Saumur, France

Self Catering Saumur Holiday Villas and Apartments – Property Saumur

Saumur is situated in the region of Pays-de-la-Loire and the department of Maine-et-Loire. The Loire Valley is a stunning mix of river, castles, vineyards and charming towns.  If you're choosing a self-catering holiday villa rental in Saumur, you've fallen on probably the most elegant town in the region and perfectly situated on the 630 mile river to explore the most famous chateaus, villages and towns.

There are many festivities and events throughout the year, a highlight being the Loire en Fete, a prelude to Bastille Day, with exhibitions, craft displays and of course, wine tasting. And in September, during the Fete Des Vins, forty wine stalls help you to taste your way around the Loire - well worth expriencing when renting a holiday apartment in Saumur.

Some of France's most famous wines come from the vineyards around Saumur. The Saumur sparkling white made to the methode champagnoise is probably the most famous export, although the light red is popular in the bistros of Paris as it is apparently light enough for a lunchtime treat enabling you to keep working in the afternoon! 

Saumur's chateau is in a majestic setting, standing high overlooking the town. It was first built in the 10th century in a lovely soft stone called tuffeau, the same stone is used on many buildings such as The Hotel De Ville around the town. The castle has a dungeon and watchtower, and houses a collection of old toys and figurines of solidiers, Kings of France and clowns. It's also known as the Museum of the Horse. Saumur has a long association with horses being the HQ for the French National Riding Academy and the base of Cadre Noir, the elite riding squad (you can visit their base.)

Also, if you chose to stay in a Saumur holiday gite or villa, do make time to visit the Prehistoric troglodyte caves and dolmens in the area with evidence of life before The Dark Ages. A mushroom museum carved out of the rock and the Doue la fontaine zoo committed to conservation of over 70 species are also well worth a day trip.

If you're going to hire a villa in Saumur, hiring a car is probably the best solution. If you don't drive, then take the TGV to Tours from Paris then the local SNCF train. The nearest airport serviced to the UK is La Rochelle, flying with Ryan Air. 

Climate wise, Saumur is generally considered a little cooler and more rainy than Paris and 1-2- degrees warmer than the South of England.