Day 13, 18th oct 2025
Saumur, Maine et Loire
Gareth had spotted Saumur on a google maps search. It’s a big town and has an amazing castle we couldn’t miss.
The drive was about an hour, some of which was on dual carriageways but mostly through vineyard country, glorious!
You spot the castle on your way in! Wow what a view.
We parked in an Aire practically opposite the castle, (with the river in between – we are on an island) though our view of it was blocked by a sports centre – how inconvenient!
After a spot of lunch we took a walk into Saumur along the river, getting fab pics of the town as we went.
Crossing the bridge we walked down the main commercial area, free of traffic, hurrah!
We stopped for a drink in the sun before deciding which route to take to the castle.
Walking through the old parts of town we were entertained by a couple of buskers and eventually arrived in the old square by the church and some medieval buildings. We weren’t expecting that!
What a lovely place. There were lots of chairs and tables out which were quite busy with customers. Following the small crowd we started the ascent towards the castle.
As you get higher, the view turns into rooftops and countryside, split by the Loire river.
What can I say about the castle? Fairytale design, would not be out of place in a disneyland film, that’s for sure.
On the approach we crossed what would have been the moat – now a road – and into the walled grounds. The first thing you see is the old well. So deep that there are wheels either side to draw up the bucket! Then there is an old building, still with it’s galleried landing intact, maybe it used to be the stables?
We walked around the ramparts and gardens, it was just lovely that Meg was allowed in too. There are a couple of restaurants here too if you needed them.
Dogs aren’t allowed in the castle itself so we declined the purchase of tickets and just soaked up this glorious building from the outside.
We could just make out vans parked in the Aire beyond the sports centre across the river 
.
Coming back down to the town we looked for somewhere to eat, sadly, we were too early for the kitchens this time, so after a glass of the local wine in a bar on the main drag, we walked slowly back to the van for tea.
What a delightful stop Saumur is. Lots more to see if you’re not speed tourists like us.
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