Saumur has a long history with horses as it was home to the French Calvary Academy, and is home to the Cadre Noir horsemen, based at the French National Riding School, whose performances of riding tricks and skills only helps confirm their status as some of the best horsemen in the world. The annual Carousel (an equestrian show that takes place in July) draws thousands of visitors.

For show information see below.

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Saumur is also home to the Armoured Academy (which replaced the Calvary) and there is a tank museum- Musee des Blindes- with the largest display in Europe and perhaps the world. The collection offers an opportunity to have an uninterrupted technical and historical overview of the tank since its first appearance on the battlefield.

Missed opportunity here however as it's a case of 'look, don't touch'-kids young and old would just love to climb on/sit in a real 'Tiger' tank!!

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The Chateau de Saumur  originates from the 14^th century but it was in the 15^th that it was made into a comfortable residence by Duke Rene d’ Anjou. During its long history it has been the governor’s house, a jail before the town purchased it in 1906 to restore and turn it into the tourist attraction it is today. The former royal apartments now house two museums – ‘Musee des Arts Decoratifs’ and Musee du Cheval’. The first houses European china and tapestries with the second located in the attic of the chateau being dedicated to equestrian pursuits where you are taken into a world of saddlery from across the world –all lovingly worked. 

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Loire en fête

Saturday, July 14 :
River events, concerts, exhibitions of traditional boats, traditional craft exhibitions, car boot sale… Information : Saumur et les bateaux de Loire.

 

http://www.tourisme.fr/tourist-office/saumur.htm

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 Within the Anjou region 28 different wine labels happily live together with  two grape varieties dominating the scene: Chenin for white wines like Saumur, Saumur-Champigny as well as rosés: Cabernet d'Anjou, Rosé de Loire and Rosé d'Anjou. The Saumur wines never fail to please with their sparkling variety being just what you need, well chilled, on a hot summer’s day to get that light feeling that allows you to slip into ‘French mode’ easily. About 7km from Saumur at Parnay, you can taste and buy red and sparkling Saumur-Champigny wines from the troglodyte caves of the Château du Marconnay. 

The Grande Tablée of Saumur Champigny

Thursday, August 2 :
At Place de la République in Saumur for one night only, the biggest restaurant in the world is formed using two kilometres of tables. 3 tonnes of galia melons and red fruits, 2,5 tonnes of cold meats and 3000 bottles of Saumur-Champigny are served. Numerous musical presentations help make this evening a rousing success. Information :   The food is not brilliant but the occasion is amazing - and the wine's not bad, either.

You need to book in advance.

 http://www.producteurs-de-saumur-champigny.fr/ for costs and details.