//
Subprefecture and commune in Pays de la Loire, France
Photo: Kamel15, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Saumur is a small historical town (population: 30,000) in the French region of Pays de la Loire, site of a dramatically situated château and the heart of its own world-renowned wine district. It is also the birthplace of Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
The castle that overlooks the city.
Tank Museum
An extensive display of armoured vehicles from some early examples to modern battle tanks. Most are in working order and can be explored and clambered over (even the most enthusiastic little explorers cannot break a tank). Much recommended for parents and children.
A village with middle-age sub-terran tunnels and houses. Accessible also as a cycle-path.
3-star hotel overlooking the Loire river with views from some rooms.
Good food provided - in the centre of town near the bank. Quiet ambience with polite staff.
Extensive Brasserie menu and very fast efficient staff. One of the few eateries to serve lunch past 14:00 and dinner past 21:00 and very reliable quality.
Near the river bank in the centre of town. Quality bistro style with a number of "out of region" dishes not found elsewhere
Excellent creperie in Rue St Nicholas with a Brittany theme and good range of cider.
3-star hotel on the main high street - clean, well-maintained accommodation.
By plane
Flights into Tours Airport (45 min by train), Angers Airport (25 min by train) or Nantes Airport (1 hr 30 min by train) would be the most appropriate method of reaching Saumur from European countries.
During low and mid season (Oct-April) public transport in and around Saumur is skeletal. Bus services often run a few times a day to Parnay, Turquant, Montsoreau and Fontevraud.
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Tours, Indre-et-Loire · Regional · TUF
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Saumur and France.
Travel tipsUnderstand travel insurance for a Schengen visa in 2026. Learn mandatory €30,000 medical coverage, zero deductible rules, and embassy-approved policies.
7 min read
Travel tipsEstimate your Europe trip cost for 2 weeks in 2026. Compare realistic budgets for lodging, Eurail trains, dining, and sightseeing across three styles.
8 min read
Travel tipsSpot and avoid common tourist scams in Paris, including Montmartre string bracelets, petition clipboards, fake airport taxis, and metro fare traps.
9 min read
ItinerariesPlan the best day trips from Paris by train. Discover travel times, stations, fares, and tips for Versailles, Giverny, Reims, and Mont-Saint-Michel.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.