Saumur

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Description

Saumur is a small historical town in the French region of Pays de la Loire, site of a dramatically situated château and the heart of its own world-renowned wine district. Population 30,000.

Access

Saumur is roughly 70km east of Angers and 80km west of Tours. Saumur is best accessed by train from either Tours, Angers and other larger surrounding towns. Flights into Tours Airport (45mins by train), Angers Airport (25mins by train) or Nantes Airport (1h30m by train) would be the most appropriate method of reaching Saumur from European countries.

Saumur is also easily accessible from Paris via Tours. Tours (St-Pierre-des-Corps station) is a short trip from Paris; onward travel would involve using the regional SNCF service to Saumur.

Transportation

During low and mid season (Oct-April) public transport in and around Saumur is skeletal. Bus services often run a few times a day to Parnay, Turquant, Montsoreau and Fontevraud. However, services often do not run on Sundays.

Do be aware that bus timetables now include services that are available by request only. These are highlighted in yellow columns in timetables provided by the Tourist Information Office. On these occassions, the bus will only run if you request the service at least 24h before the service is due to depart. The number needed is provided on the timetables and is free of charge. Your accommodation hosts or the tourist office could potentially do this on your behalf.

Taxis are available in Saumur itself but are often prohibitively expensive to destinations outside Saumur. These can be arranged at the tourist office, restaurants and hotels.

Activities and Sightseeing

• the Château de Saumur
• the Wine district in St Hilaire-Florent (home to Bouvet-Laudbay, Ackmerman and Cointreau) is a short bus ride or walk from the centre of town
• the Museé des Blindes (tank exhibition)
• Monsoreau Chateau
• Abbaye de Fontrevraud [Burial site of Eleanor of Aquitane, Richard the Lionheart, Henry II] (approx. 10km from Saumur)
• Underground mushroom cultivation (5km towards Monsoreau)

The town itself is relatively quiet and low-key with an array of boutique shops and winding cobbled streets. However, the majority of sights to see in the area are found in the suburbs and surrounding areas.

• Saumur Market – there is a weekly Saturday market in Saumur centred around P. de Roosevelt. Goods include clothing, music, flowers and fresh produce.

Shopping

• Saumur is famed for its locally grown mushrooms.
• Saumur also produces a number of regional wines and the famous Cointreau liqueur.

Restaurants

Saumur has a fine selection of low and mid-priced restaurants spread around the town. Choice is somewhat limited on Sundays and public holidays.

Recommendations:

• Le Pause Gourmande (£) – Good food provided – in the centre of town near the bank. Quiet ambience with polite staff.

Nightlife

The majority of drinking establishments are centred around Rue F. Roosevelt in the centre of town by the theatre.

Lodging

See the Listing of the Hotels in Saumur

Examples

• Hotel Londres (***) – On the main high street – clean, well-maintained accommodation at a reasonable price.
• Hotel Cristal (***) – Overlooking the Loire river with views from some rooms.

Nearby

Saumur is ideally situated in the Loire Valley to facilitate day trips to Angers, Tours, Le Mans, Poitiers, Nantes and even Paris; all of which can be accessed (either directly or indirectly) from the local train station. Services can vary – therefore check local timetables before departure.