comprise the academy’s teaching staff.
Members of the Cadre Noir consistently excel in “eventing,” dressage, and jumping at Olympic competitions.
Visitors can take guided tours of the academy’s facilities, which provide engaging experiences for children who may wish to meet and interact with the horses.
In the summer months, there are impressive dressage performances showcasing the Cadre Noir’s military precision.
7. Musé de Cavalerie de Saumur
Housed within the former stables of the Cadre Noir, this museum chronicles the 560-year history of the French cavalry.
Visitors will journey through time, starting in the era of Charles VII in the 15th century and reaching present-day mechanized units that replaced equestrian forces.
Exhibits include displays of significant historical battles, along with two galleries showcasing weapons, equipment, armor, harnesses, and uniforms.
Several original wooden stalls remain intact, providing insight into life within the cavalry.
8. Église Saint-Pierre
The striking façade of the church located at Place Saint-Pierre exemplifies baroque architecture from the 1600s, concealing an older romanesque and gothic foundation.
This church was established during the period of Plantagenet dominance in this region of France.
Inside, noteworthy features include a tapestry from the 1500s that depicts the life and achievements of St. Peter, alongside wooden stalls from the 1400s that contribute to its historic ambiance.
9. Loire Boat Trip
Near Pont Cessart and the Saumur tourist office, there is a jetty where visitors can embark on delightful cruises on the Loire from April to October.
The most sought-after excursion had a duration of just under an hour, during which a multilingual guide introduces attendees to the region’s heritage and natural wonders.
With a bit of luck, guests may spot various waterfowl and fishing birds, concluding the cruise with a glass of Bouvet-Ladubay Saumur brut, the local sparkling wine.
The same company, Croisières Samur Loire, also provides Saturday cruises traveling upstream to Candes-Saint-Martin or downstream to Le Thoureil for a more extensive exploration of this beloved waterway.
10. Dolmen de Bagneaux
Situated a few kilometers south of Saumur is the intriguing megalithic monument known as the Bagneaux Dolmen, which ranks among the largest portal dolmens in Europe, notable for its remarkable height, with a chamber reaching up to 18 meters. The structure consists of 15 substantial sandstone slabs secured with wedging stones.
This dolmen, dating back approximately 5,000 years, is believed to have served as a burial chamber.
The sandstone used for its construction was sourced locally, quarried from the nearby Bournand and Terrefort hills, situated no more than 400 meters away.
11. Musé du Moteur
Reflecting Saumur’s eclectic museum offerings, this attraction is dedicated entirely to the internal combustion engine.
The Motor Museum is committed to preserving France’s 20th-century industrial heritage by restoring various types of motors to operational status.
Housed in a factory from the 1800s, the museum features over 400 distinct pieces.
The earliest artifact is an external combustion engine dating back to 1818, juxtaposed with its most recent acquisition, a motor used in a Peugeot 307 that participated in the World Rally Championship.
12. Day Trips
Within an hour’s journey, visitors can reach either Tours or Angers, two stunning cities in the Loire Valley.
In Angers, the legacy of René of Anjou, one of France’s most influential figures in the 1400s, can be traced.
The imposing towers of the Château d’Angers reflect the authority once wielded by the Counts of Anjou, while the Apocalypse Tapestry within stands as a pivotal example of the artistic achievements of that era.
Tours lies to the east and features a breathtaking cathedral and three distinct medieval districts.
13. Wine Tourism
A variety of wine merchants maintain cellars within and around Saumur, a connection partly due to the town’s tufa stone.
The former quarries provided optimal conditions for wine aging, particularly for the sparkling Crémant de Loire, which is produced in substantial quantities around Saumur.
On hot summer days, nothing is quite as refreshing as a local light sparkling wine.
For those keen on deepening their knowledge, Langlois Chateau offers an insightful “wine school,” detailing the production process from pressing to aging.
The wine ages within these stone tunnels, which extend more than 300 meters beneath Langlois.
14. Loire à Vélo
Being situated along the Loire grants access to an extensive 800-kilometer cycling trail that stretches from the Atlantic coast to Nevers in Nièvre.
The trail offers delightful scenic views throughout, enhanced by numerous service stations, rental centers, and bike-friendly accommodations.
In Saumur, you need only cycle a short distance to discover remarkable sights: near Souzay-Champigny, a few kilometers upstream, the route meanders through captivating troglodytic passageways carved from the soft tufa stone.
15. Local Produce
The troglodyte caves surrounding Saumur have significantly benefited mushroom cultivation.
In addition to the mushroom museum, there are three other nearby mushroom-growing caves for those who wish to delve deeper into the local agricultural industry.
The champignon de Paris is the primary local variety, renowned for its exquisite cream of mushroom soup.
Galipettes, which are mushrooms stuffed with garlic, parsley, and butter, are also highly regarded.
If you enjoy triple-sec or absinthe, a visit to the Combier distillery, which utilizes the same copper stills since 1901, is strongly recommended!
