Attractions and Places To See around Saumur - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Saumur are found within the Loire Valley, a region characterized by its historical significance and diverse landscapes. Situated at the confluence of the Loire and Thouet rivers, Saumur offers a blend of majestic landmarks, unique underground dwellings, and natural beauty. The area is part of the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Natural Park, providing a harmonious mosaic of rivers, forests, and hillsides. Visitors can explore a rich array of sites, from ancient castles to troglodyte caves and esteemed equestrian centers.
Best attractions and places to see around Saumur
- The most popular attractions is Château de Saumur, a castle that was built from the 10th century in Renaissance and Medieval styles. This magnificent medieval construction proudly overlooks the city and the banks of the Loire, offering exceptional panoramic views.
- Another must-see spot is View of the Loire from Le Thoureil, an unknown category highlight. The town of Le Thoureil is home to a small port welcoming traditional wooden sailing boats and offers opportunities for boat tours on historic Loire vessels.
- Visitors also love Fontevraud Royal Abbey, a religious building and historical site. This vast abbey is one of Europe's largest monastic complexes, dating back to the Middle Ages, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Saumur is known for its castles, troglodyte sites, and historical abbeys. The region offers a variety of attractions, including impressive megalithic monuments, riverside trails, and cultural sites like the Cadre Noir.
- The attractions around Saumur are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 500 upvotes and 50 photos shared.
Last updated: April 24, 2026
View of the Loire from Le Thoureil
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Le Thoureil also has megalithic sites on its territory, including dolmens and menhirs.
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Loire Riverside Gravel Trail
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Château de Saumur
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Montsoreau Castle
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Above all, since 2016 Montsoreau has been a Museum of Contemporary Art with the world's largest collection of works from the Art and Language movement. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Souzay-Champigny troglodyte site
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But watch out for the ribs, short but intense!
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Turquant
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Fontevraud Royal Abbey
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Montreuil-Bellay Castle
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Fontevraud
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Let us advise you and discover a village full of charm. Formed around the famous royal abbey, the Plantagenets necropolis, it is today a lively village, rich in numerous monuments, shops and craftsmen.
The Tourist Office offers you: a privileged welcome - a free wifi hotspot - a shop with a wide choice of regional products, gifts, books and souvenirs - good tips to visit more and spend less when buying your entrance tickets - a complete tourist guide - a website - but also to travel light, by leaving your luggage with us.
More information and opening hours at ot-saumur.fr/nl/sheets/vvv-kantoor-fontevraud-labbaye-5404626
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Turquant Arts and Crafts Village
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Several designers open their workshops to the public and passionately share their expertise.
Today, you can wander around the troglodytes between tradition and modernity to discover all their originality.
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Tips from the Community
The Royal Abbey of Fontevraud is one of the largest monastic communities in Europe dating back to the Middle Ages. It is a place with a rich history, located in the heart of the Loire Valley and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The abbey is a unique cultural site! An abbey with a royal destination, a formidable prison is today a place of creation (museum of modern art).
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Fontevraud-l'Abbaye is located in the natural region of the Loire Valley, listed as a "living cultural landscape" by UNESCO. As its name suggests, the history and present of the municipality are closely linked to the Abbey of Notre-Dame, founded in 1099. The abbey presents the originality of being part of a mixed order, but led by abbesses until the Revolution. was the necropolis of the Plantagenet dynasty. The recumbent figures of Richard the Lionheart, Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine are still preserved there. The vast abbey complex was transformed by Napoleon I into a penal colony and then into a "central house". This extraordinary prison closed its doors in 1963. While the abbey church and the various monastic sites were rehabilitated, the entire old abbey has since housed a prestigious cultural centre with, among other things, a renowned art museum, welcoming meetings and artists in residence. Art, history and heritage are highlighted throughout the year.
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A castle-palace of the Dukes of Anjou in the 19th and 19th centuries, the Château de Saumur, where King René resided, is the last example of the princely palaces built by the Valois dynasty. It served as the residence of the city's governors, a prison, and later an arms and ammunition depot. It was purchased by the city in 1906 to house the municipal museum, now the Musée de France. Today, we discover the rich collections scattered throughout the former apartments of the Dukes of Anjou in an educational museography. Want to know more? Click here: https://www.ot-saumur.fr/en/castles-and-country-houses/Saumurcastle-5261718/
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Very nice gravel along the banks of the Loire. Know that you are not alone here. Enjoy together, each at their own pace.
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Between the Loire and the hills, Turquant welcomes, in season, craftsmen and a Métiers d'Art boutique in a remarkably restored troglodyte site. Several designers open their workshops to the public and passionately share their expertise. Today, you can wander around the troglodytes between tradition and modernity to discover all their originality.
