Escapade à deux in Saumur: a romantic and cultural citybreak in Maine-et-Loire

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Saumur awaits you for a romantic two-day, one-night citybreak. Perfect for lovers in search of culture, relaxation and special moments, this stay immerses you in the history of this timelessly charming town. From visits to its emblematic château to local wine tastings and a romantic cruise on the Loire, you'll enjoy an unforgettable experience. Around every corner, Saumur invites you to stroll and savor its architectural and gastronomic treasures.

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Visit the Château de Saumur and admire the breathtaking view over the Loire and the town.

Discover the Combier distillery and taste its handcrafted spirits.

Attend the Matinales du Cadre noir and immerse yourself in the equestrian world.

Sail the Loire on a guided cruise and taste local products.

Day 1 : Arrival by train and discovery of the castle and distillery

Morning: Arrival by train and installation

Start your Saumur getaway by arriving by train. Settle into your accommodation and get ready to explore the town: at the heart of the Loire Valley castles, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Saumur is sure to stir the emotions.

Afternoon: Visit to the Château de Saumur and the Combier distillery

Château-palais of the Dukes of Anjou in the 14th and 15th centuries, the Château de Saumur was the residence of King René. Explore the Château de Saumur, home to a wide variety of decorative arts and an important equestrian collection, with over 7,200 pieces of harness, books and works of art. Enjoy a breathtaking view of the Loire River and the city from the château's ramparts.

Continue your day with a visit to the Combier distillery, the oldest artisanal distillery still in operation in the Loire Valley, which in 1834 produced the Triple Sec "L'Original Combier liqueur d'orange". Take a tour of the distillery's still-working premises, including the still room, a magnificent 19th-century installation designed by Eiffel engineers, and end your visit with a spirits tasting.

Enjoy dinner at the L'Essentiel restaurant, just a stone's throw from the town center, below the majestic Château de Saumur, which can be admired from the terrace. This gourmet address offers inventive, convivial cuisine based on local produce, in a warm, elegant setting.

Day 2 : Matinales du Cadre noir and Loire River cruise

Morning: Cadre noir matinales and lunch overlooking the château

Start your second day with an immersion into the prestigious world of the Cadre Noir de Saumur, an equestrian institution renowned the world over. Les Matinales du Cadre noir invites you to attend a one-hour equestrian presentation, during which you can admire the expertise and complicity between riders and their horses. This demonstration will enable you to understand the principles and values of classical French equitation, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The finesse of the horses' movements, combined with the elegance of the riders in full regalia, will offer you a spectacle of rare beauty. A magical and unforgettable moment to share.

For lunch, Les Terrasses de Saumur, a restaurant on the banks of the Loire, offers a breathtaking view of Saumur and its Château. Let yourself be seduced by bistronomic cuisine, featuring simple, fresh, high-quality products.

Afternoon: Cruise on the Loire and end of your stay

Embark on a 1-hour cruise aboard the Saumur Loire riverboat and take in the sights of the town of Saumur, its château and more. Enjoy a glass of Saumur Brut Ladubay fine bubbles or Combier fruit syrup, accompanied by Vinaillou cookies from Les Rosiers-sur-Loire. This guided tour will give you a whole new perspective on the region's history and heritage.

Finish your tour with a stroll through the streets of downtown Saumur, savoring local specialties.

Unusual accommodations for a romantic stay

To make the most of your romantic citybreak in Saumur, opt for one of these unusual accommodations:

  • Bulles de Loire: an atypical B&B overlooking the Loire, featuring transparent bubbles for a night under the stars. Step through the door, and the charm takes hold: the authenticity of the tuffeau stone, the slate roofs and flower-filled patio invite you to relax!
  • Bateau écolodge Martine pêcheur / Balbuzard: two guest rooms fitted out on traditional boats, for a unique experience along the water. The bay window overlooking the Loire promises magnificent views from morning to sunset.
Regional claw

Other ideas for new trips

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Duo weekend in Oudon, a gentle getaway on the banks of the Loire

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River cruise in the Sarthe Valley: discover the treasures of Sarthe!
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