Rental PRIVATE OWNERS Saumur : 

Ah, Saumur... Scenery, culture and oh so gourmet, Saumur is the perfect destination for sportsmen and epicureans looking for a holiday under the sign of discovery.

On the historic and much sought-after Route de la Vallée des Rois, Saumur, nicknamed by some the "Pearl of Anjou", is located in the heart of the Anjou vineyards. If it attracts so many curious people, it is because Saumur knows, for centuries now, how to receive and pamper its visitors. What amazes is without a doubt its heritage, rich, plush, inherited from its history, with a "big H". Your eyes will be wide open at the splendour of its castle, the town's emblem, set on the quiet banks of the Loire. Perched on its rocky promontory, the castle dominates the entire city and offers its visitors incredible panoramas of the river below, the Anjou countryside and the magnificent Loire Valley, as well as striking views of the city's rooftops and winding streets. A medieval fortress with four corner towers and large battlements, this fortified building owned by the Dukes of Anjou is renowned for housing a museum of decorative arts and a museum of the horse, which is a must-see.

After visiting the castle and taking the time to contemplate the astonishing panoramic views of the region, go back down into the historic heart of Saumur. Built around the river, this old quarter has many sites and monuments to see. More than thirty private mansions, some of which were built at the beginning of the 13th century, dot the town, giving it a unique character. The 15th century Maison du Roi is one of the most famous: it was the residence of kings when they came to Saumur, such as Charles VII, Henry IV, Louis XIII and Louis XIV the Sun King. This building, which was partly destroyed during the 20th century, is one of the witnesses to the historical importance of Saumur. As you stroll around, you will discover the old timber-framed houses of the historic centre, but also the old squares such as the Place Saint-Pierre, on which a splendid church with magnificent tapestries is enthroned. Not far away, the church of Notre-Dame-de-Nantilly is also worth seeing, as is the royal chapel of Notre-Dame des Ardilliers, renowned for its rotunda, long the largest in France, which impresses visitors with its 27-metre height. The Cadre Noir de Saumur is also a must-see if you are passionate about the equine world, or just curious. This mythical riding school, attended by the greatest experts in the field, is renowned for its dressage and jumping techniques. You can visit the school, its stables and attend a public performance at the school. The museum of armoured vehicles, the museum of engines and the museum of cavalry complete the cultural offer of the city.

Dynamic, Saumur welcomes throughout the year many festivities for all desires. Equestrian competitions, acrobatics competitions, the "Anjou Vélo Vintage" festival, but also a military music festival, the "Grandes Tablées du Saumur-Champigny" in August, sports festivals and meetings around wine, especially during the harvest season.

After these cultural discoveries, we can only recommend a visit to the Combier distillery, or a short hike through the vineyards and the troglodyte dwellings which are legion in the area. And to complete your holiday, there is nothing better than a romantic boat trip on the Loire (or a sporty canoe trip, it's up to you!), to contemplate the splendour of this unique town.