What to do in Saumur? On the route of the Loire wines and the eponymous castles, this beautiful fortified town is eager to reveal its many treasures to those with a thirst for discovery, history, nature, and exceptional craftsmanship.
To round off your itinerary in this true gem of the Loire Valley, let yourself be inspired by these 5 must-see visits: whether solo, as a couple, with family or friends, each one is as captivating and sparkling as the region’s Crémants!
1. Attend a gala at the Cadre Noir of Saumur: a magical experience
A global symbol of equestrian excellence, the Cadre Noir celebrates its 200th anniversary in 2025, the same year that Maison Langlois marks its 140th birthday. Long-standing partners, these two emblems of the city of Saumur are united by shared values of respect for tradition, rigour, and precision.
To experience the art of French horsemanship, nothing compares to booking a ticket for one of the Cadre Noir’s captivating gala shows, where horses and riders perform as one. Another equally compelling option is to go behind the scenes through guided tours of the stables, riding arenas, and historic facilities. A truly unforgettable experience for lovers of horses and tradition…
2. Drift along the Loire on a traditional gabarre: a nature immersion
The Loire, Europe’s last wild river, unfolds as a precious yet fragile sanctuary of biodiversity, where flora and fauna thrive freely. To admire its UNESCO World Heritage landscapes, observe some of the rare bird species it shelters, or simply enjoy the beauty of its shifting islands and vineyards, don’t hesitate to board a traditional gabarre.
These traditional wooden Loire boats, once used to transport goods, offer a peaceful and unusual journey along the royal river. Accompanied by a passionate local guide, you will learn more about its history and importance for the region. You may even catch a glimpse of the beautiful Clos Saint-Florent of Maison Langlois, a estate committed every day to preserving the river…
3. Explore the Château de Saumur: an invitation to travel back in time
It is impossible to visit Saumur without taking the time to admire its majestic château. Proudly perched on a hill overlooking the town and the Loire, it has served over time as a medieval fortress, a residence of the Dukes of Anjou, and later a prison. Today, this elegant and history-rich monument hosts fascinating art collections. But that’s not all: from its rocky spur, you can also enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view over the Saumur vineyards and the surrounding landscape…
4. Discover Fontevraud Abbey: an exceptional heritage site near Saumur
Just a few kilometres from Saumur, the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud is a must-see for history enthusiasts: this site, founded in the 12th century, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its fame comes from both its magnificent architecture and its Plantagenet royal necropolis, which includes the tombs of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Richard the Lionheart.
Located within the abbey grounds, the Museum of Modern Art – Martine and Léon Cligman Collection is also well worth a visit. Inaugurated in 2021, it presents an exceptionally rich collection to the public, tracing the major artistic movements of the 19th and 20th centuries.
5. Visit the Langlois cellars and vineyards: a deep dive into Crémants de Loire
For wine lovers and Loire wine tourism enthusiasts, a visit to a troglodyte cellar in Saumur is an obvious choice. Indeed, the city is known for its tuffeau galleries, a chalk-like limestone that offers ideal conditions for ageing Crémants de Loire.
Based in Saumur, Langlois Crémant de Loire opens the doors of its centuries-old cellars to those who wish to learn more about its sparkling wines, take part in an introduction to oenology, or simply enjoy a wine tasting in the heart of a Loire cellar. This cellar visit in Saumur can even be combined, during the warmer season, with a horse-drawn carriage ride through the vineyards of Clos Saint-Florent… a truly unforgettable experience!
If you were wondering what to do in Saumur, you now have plenty of choices. From discovering key historic sites in French history to visiting wine estates such as Maison Langlois, the Loire city offers a rich and varied range of activities. During your stay, don’t forget to enjoy the wonderful local gastronomy, always enhanced by a glass of Crémant de Loire, of course…
