Tourist attractions Saumur

An attractive collection of works of art from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, tapestries , (an astounding dance of the savages ), French pottery and porcelain from the 17 and 18C. Be aware of ongoing works which might affect visits.

With its towers and sloping roofs, this château has a proud air to it, dominating the Loire from its pedestal. King René rebuilt this château as a “love mansion” in the 14C, adorning it with a well thought out decorative design in the Gothic style. A..

This museum is home to 800 military vehicles (tanks, armoured cars and artillery pieces), 200 of which are operatonal, from 17 different countries. The museum traces the history of armoured vehicles from 1917 to today. Among the best examples are a S..

An unassuming doorway off the courtyard of the Château de Brézé leads into a 15C gallery carved out of the rock which takes the visitor down to an extensive network of underground passages (over 1km) steeped in history and mystery. Their uniqueness..

With Europe’s deepest dry moat, this place has an amazing secret. Don’t miss the entrance recessed between two walls in the heart of the village. This elegant Renaisssance château remodelled in 1824 by Anjou architect Hodé has residential lodgings, a..

Cunault was founded in 847 by monks from Noirmoutier who in 862 had to flee to Tournus in Burgundy. Subsequently it became a rich Benedictine priory. Only the church (11C-13C) remains, its massive tower (11C) topped by a 15C stone steeple. Inside, on..

Last resting place of the Plantagenets, the abbey of Fontevraud remains (despite numerous mutilations) one of France’s most important monastic sites. Don’t miss the vast 12C church and the Plantagenet tombs in its chancel, the 16C wall paintings ..

An ancient fortress on the banks of the River Thouet; behind its barbican (a rare survival), moat and fortified gateway is a 15C castle. Visit the medieval kitchen with perfectly preserved chimney, the canon’s lodgings with stove, and vaulted ..

This zoo offers over 500 animals the chance to live in semi-liberty in an exceptional and most unusual troglodyte setting . Waterfalls, acacias and bamboo enhance the environment of the species that live here, most of which are endangered. Don't mis..

Inside this beautiful Romanesque building are some very beautiful tapestries (15C-17C). The organ case supported by atlas figures dates from 1690.

Everything visitors could possibly want to know about horses, tack, and horsemanship across all ages and all countries.

This very lavish presentation of cavalry items (arms, uniforms, breast plating) tells the story of the School and the armoury of the French cavalry and the French armoured division.

This building constructed in the 16C has a fortified appearance on the side facing the River Loire. There is a change in the style of decoration on the courtyard side with the façade finely sculptured in the Gothic-Renaissance transitional style.

The church houses an exceptional collection of works of art. The carved giltwood main altar was commissioned by Abbess Louise de Bourbon-Lavedan in 1621 for the abbey church. Note the strained yet peaceful features of the 15C wooden crucifix and the ..

Flanked by half-timbered 18C houses, this is the centre of old Saumur, where the shopping streets, such as the rue Saint-Jean , meet those imbued with medieval charm such as the Grande Rue .

A façade rebuilt in the 17C hides a Plantagenet Gothic building where occasional organ recitals are given. Two rooms of 16C tapestries are on view here from Easter to All Saints' Day.

By the side of the river, this Church built in the 17C is highly visible as a result of its impressive dome. It was one of the busiest pilgrim sanctuaries in France

http://www.zevisit.com/Columbus/partenaire/ETAPE/FLUXXMLDOWNLOAD/US/VIAMICHELIN/1986/etape-audio.mp3

http://www.zevisit.com/Columbus/partenaire/ETAPE/FLUXXMLDOWNLOAD/US/VIAMICHELIN/1987/etape-audio.mp3