Experience Saumur at Flower Camping de l'Ile d'Offard

The Thouet Valley is discovered at the rate of cycling thanks to a marked route on small roads and farm tracks or bike paths. Affluent of the Loire, the Thouet is a discreet river which hides many treasures. Along its 150 km, it meanders through varied landscapes and authentic villages. This bike route is accompanied by loops that complete the discovery of Thouarsais, vineyards to the plains. More information on www.valleeduthouet.fr Le Thouet by bike is one of the sections of the Vélo Francette, a route linking Normandy to the Charente coast, via the Thouarsais. www.lavelofrancette.com So do not hesitate to ride your bike for unexpected and preserved discoveries! New: order online your picnic prepared by local restaurateurs with local products !!! All information on www.lebonpicnic.com

On the borders of Poitou and Anjou, Saix offers visitors its Poitevin hamlet, marked by the memory of Sainte-Radegonde. This path allows views on castles or wine estates, with beautiful panoramas on the North of Poitou where the vine and the tuffeau are married.

At the exit of the village of Saix, the path introduces you little by little in a forest environment. Come and live a pleasant moment in contact with these majestic trees. The views follow one another: dovecotes, vineyards or the chapel in memory of Sainte-Radegonde. Beautiful discoveries in perspective.

This path will allow you to appreciate the remarkable troglodytic heritage of the picturesque villages where the troglos were dug in the local blacnhe stone, the tuffeau. It will lead you to the heart of the vineyards, where famous grape varieties such as Cabernet Franc or Pinot Blanc de Loire are grown.

A short, signposted route through the Poitou vineyards at the gateway to Anjou. Within a small area, the historic and built heritage is incomparably rich: picturesque villages, troglodytic sites, mills, dolmens, wash-houses and dovecotes form an uninterrupted string of secret nuggets.

12.5 km hike from the church square in St Martin de Sanzay, village located 12km north of Thouars and the border of Maine and Loire. Walk that will allow you to discover heritage sites and appreciate the agrarian landscape, fruit of the long work of man on his environment. Download card http://randoendeuxsevres.fr/index.php?id_product=1705&controller=product and on sale at the Tourist Office of Pays Thouarsais

This circuit will make you see several dolmens, a "mound" where large slabs were collected by our ancestors of the Neolithic, a hike that alternates between fields and undergrowth that crosses pretty villages.

Beuxes, a small village with a thousand discoveries: ponds, streams and castles offer you beautiful panoramas and stories of the Nord-Poitou and Touraine regions... a trip to the country where the cultivation of truffles was invented!

Follow the purple arrows and discover the vineyards and villages between the Thouet and Argenton rivers!

This itinerary passes by the "Reine Blanche" bridge, named in homage to the passage of Queen Blanche of Castille in the 12th century. Cross the narrow streets dug in the tufa stone, the vineyards, discover the troglodyte dwellings, castles and chapels and finally come to admire the unique canal of the Dive in Poitou.

Access is via one of the oldest streets in Saumur, on the IIe d'Offard, full of charm and bathed by the royal river. The gîte is structured by oak beams that have stood the test of time, providing the decor and comfort you expect. The equipment and bedding are brand new. Carefully decorated by the owners, Hélène and Joël, who also own the adjoining guest house. You have your own independent access and a separate, enclosed courtyard. The gîte is located at the crossroads of the Loire à Vélo, Vélo Francette and Vélobuissonnière cycle routes, as well as the South Saumur cycle routes. Possibility of parking and rinsing your bike. An ideal location for visiting the "Pearl of Anjou" and the region's rich natural and built heritage. Enjoy your stay in the Loire Valley!

Hélène and Joël warmly welcome you to their superb house, recently renovated (August 2021) and decorated with great care. They offer you 4 beautiful, spacious and refined bedrooms (including two suites): "Constance", "Joséphine", "Marie-Antoinette" and "Jeanne", as well as elegant and convivial communal areas. A beautiful, bright breakfast room to start your day, and lounges (the former boudoir and arms room with superb mouldings, wood panelling, listed fireplace and period parquet flooring), ideal for relaxing, playing games and reading throughout your stay. If you're a keen billiards player, don't forget to play a game of French billiards! Particular attention has been paid to the bedding, as well as to the breakfast, which is sure to delight even the most discerning gourmets. In fine weather, you can also enjoy the courtyard and walled garden. An ideal location for exploring Saumur, the "Pearl of Anjou". Go for a walk, a boat trip, a cycle ride or a drive to discover the rich heritage and natural beauty of the surrounding area. Enjoy your stay in the Loire Valley! The property also has a gîte (Gîte Léonard*** with independent access) sleeping 4 people.

