Tourism

Welcome to the Saumur region, at the crossroads of Anjou, Touraine, and Poitou. Here is a selection of iconic sites and activities not to be missed during your stay, categorized by theme.

Most of these sites are open year-round, but be sure to check opening times for the low season. Feel free to ask us for advice upon arrival—we would be delighted to offer recommendations based on your interests (history, nature, gastronomy, or family activities)!

 Castles and Fortresses 🏰 

Château de Montreuil-Bellay

The castle that gives the village its name: a thousand years of history, ramparts, medieval gardens, and an on-site wine cellar and vineyard. A must-visit spot right next to the gîte.

Château de Saumur (~18 km)

A fairytale silhouette overlooking the Loire, offering superb views of the river and the town.

Château de Brézé (~15 km)

One of a kind: a "classic" château sitting atop an impressive underground network of galleries, cellars, and troglodyte chambers waiting to be explored.

Château de Montsoreau (~20 km)

The only Loire château built directly into the riverbed; now a contemporary art museum, it offers a magnificent view from the terrace.

Royal Fortress of Chinon (~30 km)

A massive medieval fortress overlooking the Vienne River, steeped in history (Joan of Arc, the Plantagenets). Includes a digital tablet tour.

Château de Villandry (~48 km)

Famous for its spectacular French-style gardens (ornamental vegetable garden, water gardens, maze) rather than the château's interior. A bit further afield, but well worth the trip—especially between May and September when the flowers are in bloom.

Château d'Angers (~50 km)

A must-see fortress featuring seventeen schist and tufa stone towers overlooking the Maine River. It houses the Apocalypse Tapestry, the largest surviving medieval tapestry in the world (14th century, originally over 100 meters long)—an exceptional work best viewed with the audio guide to fully appreciate every scene.

 Abbeys and Religious Heritage ⛪ 

Royal Abbey of Fontevraud (~15 km)

Europe's largest monastic complex and the burial place of the Plantagenets (including Richard the Lionheart and Eleanor of Aquitaine). A major regional landmark.

Saint-Florent-lès-Saumur Abbey (~18 km)

Former abbey church and historic crypt in the heart of Saumur.

Notre-Dame des Gardes Abbey (~40 km)

A monastery still inhabited by nuns; features a shop selling monastic products and a nearby viewpoint.

 Wine Cellars, Vineyards, & Tastings 🍷 

Ackerman Cellars (~18 km)

The Loire's oldest sparkling wine house (est. 1811), located in former tufa stone quarries transformed into a unique underground art gallery.

Bouvet-Ladubay (~18 km)

Expansive cellars that can be explored on foot or even by bicycle; features *Crémant* tastings and contemporary art integrated into the tour route.

Louis de Grenelle Cellars (~20 km)

Saumur's last independent family-owned wine house; offers a warm welcome and convivial tasting experiences.

Gratien & Meyer (~20 km)

Cellars housed in an Art Deco building overlooking the Loire, renowned for sparkling wines.

 Nature and outdoor activities 🚣 

Canoeing and kayaking on the Loire and Thouet rivers

• Montreuil-Bellay Canoe-Kayak Center

• Canoës Terre d'Entente (Gennes, ~25 km) — multi-hour trips down the Loire; transport included.

• Thouet Kayaks* (Artannes-sur-Thouet, ~10 km) — leisurely trips on a calm river, perfect for families.

• Saumur Nautical Center (~18 km) — canoe rentals and a developed beach area.

Millocheau Nautical and Leisure Center (~18 km)

Free leisure area on the banks of the Loire in Saumur: beach, supervised swimming, beach volleyball, picnic spots.

Loire River cruises

• Loire Évasion (Saumur, ~18 km) — traditional boat trips with wine tasting.

• Compagnie Saumuroise de Navigation Saint-Nicolas (~18 km) — guided cruises with a glass of wine and a local biscuit.

 Sights and museums 🎨 

Pierre et Lumière (~20 km)

Monumental sculptures depicting the Loire's finest landmarks, carved directly into the rock inside a former troglodyte quarry.

"Le Mystère des Faluns" (~15 km)

Sound and light show set in vast, cathedral-like underground quarries. Great for families.

Musée des Blindés (Tank Museum) (~18 km)

One of the world's largest tank museums (over 200 vehicles, ranging from World War I to the present day).

Cadre Noir de Saumur (~18 km)

A premier center for French equestrian art: tour the stables and—depending on the schedule—watch equestrian performances.

Bioparc de Doué-la-Fontaine (~15 km)

A unique zoo set within former troglodyte quarries; a favorite with families. Gardens 🌸

Jardins du Puygirault (~20 km)

Fourteen themed gardens telling the story of the relationship between humans and plants, featuring an underground section.

Parc Oriental de Maulévrier (~45 km)

One of the largest Japanese gardens in Europe; magnificent year-round, and especially during the cherry blossom season.

 Other stops 🗺️ 

Richelieu (~30 km)

An ideal 17th-century town and one of the rare, perfectly preserved examples of classical urban planning.

Doué-la-Fontaine (~15 km)

A small troglodyte town nicknamed the "City of Roses."

Candes-Saint-Martin (~20 km)

Ranked among the "Most Beautiful Villages of France" and situated at the confluence of the Vienne and Loire rivers; features tufa stone lanes, a collegiate church, and a superb view of both rivers from the Calvary.