Please sign in to post.

Eek, need “energency” transit advice! Saumur to Angers!

Hello everybody
Not sure if anybody will see this in time, but…I’m currently on a day trip to Saumur, and was supposed to take the train back to Angers. But due to rail issues (apparently heat related) the trains are very delayed. Mine has been delayed first five minutes, then 15, you get the idea. There doesn’t seem to be a bus available, but I’m dealing with limited web access on my phone. I’d rather not pay 150 plus euros for a taxi, but it’s looking like that might be the solution. (Need to get back tonight). Does anybody know of a bus that might be running or, failing that, have experience with a local taxi company they’d recommend? Uber officially exists, but not really.

Thanks!
Caroline

Posted by
6783 posts

There seem to be 3 more trains scheduled tonight, 2 of which are delayed which isn't great, but it does look like you'll get on a train...eventually.
There is no bus at this hour, unfortunately.

Posted by
293 posts

I’m not at the station yet (following via the app). Now they’re saying 1 hour, which is fine, but if they keep dejecting it’s going to get to the point where I’m not that comfortable being on my own. I’m wondering if I should just accept the loss and book a room here. I did find a decent-sounding last minute place near the chateau. Sigh. As soon as I do that, the train will run….

Posted by
6783 posts

Oh, be careful with the app: oftentimes the trains aren't as badly late as shown. If you aim to take a train, you should wait at the station. I guess it is very hot in Saumur tonight so I hope you can find some shade.

Posted by
293 posts

I love this board!

Balso, thanks for the advice to be mindful of the app and head to the station. I was about halfway there when my phone buzzed “moving up” my train to 40 minutes (rather than 60). Of course, it’s not here yet, but it looks like it IS coming. Fingers crossed!

Luckily, it cooled off somewhat around 8:30. It was brutal earlier, but now it’s a bit breezy.

Caroline

Posted by
6783 posts

Please let us know if you made it all right 😅, and brace yourself for the 40°C forecast today!

Posted by
293 posts

Good morning all! Made it back, and, in the end, not too much later than originally anticipated. It was a day full of travel hiccups )that was the most dramatic), but in the end, what matters is that I got to see L’abbeye Fontevraud after a 30 year fascination with the Plantagenets that begin in 7th grade, and it was amazing! I didn’t get to see as much of the grounds as I would have liked (just too hot) but that trusty while tufa stone (sp?) kept the actual indoors pretty pleasant.

Plus, I ended up having time for a pleasant dinner and a tasty local vin blanc in Saumur! Can’t complain too much!

Thank you again, with special thanks to Balso, for your help! I’m a pretty seasoned solo traveler, but glitches can be unnerving, especially at the end of a long, hot day, and it’s so nice to be able to reach out on these boards.

Caroline

Posted by
9460 posts

I am so glad you ended up with only a delay — and that you got to see the abbey!!

Indeed, try to stay cool today as much as you can.