Top 12 Activities to Do in Saumur

Perched on its promontory 60 meters above the Loire River, Saumur Castle seems to watch over the town. With its slender towers, light-colored stone, and slate roof, it reveals a fairy-tale setting. Inside, two delights await: a 360° panoramic view of the surrounding landscape and a Horse Museum that will captivate both adults and children. From ancient saddles and armor to equestrian history, immerse yourself in a fascinating world to explore during your stay at our campsite near the Loire Valley castles.

Be sure to wear sturdy shoes: the climb is a bit challenging, and the staircase leading to the lookout point is quite steep! But the view is well worth the effort.

Monumental and full of surprises, the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud is a must-see on any visit to Saumur. This medieval gem of the Loire Valley is one of the largest monastic complexes in Europe. Here, you walk in the footsteps of the Plantagenets, whose effigies rest beneath the vaults of the abbey church.

But Fontevraud is much more than a static monument: it is a living place that blends heritage, contemporary art, and culture.

Impressive—that’s the word visitors most often use when leaving the Tank Museum. In this part of Anjou, more than 800 vehicles trace the evolution of tanks and armored vehicles from the 20th century to the present day. You can move from a World War I tank to a modern behemoth in just a few steps.

Everything is clearly explained, children love it, and even those who aren’t military history enthusiasts find it fascinating.

If you enjoy this theme, the Cavalry Museum perfectly complements your visit to this Saumur site.

Looking for a unique and flavorful visit? Head to the Combier Distillery, right in the heart of Saumur. You’ll uncover the behind-the-scenes of a historic establishment founded in 1834, a pioneer in the art of distillation.

Among copper vats, antique stills, and intoxicating aromas, the visit is as sensory as it is educational. And of course, it ends with a tasting session (for those over 18!) to sample the house’s famous liqueurs and syrups.

It’s impossible to visit Saumur and the Loire Valley without tasting its iconic sparkling wine: Saumur Brut! And for that, nothing beats a cellar tour. Maine-et-Loire is full of wineries, many housed in former troglodyte galleries.

At Bouvet-Ladubay, Gratien & Meyer, or Ackerman, you’ll uncover the secrets of the traditional method. The tour is often followed by a tasting of several vintages in an elegant and authentic setting—perfect for your stay at our campsite near Saumur.

At first glance, Château de Brézé looks like a beautiful Renaissance building like many others—but its true treasure lies underground! This Loire Valley castle boasts an impressive troglodyte network, unique in Europe. Here, you’ll uncover a hidden world: cellars, a bakery, underground moats, and more.

The visit has two parts: first, you tour the classic castle with its furnished salons, then you descend into the depths below.