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Between Montsoreau and Saumur, the tuffeau rock dominates the Loire and is cut from one end to the other by a series of caves, sometimes troglodyte dwellings, sometimes quarries... Villages spring up in the valleys that crisscross the hills, while vineyards and mills mark the ridge. In Turquant, more than anywhere else, you can discover this Loire landscape, so characteristic of the Côte Saumuroise. Today, between tradition and modernity, the troglodytes can be discovered in all their originality, particularly in the Village des Métiers d'Art.
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Perfect stop for 'Eat - Shop & Go'
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of historical sites can I explore in Saumur?
Saumur is rich in history. Beyond the iconic Château de Saumur, you can visit the vast Fontevraud Royal Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and final resting place of Plantagenet figures like Eleanor of Aquitaine. Don't miss Montsoreau Castle, the first Renaissance château of the Loire, or the impressive Montreuil-Bellay Castle with its majestic ramparts.
Are there any unique natural attractions or green spaces around Saumur?
Saumur is nestled within the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Natural Park, offering diverse landscapes. You can enjoy scenic views and activities along the Loire River, which flows through the town. The grounds of the Château de Saumur also feature beautiful gardens. For more immersive natural experiences, explore parks like Parc de la Coulée Verte or Parc de la Verrerie, which offer walking and cycling paths.
What are the best outdoor activities, like cycling or hiking, near Saumur?
The Saumur region is excellent for outdoor activities. You can enjoy gravel biking along the Loire Riverside Gravel Trail. For road cycling, routes like 'Saumur – troglodytes loop' or 'Fontevraud Royal Abbey – Montsoreau Castle loop' are popular. There are also various cycling and gravel biking routes available, which you can explore further in the gravel biking guide and cycling guide for Saumur.
Can I visit the famous troglodyte caves in the Saumur region?
Yes, the region around Saumur is renowned for its troglodyte caves. These unique dwellings, carved into limestone cliffs, have been used for centuries. You can explore sites like the Souzay-Champigny troglodyte site or the Rochemenier Cave Village. Many local wine producers also utilize these troglodyte cellars for aging their wines, offering tours and tastings.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Saumur?
Absolutely! Many attractions in Saumur are suitable for families. The Château de Saumur and Fontevraud Royal Abbey are both listed as family-friendly. The Turquant Arts and Crafts Village, set in troglodyte caves, offers a unique experience. Additionally, the Musée des Blindés (Tank Museum) is a fascinating visit for all ages, showcasing a vast collection of armored vehicles.
What is the Cadre Noir, and can I visit it?
The Cadre Noir is France's prestigious national cavalry school, located in Saumur. It is a renowned equestrian institution known for its classical dressage. Visitors can often witness their impressive training sessions or attend gala performances. Check their official schedule for public viewing opportunities.
Where can I learn about the local wines of Saumur?
The Saumur region is famous for its wines. You can visit the Maison des Vins d'Anjou et de Saumur to learn about and taste local varieties. Many troglodyte cellars, such as those of Ackerman, Louis de Grenelle, and Bouvet Ladubay, offer tours and tastings directly from the producers.
What is the best time of year to visit Saumur?
The best time to visit Saumur is generally during the spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is pleasant for exploring, and the natural beauty of the Loire Valley is at its peak. Summer (July-August) is also popular, with many outdoor activities and festivals, though it can be warmer and more crowded.
Are there any impressive castles besides Château de Saumur that I should visit?
Yes, the region boasts several other magnificent castles. The Montsoreau Castle, situated directly on the Loire, is notable as the first Renaissance château in the valley. Further afield, the Montreuil-Bellay Castle offers a glimpse into medieval architecture with its well-preserved ramparts.
What are some lesser-known or 'hidden gem' attractions in the area?
For a unique experience, explore the Turquant Arts and Crafts Village, where artisans work in troglodyte caves. The View of the Loire from Le Thoureil offers a charming small port with traditional wooden sailing boats and nearby megalithic sites. The Distillerie Combier, the oldest distillery in the Val de Loire, also provides interesting tours and tastings of its famous Triple Sec.
Can I take a boat tour on the Loire River near Saumur?
Yes, boat tours on the Loire River are a wonderful way to experience the region. The town of Le Thoureil, for instance, is known for its small port where you can find opportunities for boat tours on historic Loire vessels. These tours offer a unique perspective of the river and its surroundings.
Is there a museum dedicated to tanks in Saumur?
Yes, Saumur is home to the Musée des Blindés (Tank Museum), one of the largest tank museums globally. It houses an extensive collection of over 800 tanks and armored vehicles, spanning various historical periods from World War I to the present day, making it a must-visit for military history enthusiasts.
Where can I see impressive megalithic monuments?
Just south of Saumur, you can visit the Dolmen de Bagneux, one of the largest dolmens in France, constructed from 15 massive slabs of local stone. Additionally, the area around Le Thoureil also features megalithic sites, including dolmens and menhirs, offering a glimpse into prehistoric times.
Most popular routes around Saumur
Most popular attractions around Saumur
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