Top 5 things to do in and around Saumur

Nestling in the heart of the Loire Valley, Saumur and the surrounding area offer much more than just its famous château and Cadre Noir. With its exceptional military heritage, unforgettable aerial experiences and Loire traditions, this destination offers a wide range of discoveries for all those with a passion for culture and nature. Discover our selection of 5 must-do activities that will perfectly complement your stay in the Saumur region.

1. Immerse yourself in military history at the Musée des Blindés

Category : €€ / Cultural

Description: The Musée des Blindés in Saumur is a must-see for anyone with a passion for military history. Housed in a former tobacco factory, this site, the only one of its kind in Europe, is home to over 800 armoured vehicles tracing the development of combat vehicles from the early 20th century to the present day. The collection is impressive for its diversity and exceptional state of preservation, with tanks that are emblematic of the Second World War, such as the German Tiger and the American Sherman. The majority of these machines are still in working order, testifying to the remarkable restoration work carried out by the teams. The museum regularly organises dynamic demonstrations in which some of the armoured vehicles come to life before the public’s very eyes. There are also fun trails for families to learn about military history in an interactive way. Allow at least two hours to fully appreciate the richness of this exceptional collection.

Good to know: Open all year round from 10am to 6pm (high season) or 10am to 5pm (low season), closed on Thursdays. Admission: adults €10, children aged 7-15 €6, free under 7. Length of visit: 2 to 3 hours. Free car park. Café-restaurant on site. Address: 1043 Route de Fontevraud, 49400 Saumur. Armoured vehicle demonstrations at certain weekends (see online calendar). Accessible for wheelchair users. Specialist shop with models and historical works.

2. Take to the skies in a hot-air balloon over the châteaux of the Loire Valley

Category : €€€ / Unusual

Description: A hot-air balloon flight over the Loire Valley is one of the most spectacular activities in the region. At dawn or late afternoon, you’ll witness the impressive inflation of the balloon before soaring gently over the vineyards of the Saumur region, the tufa stone villages and the meandering Loire River. From the sky, Saumur castle reveals all its majesty, proudly dominating the town and the royal river. You’ll also fly over the vineyards that produce the famous Saumur-Champigny wines, troglodyte dwellings and perhaps Fontevraud Abbey in the distance. The pilot shares his knowledge of the region while skilfully manoeuvring the balloon. After an hour in the air, a soft landing is followed by a traditional champagne toast and a flight certificate. This activity offers unique opportunities to capture the beauty of the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Good to know: Flights from April to October, early morning or late afternoon. Total duration: around 3 hours (including 1 hour’s flight). Fares: from €189 weekdays, €223 weekends. Children aged 6-12: €169. Booking required several weeks in advance in high season. Activity subject to weather conditions. Comfortable clothing and flat closed shoes recommended. Accessible to children aged 6 and over (1.40m minimum). Several companies: Art Montgolfières, Montgolfière Sensation. Flight certificate issued. Gift vouchers valid for 1 year.

3. Discover the fauna of the world at the Doué-la-Fontaine Biopark

Category: €€ / Nature & Family

Description: Twenty minutes from Saumur, the Doué-la-Fontaine Biopark offers a zoological experience that is unique in Europe. The animals live in ancient tufa quarries, creating a spectacular troglodytic environment. More than 2,000 animals belonging to 130 species can be seen in settings that faithfully reproduce their natural habitats. The South American aviary, one of the largest in Europe, is impressive in its size. The vulture pit, set in a vertiginous quarry, offers a fascinating spectacle during feeding sessions. The Bioparc is actively involved in the conservation of endangered species, with daily events to raise public awareness, including feeding sessions with commentary and meetings with the caretakers. Children will love the themed play area and the fun trails. Allow at least half a day to explore the entire site in an atmosphere of natural freshness.

Good to know: Open every day from February to November, 10am to 7pm in high season. Closed December-January except Christmas holidays. Admission 2026: adults €28.50, children aged 3-10 €22, under-3s free. Reduced rates: €26.50. Recommended duration: 4 to 5 hours. Accessible for disabled people. Free car park. Restaurants and picnic areas. Daily entertainment (see schedule). Address: 103 Rue de Cholet, 49700 Doué-en-Anjou. Online ticketing recommended. Mobile application available.

