So, during these times of uncertainty, when everything feels more up in the air, we realize just how valuable it can be to treat ourselves to a break\u2014even a short one.<\/strong> Not to escape reality, but to take a different kind of breath, to find a little breathing room, a little lightness. That\u2019s exactly what we did with this getaway to Saumur during the off-season. And it was exactly what I needed.<\/strong><\/p>\n Tucked away between Angers and Tours, Saumur is one of those destinations that charms without trying too hard. As soon as you arrive, you sense a special atmosphere: a small, elegant, peaceful town.<\/strong> Off-season, it reveals a more intimate, almost secret side. <\/p>\n The banks of the Loire invite you to slow down; the narrow streets are best explored at a leisurely pace, and the whole place exudes a genuine sense of tranquility.Here, everything seems designed to help you unwind. Add <\/strong>to that a UNESCO World Heritage Site setting, with castles, vineyards, and charming villages\u2026 and you have the perfect destination for a refreshing getaway without traveling far (if you\u2019re in western France).<\/strong> <\/p>\n Especially since, when it comes to cuisine, the region has plenty to offer. There are many local specialties to try, starting with fou\u00e9es. These small bread rolls, baked over a wood fire, can be topped however you like: with rillettes, cheese, or mogettes\u2026 It\u2019s a warm, generous experience and truly enjoyable to savor in a cave-dwelling setting, by candlelight. You\u2019ll have no trouble finding excellent cave-dwelling restaurants near Saumur, such as Les Caves de Marson<\/a> in Rou-Marson. <\/p>\n The region is also renowned for its Loire wines<\/strong>, particularly its cr\u00e9mants. Even though they aren\u2019t usually our favorite, it\u2019s worth giving them a try during our stay. <\/p>\n Whether I\u2019m visiting the area for work, with my family, or with my partner, I always rediscover the city and its surroundings\u2014there are just so many experiences to enjoy. Whether you\u2019re a cycling enthusiast, a lover of beautiful scenery, a foodie, or a history buff, you\u2019re sure to find something you\u2019ll love! <\/p>\n So I’ve listed here the things I’ve already had the chance to try, as well as the ones that are still on my “must-try” to-do list.<\/p>\n The Royal Abbey of Fontevraud<\/a> is truly worth taking the time to explore.<\/strong> It is a gem that impresses from the very first step: the architecture is grand, elegant, almost solemn, and yet the atmosphere remains incredibly gentle and soothing<\/strong>. You almost instinctively wander through it at a leisurely pace, as if the place naturally inspires calm. There\u2019s something very special about this abbey: a sense of grandeur, of course, but also a genuine serenity. <\/p>\n What makes a visit here even more fascinating is its history. Founded in the early 12th century, Fontevraud is not like other abbeys. Originally, it was conceived as a somewhat unconventional monastic city, welcoming both women and men\u2014which was quite exceptional for the time<\/strong>. It quickly became one of the largest religious centers in Europe. It has also left its mark on the history of France and England<\/strong>, as it is home to the recumbent statues of Eleanor of Aquitaine, Henry II Plantagenet, and Richard the Lionheart. Even if you\u2019re not a history buff, you can feel the weight of the centuries here\u2014but in a very accessible, almost intuitive way. <\/p>\n I also really liked the fact that Fontevraud isn\u2019t stuck in the past. The place is still alive\u2014in a different way<\/strong>. This dialogue between heritage and contemporary art is particularly successful, especially through the museum of modern art located right inside the abbey.<\/strong> The contrast works wonderfully: on one hand, stone, silence, and history; on the other, more contemporary works that catch the eye and offer a new perspective on the site. It\u2019s this blend that makes the visit so unique: you\u2019re not just contemplating a monument, but engaging in a truly sensory experience. <\/p>\n I found this visit to be beautiful, inspiring, and deeply rejuvenating. It\u2019s a place where you take your time, observe more closely, and experience things more deeply rather than just \u201cgoing through the motions\u201d of the visit. It\u2019s clearly one of those places that leaves a lasting impression. <\/p>\n To make this lovely moment last a little longer, I recommend taking a gourmet break at the \u201cLes Trois Lys\u201d bakery, right across the street. Behind this simple, welcoming spot\u2014recognizable by its tea room featuring a real fireplace\u2014lies an artisan with a remarkable career. Trained starting at age 17 at the famous Len\u00f4tre in Paris, Olivier Hanocq went on to hone his craft in Argentina, where he taught baking and pastry-making for several years. There, he championed a rigorous and authentic approach to the craft, grounded in respect for traditional techniques\u2014particularly the use of sourdough and long, natural fermentation processes, without additives. Upon returning to France in 2024, he chose Fontevraud-l\u2019Abbaye as the place to share this passion and pass on his expertise through sincere and generous creations. <\/p>\n One of the most unique activities I really enjoy\u2014and have had the chance to try here\u2014is dog-sledding with Husky Dream<\/a>. After meeting the dogs for the first time and getting some instructions, my brother and I set off on a hike, connected to our husky. The guide takes great care to pair you with dogs that suit your personality\u2014whether you\u2019re more laid-back or athletic. After that, you just let yourself be carried along by the dog\u2019s energy, and the walk takes on an almost meditative quality! I also had the chance to try this activity in Finist\u00e8re, right in the heart of the Monts d\u2019Arr\u00e9e, and I have to admit it\u2019s a really fun way to enjoy the scenery while getting some exercise! <\/p>\n Sticking with sports, I think that in the spring or during Indian summer, exploring the treasures of Saumur and the surrounding region on two wheels can be a great idea. I haven\u2019t had a chance to try it out around here yet, but I did it for a weekend on the C\u00f4te d\u2019Amour<\/a> with a friend, and I think it\u2019s just perfect for slow travel. <\/p>\n Cyclo de Loire<\/a> offers a variety of packages that I find particularly interesting. While guided tours are mainly available in July and August<\/strong>, you can certainly rent bikes and get tips for exploring the surrounding area the rest of the year<\/strong>. If you\u2019re traveling in a group (8 to 12 people) between April and September, you can enjoy an outing that combines biking and boating, with lunch in between!