Twined with Warwick in the UK, Saumur is home to the Cadre Noir, the National Equestrian School of the elite French Cavalry whose remarkable horsemanship can be seen at shows between April and October. Stretching along the banks of the Loire river the town is dominated by the impressive Château de Saumur originally constructed to protect the river crossing from Norman attack, later destroyed, the château was rebuilt by Henry II (1154), King of England and first Plantagenet king.
Saumur is a delight to discover... river boat rides, pottering around the town taking in the architecture, visit the famous Distillery Combier where the liqueur d’orange is made, created by Jean-Baptiste Combier in 1834, sample regional wines at La Maison des Vins d'Anjou et de Saumur. A buzzing Saturday morning market is set up in the heart of the town and a last Sunday of the month brocante, flea-market is a lovely lazy amble. The big weekend event, Anjou Vélo Vintage in June is a treasure, dress-up in vintage costume! And Festivini, the wine festival in September is great fun.
Saumur offers plenty to see and do, alongside many other activities and exhibitions throughout the year - click here for further information.