4. Sailing the Loire in a traditional boat

Category: €€ / Culture & Leisure

Description: Boarding a traditional boat for a cruise on the Loire is one of the best ways to get to know the soul of Saumur. Several companies offer trips aboard gabares or toues sablières, these carefully restored flat-bottomed boats. The captain and his crew share their knowledge of the ecosystem of the Loire, its flora and fauna, and the maritime history of Saumur. From the boat, the château is revealed in all its splendour, the tufa facades reflected in the water, and the vineyards unfurl in neat rows. Themed cruises include guided tours, gourmet aperitifs or lunches, and sunset walks. The sensation of gliding silently over the water provides deep relaxation and allows you to observe grey herons, cormorants and terns. This activity is suitable for all ages and is particularly popular with families.

Good to know: Cruises from April to October. 1-hour discovery cruise: adults €16-18, children €11-13, free under 4. Theme cruises: 35-75€. Departures from Saumur quays. Booking recommended. Companies: Croisières Saumur Loire, Loire Evasion, Rêves de Loire. Boarding 15 minutes before departure. Please bring sun protection and a windbreaker. Binoculars often provided. De Loire en Cave” cruises (navigation + cellar visit): 2h30, approx. €35. Car park nearby. Cancellations possible depending on weather conditions.

5. Explore the troglodyte villages of Turquant and Candes-Saint-Martin

Category: € / Cultural & Heritage

Description: Two pearls of the Loire Valley nestle just a few kilometres from Saumur: Turquant and Candes-Saint-Martin. Turquant, classified as a “Village de Charme”, is a charming place with narrow streets lined with winegrowers’ houses and troglodytic dwellings carved out of the cliffs. The limestone hillside is pierced by galleries housing wine cellars where you can sample the wines of Saumur-Champigny. Artisans have taken up residence in several troglodytic workshops. Candes-Saint-Martin, listed as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”, lies at the confluence of the Loire and Vienne rivers. The collegiate church of Saint-Martin, an imposing 12th-century Gothic edifice, dominates the village. Climb up to the panoramic viewpoint overlooking the confluence: the 360-degree view over the two valleys is one of the finest in the region. This walk can take half a day, or even longer with a wine tasting session and a local lunch.

Good to know: Turquant 10 km from Saumur (15 min), Candes 12 km (20 min). Free access and parking. Pedestrian villages. Allow 1h30-2h per village. In Turquant: visit the Grande Vignolle, wine cellars by appointment, craft workshops. Candes: visit the collegiate church (free access), panoramic view of the confluence (10-minute walk), hiking trails. Restaurants in both villages. Best time of year: spring and autumn. Possibility of combining with Château de Montsoreau (5 mins). Loire à Vélo cycle routes. Comfortable clothing, walking shoes for the panoramic views.

In conclusion, Saumur and the surrounding area have many little-known facets that are a wonderful complement to a visit to the historic centre. Whether you’re a military history buff, a fan of aerial thrills, a nature lover, in search of the tranquillity of the Loire or fascinated by its troglodyte heritage, this destination has plenty to offer. With its centuries-old traditions, UNESCO-listed landscapes and contemporary experiences, Saumur is a complete destination, ideal for a weekend or a holiday with the family, your partner or your friends.

FAQ : Everything you need to know about activities in and around Saumur

Can we do these activities all year round?

The Musée des Blindés is open all year round (closed on Thursdays). Cruises on the Loire and hot-air balloon flights are seasonal (April-October). The Biopark is closed in December and January, except during the Christmas holidays. The troglodyte villages are open to visitors all year round.

What’s the budget for these activities?

The villages are free. Expect to pay €10 for the Musée des Blindés, €16-18 for a cruise, €28.50 for the Bioparc, and €189-223 for hot-air ballooning. For a weekend with two or three activities, expect to pay between €100 and €300 per person, excluding accommodation.

Are these activities suitable for families with children?

Absolutely! The Biopark is particularly suitable for families. The Armoured Vehicles Museum will fascinate children (aged 7 and over). The cruises are perfect for toddlers (free for children under 4). Hot-air balloons are accessible from age 6. All offer family rates.