<\/strong> <\/p>\n For those who prefer a more leisurely activity or simply want to enjoy themselves without getting too tired, I\u2019ve found an alternative that looks absolutely fantastic: a tour with Loire Vintage Discovery<\/a>. The concept is simple and incredibly appealing: explore the banks of the Loire aboard Jean-Claude, their red camper van, or Jeanine, their iconic Renault 4L<\/strong>. The names alone set the tone. The experience promises an immersion in a vintage, almost \u201970s-style atmosphere, with itineraries designed to reveal the hidden gems of the Saumur region. It\u2019s an original, friendly, and effortless way to travel back in time while exploring the region. <\/p>\n And that retro spirit doesn\u2019t stop there. Every year, Saumur hosts an event that has become a must-attend: Anjou V\u00e9lo Vintage<\/a>.<\/strong> The idea? Thousands of participants crisscross the roads of Anjou by bike, dressed in period costumes and riding vintage bicycles. Here, it\u2019s not about performance, but about a truly festive atmosphere, with routes winding through vineyards, villages, and the landscapes of the Loire Valley. The next edition takes place in late June, and it\u2019s clearly the kind of event that makes you want to come back to discover the region from a different angle\u2014one that\u2019s even more lively and offbeat. <\/p>\n If there\u2019s one experience you shouldn\u2019t miss in the region, it\u2019s without a doubt the Anjou Wine Route<\/strong>. It\u2019s the kind of getaway you\u2019ll love just as much for the scenery as for the people you meet. Here, the vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see, the little villages are utterly charming, and every detour holds a delightful discovery. It\u2019s easy to see why Anjou\u2019s wines bring such prestige to the region: they alone tell part of its story\u2014its identity, its history, and its way of life. <\/strong> <\/p>\n What I particularly love about this route is that it really encourages you to take your time. It\u2019s not just about going from one tasting to the next\u2014it\u2019s about meeting the people who bring the vineyard to life every day. Chatting with passionate winemakers, discovering how they work, gaining a deeper understanding of grape varieties, terroirs, and winemaking methods\u2026<\/strong>That\u2019s what makes the experience so enriching. We often leave with a few good bottles, of course, but above all with wonderful stories and a new perspective on what we\u2019ve tasted. <\/p>\n Plus, a day on the wine route is also the perfect excuse to make a few gourmet stops along the way. I highly recommend visiting the local markets or stopping by a small village shop to sample the local specialties.<\/strong><\/p>\n Still on the topic of local craftsmanship, I also loved discovering the Combier Distillery<\/a>. It\u2019s exactly the kind of visit you might not necessarily think of at first, but which turns out to be a wonderful surprise. There, you\u2019re immersed in a fascinating world that blends heritage, artisanal production, and the passing down of traditions. Seeing the historic stills, understanding the different stages of production, and learning more about this iconic distillery\u2026<\/strong>It\u2019s both very interesting and a truly enjoyable experience, even if you\u2019re not particularly knowledgeable about the subject<\/strong>to begin with. <\/p>\n We were lucky enough to visit during the holiday season, and the atmosphere was even more magical thanks to a Christmas market set up on site, where we could also discover local artisans. It was truly a wonderful experience\u2014friendly, delicious, and inspiring. If you have the chance to go during this time of year, it\u2019s definitely a bonus. I also recommend checking out their website before your visit<\/strong>, since the distillery offers several really interesting packages<\/strong>. Some experiences can even be combined with Saumur Loire Cruises<\/a>, and I find that idea particularly appealing. Because, after all, exploring the region from the Loire is yet another way to experience it. As you glide along the water, the landscapes take on a different dimension\u2014one that\u2019s gentler and more contemplative. The pace slows down, silence settles in, the light changes\u2026 and you simply savor the moment. <\/p>\n Another option that strikes me as a great idea: the cocktail workshops offered by the distillery. They\u2019re original, fun, and friendly\u2014and honestly, I think they make a wonderful gift to give or enjoy together.<\/strong> Whether you\u2019re with your partner, friends, or family, it\u2019s the kind of activity that\u2019s a little out of the ordinary while still being deeply rooted in the local culture.<\/p>\n If there\u2019s one place I\u2019d really like to visit on a future trip to the region, it\u2019s the Cadre Noir in Saumur<\/a><\/strong>. It\u2019s exactly the kind of iconic spot you often hear about when planning a weekend in Saumur\u2014the sort of experience that seems like a must-do at least once. Even though I\u2019m not a huge horseback riding enthusiast, I find there\u2019s something fascinating about this world: all the elegance, precision, discipline, and the incredibly strong bond between the rider and their horse. <\/p>\nWhy choose Saumur for an off-season weekend getaway?<\/h2>\n
![\"Saumur](\"https:\/\/jupetteetsalopette.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC_8661.jpg\" "\\"Saumur")
<\/p>\nWhat is there to do in Saumur and the surrounding area?<\/h2>\n
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![\"Fontevraud](\"https:\/\/jupetteetsalopette.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC_8569.jpg\" "\\"Fontevraud")
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