With the name of the first most famous Saumur riverman called "Vent d'travers", this river lodge is a traditionnal boat mixing wood and slate, elegance and rustic style for anyone who loves comfort and simple pleasures. With the best view on the Saumur castle, our Loire boat offers all you need to have a nice and quiet time on board nearby the historic town. Living space around 27 m², equipped kitchen, big wood table with benches one bed 140 and one bed 90, bathroom and separated toilets, solar energy, terrace with table and chairs, sheets and towels provided.

A link between winemakers and consumers. Vanessa Godfrin offers comprehensive oenology courses, covering all the key professions in the world of wine: winegrower, sommelier, oenologist, tourist guide, to help you understand all the notions of the Loire's wine heritage. Le Secret des Papilles has been in existence since 2011, and the courses are based on a pedagogical approach designed for audiences ranging from the most novice to the most experienced. "To get to know wine, it's not enough just to drink it, you also have to understand it: Le Secret des Papilles teaches all the mysteries of France's favourite drink, starting with the vine". (source: Madame Le Figaro in partnership with Médias France). The Secret des Papilles team has a wealth of knowledge about grape varieties, appellations, history and heritage, as well as mastering the techniques of winemaking, sommellerie and wine tasting, putting all their knowledge at the service of the wines they love so much. At the heart of these wines is the Loire, the common thread running through their passion and every cuvée they taste! From Muscadet to Volcanic Loire, white, rosé, red, sweet or sparkling wines, Vanessa Godfrin and her team will make their audience drink the Loire, pointing out the specific features of a cuvée, explaining the planting of grape varieties according to the terroirs, the ripeness and taste of the grapes according to the climate, the blend, the vintages... The session is much more than a tasting session, as the Secret des Papilles team tells the story of the wines, their history, their genesis as a vine stock, as a grape variety, describing the meeting of Mother Nature, the Earth and Man creating a whole together. We welcome you to our wine cellar/bar, if you'd like to continue your experience with complementary vintages!

Situated in Saumur, this comfortable hotel offers rooms with a view of the Loire or the château. The rooms have a refined decor, are soundproof and air-conditioned.

René I of Anjou’s "Château of Love " on its "emerald rock", the Château de Saumur played host to kings and prisoners and is one of the greatest and last untouched remnants of princely architecture from the Valois dynasty in the Middle Ages. The château appeared in all its glory in the Très Riches Heures du duc de Berry illumination and has had a turbulent past, narrowly avoiding demolition. The 11th century Romanesque tower was surrounded by four round towers before it was levelled off. Louis I of Anjou decided to transform the château into a palace. In the 15 century, his son, Louis II, made it look how you see it now. King René’s spirit may linger but, for a century after his death, it was left empty until the protestant Duplessis-Mornay moved in in 1589. Dark times came after the governor was forced into exile following Henri IV’s assassination. The château was pillaged by Louis XIII’s soldiers and saved from demolition by Napoleon I who turned it into a state prison. Saumur Council bought it in 1906 to restore it to house the municipal museum, approved by Musée de France, displaying notably Count Charles Lair’s collection. The first floor of the castle houses an exceptional collection of decorative arts including furniture, tapestries and ceramics from the 14th to the 18th century. As an international horse riding capital, Saumur collects harness equipment from Antiquity to the early 20th century. A selection from the Horse collection (saddles, bits, stirrups) is on display in the former abbey.

An original collection devoted to combustion engines of all types, you will observe real works of industrial art, restored by enthusiasts. This museum traces the evolution of the engine since its creation. The exhibits allow a historical, technical and educational approach to the development of mechanical energy. Automotive, airplane and even rocket engines will no longer hold any secrets for you! Be sure to observe the Baltard-style architecture of the building.

