Saumur is a vibrant and exciting town as well as beautiful. Explore the medieval streets and admire the striking buildings in Place St Pierre, shop to your hearts content in one of the towns many boutiques and stock up on charcuterie, honey, flowers and other wonderful local produce in the weekly market on a Saturday. The town has also gained a reputation for its excellent restaurants as well as its delicious sparkling white wine, which you can sample and purchase at a number of spots in the area.

The fairytale Château Saumur has a stunning location and is worthy of a visit, then in the summer take a boat trip up the river for some rest and relaxation. There are plenty of other historical attractions in the area to impress you such as Fontevraud Abbey (16km), one of the largest in Europe, plus the fascinating Troglodyte caves that used to be inhabited until last century, such as those in the village of Rochemenier (26km).

Horse lovers must visit the town’s famous national equestrian school, the Cadre Noir, where they can have a guided tour and you may be fortunate enough to see a performance of the magnificent horses led by the impressive instructors. Furthermore, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the beautiful Loire Valley on horseback.

Another popular activity is renting a canoe either in the town or a little further out at one of the activity centres and discovering the stunning area from the Loire river. The town is also on the ‘Loire à Vélo’ route for keen cyclists who can experience why this area is called the ‘Garden of France’.

If you are bringing the kids then treat them to a visit to the Museé des Blindés (3km), the largest tank museum in Europe, ideal for vehicle lovers young and old. Just out of town you can seek shade in the Zoo de Doué Bio Parc (22km) where 600 animals live in natural surroundings amongst interesting flora and fauna in the old quarry.

A region doesn’t get to be called “The Garden of France” without being pretty special, and the Loire Valley is just as luscious and beautiful as its nickname would suggest. There’s countless acres of beautiful woods, vineyards and farmland that produce some of France’s revered ingredients and delicacies, and a wealth of history and beautiful architecture that demands and rewards exploration. Whether you’re heading off with the family, friends, or both, our fantastic portfolio of Loire Valley villas and chateaux means you’ll find fantastic, comfortable and quirky accommodation no matter your preferences.