What to do in Saumur and the surrounding area? | Loire, châteaux & vineyards
What to do in Saumur and the surrounding area?
Located at the gateway to the Loire Valley, Saumur is an iconic destination for lovers of heritage, nature, wine and the art of living. With its Loire châteaux, vineyards, riverbanks and troglodyte dwellings, the region is perfect for a slow tourism break, whether as a couple, with family or friends.
Ideally located in a green setting, the Domaine du Golf – Terres de France is the perfect starting point for exploring Saumur and its surroundings on foot, by bike or a few minutes’ drive away.
Things to do without taking the car
Ideas for activities accessible on foot, by bike or a few minutes from the Domaine du Golf.

Enjoy the natural setting of the Domaine du Golf
- Wooded park and peaceful surroundings
- 9-hole golf course and driving range
- Walks around the estate
⏱️ On site 👤 Couples / solo / friends
💰 Free or paid depending on the activity
Stroll along the Loire
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Loire offers unique landscapes, including sandbanks, wild islands and villages along the river.
⏱️ By bike or short walk 👤 Couple/family 💰 Free
🚲 Direct access to La Loire à Vélo

Our essentials in Saumur
Experiences not to be missed, ideal for a 2-3 day weekend.

Saumur Castle
Overlooking the Loire River, Saumur Castle is the town’s landmark. It offers remarkable views of the valley and houses collections dedicated to decorative arts and horses.
👤 Couple/family 💰 Paid admission ⏱️ 1.5 to 2 hours
The historic centre of Saumur
Old houses, shopping streets, lively squares and the banks of the Loire make for a pleasant town centre to explore on foot.
👤 For everyone 💰 Free

Panorama of Saumur.JPG by Martin Falbisoner, licence CC BY-SA 3.0, source Wikimedia Commons

The cellars and vineyards of Saumur
Saumur is renowned for its white, red and sparkling wines. Many troglodytic cellars offer tours and tastings.
Examples:
👤 Couples/friends 💰 Fee required (tasting often included)
Le Cadre Noir de Saumur
A world-renowned equestrian institution, Cadre Noir offers tours and galas centred around French equestrian art.
👤 For all 💰 Fee required ⏱️ 1.5 hours

Cadre Noir de Saumur – panoramio.jpg by Eric Leblond, licence CC BY-SA, source Wikimedia Commons.

Royal Abbey of Fontevraud
Ranked among the largest monastic complexes in Europe, Fontevraud Abbey impresses with its architecture and peaceful atmosphere.
👤 Couple/family ⏱️ 20–25 mins by car💰 Admission fee
Other nature and culture outings less than 30 minutes from Saumur
The Loire à Vélo cycle route
Saumur is a major stop on this legendary cycle route. A gentle and immersive way to discover the region.
👤 Couple/family 💰 Free (bike hire available)
Troglodyte villages and cave dwellings
Around Saumur, numerous troglodyte villages and sites bear witness to a unique way of life, carved directly into the tuffeau stone.
👤 Curious visitors / families 💰 Free to moderate
Let’s recap! Things to do in Saumur depending on your interests…
…with children?
The TOP 5 for family fun:
- Saumur Castle
- Bike rides along the Loire
- Mushroom Museum, troglodyte atmosphere guaranteed!
- Cellar tours (suitable for all ages)
- Doué-la-Fontaine Zoo (30 mins away)
👤 Families with children 💰 Free or paid depending on the activity
…for a slow, romantic and gourmet getaway?
Wine tastings
Sunset walks along the Loire
Villages along the Loire
Restaurants and terraces in Saumur
👤 Couples 💰 Moderate
…to enjoy when it rains?
Museums in Saumur
Troglodytic cellars
Cadre Noir
Galleries and temporary exhibitions
👤 All ages
Remember to bring a raincoat to make the most of these potentially rainy days!
… up to an hour’s drive away?
Nearby Loire Valley châteaux
- Montsoreau Castle – 15 mins
- Brézé Castle – 20 mins
- Royal Fortress of Chinon – 40 mins
- Azay-le-Rideau Castle – 55 mins
Doué-la-Fontaine and the Bioparc
The Bioparc de Doué-la-Fontaine is one of Europe’s most renowned zoos, set in a troglodytic site.
⏱️ 30 mins 🚗 Car recommended
Do these activities appeal to you?
Find out more about our Domaine du Golf – Saumur by Terres de France residence, ideal for a stay combining nature, heritage and gastronomy.
Or explore our other Terres de France travel guides to plan your next getaway.

A very pleasant, peaceful stay in the countryside. We’ve been here three times already and the welcome and stay are always excellent.
– Stéphane, via Hotels
FAQ – Stay and activities in Saumur
In two to three days, focus on Saumur Castle, a walk along the Loire, a visit to a wine cellar, the historic centre and the Cadre Noir.
Yes, the town centre, the Loire à Vélo cycle route and many wine cellars are accessible on foot or by bike. The SNCF train station serves Saumur from Angers and Tours.
Walks along the Loire, the historic centre, panoramic views, cycle paths and villages along the Loire.
One day is enough to see the main sights, but two to three days are ideal to fully enjoy the region.
Spring and summer are perfect for walking and cycling. Autumn is ideal for wine and heritage enthusiasts.
Our nearest residences or aparthotels
Domaine du Golf
Discover the Châteaux of the Loire and the town of Saumur