Heir of a prestigious military history, the Cadre noir has a mission of training and outreaching equitation in the French tradition. Visits through the great indoor arena, the stables and the tack room will take you on a voyage of discovery of the history of the Cadre Noir since its creation in 1815. You will discover a place where the relationship between man and horse becomes magical. The public performances allow you to watch the ecuyers of the Cadre Noir at work in the Grand Manège. The commentary provided by an ecuyer will give you an appreciation of the work involved in training the horse, jumping, in long reins, the airs above the ground, and classical riding.

Installed in a Chateau of the Loire, a museum of contemporary art with an exceptional collection. The 30 meter high terraces of the castle offer exceptional views of the Loire, the confluence of the Vienne and the Loire and the village of Montsoreau. Since 2016, the Château de Montsoreau has been home to Philippe Méaille’s collection of contemporary art. Displayed over three floors (2500m2 of exhibition area), this collection is the world's largest art fund of works by the Art & Language movement, a collective of artists who created Conceptual Art. Throughout the year, concerts, conferences, performances and temporary exhibitions put the spotlight on important international artists.

A unique site where hundreds of sculptures were carved on tuffeau stone, between the 15th and the 17th century. Still today, the cave remains a historical enigma. La Cave aux sculptures is a Historical Monument, inscribed in the national heritage of France by André Malraux in 1969.

Le Mystère des Faluns, is an artistic walk in wonderful underground galleries at "Les Perrieres"...and a journey throught the geological and human history of this site. Light projections on the rock, sound productions, meeting with the jellyfishes, a shark or a rhinoceros... Each scenes inspired by science, will help you to explore an important stage in the history of the Perrieres.

Come and follow the steps of the archeologists who discovered this unique, fascinating site carved rightout of the sea of shell beds. You will be surprised to find out how, through the ages, men have managed to reuse this subterraneanspace. T Come and follow the steps of the archeologists who discovered this unique, fascinating site carved rightout of the sea of shell beds. You will be surprised to find out how, through the ages, men have managed to reuse this subterraneanspace for the last 1500 years : stone quarry, underground shelter, Middle Ages dwellings, storage silos,troglodytic chapel, wine-producing site…This unique site in Europe, one among listed heritage sites, brings to light the astonishing roles of cavedwellings.

Are you more of a jungle, a bamboo grove or a palm grove? Swim from one tropical atmosphere to another and dive into water at 29°C all year round. Lagoons, secret caves, slides, wild rivers or a wave pool... this aquatic paradise is full of activities. With the Deep Nature SPA, relax in the heart of 1,300m² of wellness with tropical nature as a backdrop (relaxation sessions, baths, treatments and soothing massages).

15th-century château, redesigned in the 17th and 19th centuries, situated on a rocky promontory overlooking the Loudun plain in the commune of Roiffé. Still preserved today are the main building with its wooden courtyard, a medieval gatehouse between two towers, and the ruins of the castral chapel near the old fortifications.

Center Parcs Domaine du Bois aux Daims offers various activities that will delight the whole family.

L'Escale du Maroc is a little address in Saumur where the flavours are spellbinding. Brahim will give you a warm welcome. On the menu is authentic, flavoursome and generous cuisine prepared by his wife. Everything you need to have a great time!

Located in the "entre les ponts" shopping district in the heart of Saumur, between the town centre and the station, the restaurant welcomes you all year round.

It also serves salads made on the premises and sandwiches.

Depending on the season, you can enjoy lunch or dinner by the fireplace or on the flower-filled terrace. The menu changes with the seasons. Closed on Sunday and Monday.

Stay tuned to our Facebook page for all the new flavours on offer.

Warm, natural, friendly, home-cooked, traditional and varied with fresh, seasonal produce. You can choose from a range of starters, main courses and desserts. The restaurant is also close to the following cycle routes: La Loire à Vélo, la Vélo Francette and la Vélobuissonnière. From 01/10/2021 to 31/12/2022, every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday: 12pm to 1.30pm Saturday: 12 noon to 1.30pm, 7.15pm to 8.45pm.

