Saumur: a recipe for a perfect city break
In Partnership with Bouvet Ladubay
Home to Bouvet Ladubay the picturesque town of Saumur in the Loire Valley is the perfect destination for a weekend of wine, gastronomy and culture. Famed for traditional method sparkling wine producer, Bouvet Ladubay, as well as its historic architecture, prestigious equestrian centre and quaint shopping streets, I’ll share a guide to inspire your next short break.
A natural starting point for a visit to Saumur is a guided tour of Bouvet Ladubay. With a rich history dating back to 1851, founded by Etienne Bouvet and Celestine Ladubay, it is one of the oldest sparking wine producers in the Loire Valley and there is so much to discover about the history of this iconic producer.
Its centuries-old underground cellars are located under the St Florent Abbey ruins and can be explored by bike to make the best of the many miles of underground caves.
On site you can also visit a unique Hippomobile Collection and learn about horse-drawn heritage of the French National Stud.
Finally, you can enjoy an exhibition in Bouvet Ladubay Contemporary Art Center. Recent exhibitions include Cecile Bart as well as Benoit Lemercier.
Bouvet Ladubay opens every day from 10am to 6pm (except Sundays in January-March).
Take time to wander the streets of Saumur. Look up for the architecture and browse the many shops - from antiques and gifts to chocolatiers and fresh produce. On Saturday mornings enjoy exploring the local market and finish off with a glass of Bouvet Ladubay at Bistrot de la Place.
A trip to Loire Valley wouldn’t be complete without a cruise on the Loire. We took a cruise with Loire Evasion, enjoying a glass of Bouvet Ladubay as we soaked up the beauty of the town, best seen from the water.
River tours run from April to November.
Finish the day with an exceptional dinner at Le Boeuf Noisette. The restaurant’s classic is the steak which is to die for!
Stay: Hotel Saint Pierre
A wonderful family-owned hotel in the very heart of Saumur. They only have 14 rooms and 1 suite with personalised decor and mosaic bathrooms. I especially enjoyed breakfasts that included croissants from the best boulangerie in town and fresh produce from local suppliers.
While in Saumur you have to visit IFCE - Institut Francais Du Cheval Et De L’Equitation. The city is famous for its equestrian prowess and is the home of the Cadre Noir. It is a first-class academy that has worldwide recognition. A prestigious training centre, it is home to the French Olympic eventing team.
Tours are available from February to November. Galas and morning shows are regular throughout the year, so you can watch professionals in action.
Another not-to-miss place is Troglodyte Village of Turquant.
The troglodyte village of Turquant is built into the tuffeau stone of the Loire Valley, which is a key part of the region’s cultural identity, being the main material for wine cellars, monuments and châteaux. Wander around the village pop into artists’ studios and craft shops. Finish with a visit at L’Helianthe, an unmissable spot for lunch. We enjoyed delicious, innovative dishes such a savoury ‘Paris-Brest’ with beetroot mousse and pork slow cooked in port. Dessert was pain perdu with traditional Pommes Tapees from Turquant, you have to try it!
A Unesco World Heritage site, the Chateau de Saumur is a must-see destination. It dominates the town’s skyline and the views from the grounds across the Loire are incredible.
Another great way to explore Saumur is a bike tour. You know my passion for cycling so trust me when I say it’s a great thing to book! We chose a tour with Cycl’o De Loire and it was a fabulous way to cover every inch of town and enjoy the fresh air. There are short and longer tours available as well as whole day packages that include a boat ride and a lunch break at L’Offard - a floating bistro moored on the bank of the Loire.
Before dinner enjoy an apéritif at Le Terrier du Chateau in front of Saumur Castle, the setting is stunning (pictured above on the right).
For dinner head to Bistrot De La Place. Another restaurant in the heart of Saumur specialising in local and seasonal produce. The wine list is something special with over 500 wines on offer and you can have a glass in their wine cellar while waiting for a table.
I would highly recommend hiring a car and explore the vineyards of Saumur which provide grapes for the Bouvet Ladubay range. There is an abundance of high-quality wine making going on in this region. Touring through the vines and dropping in at local producers is the perfect way to discover everything it has to offer.
The Royal Abbey Of Fontevraud is one of the largest surviving monastic cities from Middle Ages and the largest in Europe, dating back to the 10th century. Recognised as a Historic Monument in 1840 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, this Abbey near Saumur is an essential stop in the Loire Valley.
Our last stop was lunch at La Route Du Sel. This gem of a restaurant will treat you to breathtaking views of the Loire and the most delicious fresh local home-cooked food. Dine on the terrace for panoramic views of the river or enjoy the cosy charm inside the restaurant. La Route Du Sel is located in the village of Le Thoureil, between Angers and Saumur.
Hope you’ll find this little guide to the area useful and you’ll put Saumur on your travel list. Before anything else, Bouvet Ladubay is an extraordinary sparkling wine that I loved long before coming here. Now I mentally go back to this beautiful region every time I see a bottle of Bouvet Ladubay at home.
