Saumur is a beautiful city in the Loire Valley of France that is renowned for its magnificent architecture and sustainably-farmed wineries. Located in the western part of the Loire Valley, it is roughly two hours from Paris and is full of history and culture.
The city itself has a pleasant atmosphere, with cobblestone streets, old castles, and vibrant markets. Saumur has been an important tourist destination for centuries, known for its breathtaking views of the Loire River and its many châteaux (castles).
Full of historic and medieval architecture, as well as quaint and authentic street markets throughout the week, Saumur is destined to impress any visitor. This small town is surrounded by lush Loire Valley vineyards and boasts plenty of options for wine lovers, history buffs, and simply those looking to explore a dynamic natural region.
Are you a fan of sparkling, red, or dry wines? Then look no further - Saumur is the place for you! Discover wines with AOCs such as Saumur, Saumur Champigny, Saumur rosé, Saumur Puy Notre Dame, Saumur Brut, Coteaux de Saumur. Allow your taste buds to explore this wine paradise that has something for everyone.
Immerse yourself in the beautiful Loire Valley vineyards stretching for thousands of hectares! Easily find an engaging visit and wine tasting from Saumur with just a few clicks. We offer activities suited to all budgets and preferences, so explore your options today! You can even read reviews from fellow wine tourists who trust us every day for their travel plans.
Saumur wine highlights:
- Known for its bubbly wine and Cabernet Franc red.
- Equestrian capital of France.
- Gorgeous architecture to observe.
What to do in Saumur, France & Saumur Attractions
The Loire Valley is known for its vineyards and wine varieties, so if you want to know more about the process of making wine, start in the small town of Saumur. There are many wineries in Saumur that produce both red and white wines from many different types of grapes.
The two primary grape varieties produced in the Anjou include Chenin blanc (or Pineau de la Loire), which is used for dry, sweet, still and sparkling wine, as well as Cabernet Franc, which winegrowers typically use to create rosé and red wines. You can tour the vineyards surrounding Saumur on foot, car, bicycle, or even bus or wine shuttle, and learn about how grapes grow best under certain conditions before being harvested in autumn.
Saumur offers excellent restaurants featuring locally-grown ingredients as well as a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, biking, kayaking, bird watching, fishing, and horseback riding. There are also numerous museums and galleries to explore as well as wine tastings throughout the region. Saumur provides something for everyone!
The area is also home to various festivals throughout summer dedicated to celebrating local produce such as cheese, breads and even honey. Several food trucks are set up in Saumur during the summer months of June through September. These are great for trying local specialties like cider-glazed pork belly or grilled prawns with pesto mayonnaise.
Also be sure to visit the city’s famed Troglodyte caves while you’re in Saumur. These caves are speckled along the cliffs in Saumur and date back over 1,500 years. These caves are typically open on weekends and holidays from June to September. The caves are also the only place in Saumur where you can see prehistoric paintings. They were occupied by humans from the Neolithic to the Iron Age, who used them for shelter and as places of worship.
If you prefer day-long tours or even tours of a few hours, you can visit the Loire Valley castles, cellars, and vineyards of the wine estates in this beautiful region.
With Winalist, you can discover unique wine tours and wine tastings in Saumur and the Loire Valley of France. Simply use our easy search platform to find amazing tours, wineries, and more in the Saumur, France area and beyond!