Wine cellar and bar. Here you'll find all the Loire and French wine appellations, offering you wines that are typical of their grape variety, terroir, winemaker or technique.... This wine cellar is a real LINK between the winemaker and the consumer, with a team of passionate sommeliers! Sit out on the terrace, patio or in the shop to sample some of the finest vintages selected by us, or pick up any bottle on display and we'll serve it to your table! Accompany your glasses of wine with nibbles: boards, crudités, spreads, etc. THEMATIC EVENING "Fridays of debauchery" - Friday evenings, as programmed, from 6pm to 9pm. FREE TASTING "Mon Vigneron En Ville" - Thursday mornings during the market, in season. Meet the winemakers listed in our wine cellar and taste their vintages! Closed on Mondays and Wednesdays.

At lunchtime on weekdays, we offer you our market menu, which changes daily. In the evening, you can choose from a smaller menu that changes with the seasons, as well as the "pierre chaude" (a selection of meats cooked on a stone at your table). Closed according to season.

Come aboard the replica of one of the wash boats that were moored along the quays of Saumur in the early 20th century. Catering (home cooking using fresh produce) for lunch and dinner, home-made tapas, bar, musical evenings. Sharing, conviviality and gourmet delights in an exceptional setting, a change of scenery guaranteed! Group packages available. Possibility of privatisation (contact us). Musical entertainment. Opening days and times vary according to the season.

Ideally located opposite Saumur town centre, l'Offard welcomes you every day from 11am to midnight for a taste of colourful local dishes and drinks. Cocktails, wines, tapas and much more can be sampled while enjoying the gentle Loire river, during the day or at sunset. From 28/03 to 30/09. Open every day from 11am to midnight.

Access is via one of the oldest streets in Saumur, on the IIe d'Offard, full of charm and bathed by the royal river. The gîte is structured by oak beams that have stood the test of time, providing the decor and comfort you expect. The equipment and bedding are brand new. Carefully decorated by the owners, Hélène and Joël, who also own the adjoining guest house. You have your own independent access and a separate, enclosed courtyard. The gîte is located at the crossroads of the Loire à Vélo, Vélo Francette and Vélobuissonnière cycle routes, as well as the South Saumur cycle routes. Possibility of parking and rinsing your bike. An ideal location for visiting the "Pearl of Anjou" and the region's rich natural and built heritage. Enjoy your stay in the Loire Valley!

Hélène and Joël warmly welcome you to their superb house, recently renovated (August 2021) and decorated with great care. They offer you 4 beautiful, spacious and refined bedrooms (including two suites): "Constance", "Joséphine", "Marie-Antoinette" and "Jeanne", as well as elegant and convivial communal areas. A beautiful, bright breakfast room to start your day, and lounges (the former boudoir and arms room with superb mouldings, wood panelling, listed fireplace and period parquet flooring), ideal for relaxing, playing games and reading throughout your stay. If you're a keen billiards player, don't forget to play a game of French billiards! Particular attention has been paid to the bedding, as well as to the breakfast, which is sure to delight even the most discerning gourmets. In fine weather, you can also enjoy the courtyard and walled garden. An ideal location for exploring Saumur, the "Pearl of Anjou". Go for a walk, a boat trip, a cycle ride or a drive to discover the rich heritage and natural beauty of the surrounding area. Enjoy your stay in the Loire Valley! The property also has a gîte (Gîte Léonard*** with independent access) sleeping 4 people.

Located in the city center, the Mercure Bords de Loire 3 star hotel is on the ile d'Offard island, in a relaxing environnement and 5 minutes walk from the town center. From your room you can admire the castle, theatre, Pont Cessart bridge and the majesty of the Loire river, in the UNESCO World Heritage listed Loire Valley. Renovated in 2007, the hotel features 45 rooms and 3 meeting rooms all equipped with air conditioning and WIFI.

With the name of the first most famous Saumur riverman called "Vent d'travers", this river lodge is a traditionnal boat mixing wood and slate, elegance and rustic style for anyone who loves comfort and simple pleasures. With the best view on the Saumur castle, our Loire boat offers all you need to have a nice and quiet time on board nearby the historic town. Living space around 27 m², equipped kitchen, big wood table with benches one bed 140 and one bed 90, bathroom and separated toilets, solar energy, terrace with table and chairs, sheets and towels provided.