The best traffic-free bike rides around Distré

The fortified building, built in the 16th century on the banks of the Loire, probably on the foundations of a pre-existing structure, was an integral part of the city's fortifications. This building has served as the city's administrative building since 1508, when Guillaume Bourneau, Sieur de Montaglan, Lieutenant General in Saumur, took office. Between 1856 and 1862, the building was expanded with a wing in the Neo-Gothic style, fashionable in the 19th century, designed by the architect Charles Joly-Leterme.

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A castle-palace of the Dukes of Anjou in the 19th and 19th centuries, the Château de Saumur, where King René resided, is the last example of the princely palaces built by the Valois dynasty. It served as the residence of the city's governors, a prison, and later an arms and ammunition depot. It was purchased by the city in 1906 to house the municipal museum, now the Musée de France. Today, we discover the rich collections scattered throughout the former apartments of the Dukes of Anjou in an educational museography. Want to know more? Click here: https://www.ot-saumur.fr/en/castles-and-country-houses/Saumurcastle-5261718/

The first stone was laid on 20 June 1864. As an architect with eclectic tastes, Joly-Leterme was inspired by the style of the Louis XVI period, which was contemporary with the hall he replaced. He borrowed in particular from the neoclassical colonnades of the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux and the Madeleine in Paris. On the left, the colonnade overlooking the Loire has a rather successful disappearing effect; the monument is not rectangular, but narrows towards the east. The hall opens onto the Place de la Bilange, which it dominates with its monumental proportions. The eastern façade, dedicated to the musicians and the entrance for the artists, has a more intimate appearance. It is narrower, with five instead of seven arches. This façade has often changed in appearance. The hall is in the "Italian style", a type of hall that was fashionable during the Second Empire. Large reception areas are planned: a grand staircase overlooking the Place de la Bilange, a spacious foyer on the first floor, a wide peristyle accessible to all, and galleries on the upper floor providing access to numerous rooms. In the middle, the concert hall is reduced to a small, high space. The stage, of good dimensions, has been rebuilt several times. The red-gold tones of the hall, restored in 1963, have come to life. Source: https://www.ville-saumur.fr/patrimoine-architectural/le-theatre-2

The Place Saint-Pierre in Saumur has traditionally been a haven for bistros. This is where social life meets. Sit down and enjoy the bustling life.

Behind the classical 17th-century facade lies a magnificent building that combines both Romanesque and Plantagenet Gothic styles. Saint Peter's Church is a representative example of Plantagenet Gothic (12th-13th centuries), particularly due to its strongly curved vaults. Among the furnishings is a remarkable set of 15th-century choir stalls. (Organ concerts are regularly held here). Restoration of the west facade began in November 2008. A team of stonemasons consolidated and restored this classical facade in a "composite" style. This facade had closed off the nave since the 17th century following the collapse of the first Gothic facade. The building was then completely restored! Source: https://www.ville-saumur.fr/patrimoine-architectural/l-eglise-saint-pierre-2

City on the banks of the Loire with dazzling white walls and iridescent blue roofs, Saumur tells the chapters of its history to the powerful and majestic rhythm of the river. Royal city and princely castle, place of security and Protestant intellectual centre, equestrian capital with the evocative name of fine bubbles or still wines, it is all these events and all this know-how that the river serenely reflects at the foot of the limestone hill.

This is the historic center of old Saumur, where you'll pass several times if you visit the town. You'll admire several half-timbered houses as well as the Saint-Pierre church. There's a local produce market on Saturday mornings and many restaurants.