It is known as the “white town”, thanks to its creamy-white tuffeau (limestone) buildings.

No fewer than 54 listed monuments await visitors: half-timbered houses, elegant town houses, churches and more. The chateau watches over the Loire and its town. The fortress dates back to the 13th century, but it later became a residential palace. Saumur has excellent shopping, good restaurants and, nearby, cellars for sparkling wines. It is also the home of the Ecole Nationale d’Equitation (a ‘university’ of horsemanship; open for visits) and the famous Cadre Noir, known for its displays of horse artistry.