Saumur is the improbable union of four worlds: the vineyard, the tufa stone, horses, and fine dining. In two well-organized days, you can get to the heart of each. Here is the itinerary we recommend to our visitors.
Day 1 — Saumur city center and Loire riverbank
Morning · The Castle and the Old Town (3 hours)
Start with the Château de Saumur (open all year round). The view of the Loire alone is worth the trip. Continue on foot through the medieval streets, Place Saint-Pierre, and the market if it's Thursday or Saturday.
Lunch · L'Escargot or Le Pot de Lapin
Cuisine featuring local products, Loire wines on the menu. Le Pot de Lapin is more contemporary, L'Escargot more traditional — both are excellent.
Afternoon · Ackerman or Bouvet-Ladubay Cellars (1h30)
To understand sparkling Saumur, made using the traditional method. Visit the troglodyte galleries (10 km of corridors carved into the tufa stone), followed by a tasting. This is the industrial scale — useful for comparing later with smaller estates.
Evening · Restaurant L'Aromate or L'Alchimiste
Two affordable Michelin-starred restaurants. Book in advance.
Day 2 — Le Puy-Notre-Dame and the biodynamic vineyards
Morning · Le Puy-Notre-Dame (2 hours)
Just 15 minutes from Saumur, this most beautiful village is worth a detour. The collégiale Notre-Dame (13th century) is one of the most beautiful Gothic churches in Anjou. Enjoy panoramic views of the vineyards with the Loire in the background.
11 am · Tasting Tour at Manoir de la Tête Rouge (2 hours)
This is an opportunity to discover a Biodynamic-certified estate, with its 13 hectares, 4 grape varieties (Cabernet Franc, Chenin, Grolleau Gris, Pineau d'Aunis), and troglodyte cellars. → Book online (€35 / person) or by phone (02 41 52 25 51).
Lunch · At the estate or in the village
If you choose the "A Day at the Manor" package (€95, lunch included, 6 wines + 4 dishes pairing), this will be the gastronomic highlight of your weekend. Otherwise, the Auberge du Puy-Notre-Dame is a good alternative.
Afternoon · National Riding School / Cadre Noir (1h30)
Return to Saumur for a visit to the prestigious facilities of the National Riding School. Demonstrations according to schedule.
Evening · Departure
If you're staying, a final drink at the Le Bouchon Saumurois wine bar (100% Loire wines direct from the winemaker) perfectly concludes the experience.
Where to stay?
- Hotel Anne d'Anjou in Saumur: magnificent listed residence, with Loire views
- Château de Brézé 15 min away: rooms in a troglodyte castle, a unique experience
- Guest rooms in Le Puy-Notre-Dame: several charming addresses — ask at the tourist office
Bonus · The best neighboring estates
If you have extra time, these neighboring estates are absolutely worth a visit: Domaine du Closel (biodynamic, Savennières), Domaine des Roches Neuves (Thierry Germain, biodynamic), Clos Rougeard (legendary, by very early reservation).
All our wines are sold direct — → discover our vintages.