Loire Valley lodging

Carol,
Two things we didn't get to do in Saumur that sounded interesting were the Museum of Mushrooms, and a visit to a mushroom cave. They would be interesting change-ups from chateaux and wine. We had hoped to see them but just ran out of time. It might be fun for you.
Have a great trip!

We stayed in a small town few miles outside of Samur because the vrbo sounded good for the 4 of us. The town was too small, not much at all to eat. We drove in Samur and spent the day there. We wished we had stayed there. Amboise is also nice though. probably cant go wrong with either. There are many very cool chateaus to see in the Valley area.

Amboise has the advantage of being kind of central. It’s close to Tours, so you can see Chateau to the west of there pretty easily via the autoroute. And you’re still in striking distance of chateau up the valley to the east. Chambord is about as far as I’d go, it’s a bit of a haul. Then of course you’re right by Chenonceaux, which is probably everyone’s top choice. The town itself is nicely sized, with plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops for a pleasant base for a few days. Clos Luce is interesting, but I wouldn’t oversell it. I haven’t been to Samur.

Last October I stayed 2 nights at Hotel Anne D'Anjou in Saumur and thought it was lovely. Giant room, delicious breakfast, great location.

On my Saumur arrival day I walked up to the Dolmen de Bagneux as it’s hours are odd, lol. Well, the whole thing is odd since it’s privately owned and apparently formerly used as a carport, lol! I do very much like megalithic sites and was thus pleased to see it.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolmen_de_Bagneux

I enjoyed the chateau but my visit also coincided with the tail end of an Atlantic storm so I was rained out of some activities.

Check closure days for sights as you plan your itinerary here.

Editing to add: Another thing I enjoyed in the area was Fontevraud Abbey which is the burial place of Alienor d’Aquitaine, Henry II of England and Richard Lionheart. It’s about a 15-20 minute drive from Saumur.

Amboise- If you are interested in a flat, I can highly recommend “La Leonardine a deux pas du Chateau Royal” which we booked through booking.com.

2 bedroom flat, walking distance to Central Core area, dedicated parking. Newly renovated with lovely living area kitchen and has laundry. Price was excellent at €110 a night.

We stayed in Sept 25

Hi Carol! We are on our last night at Hotel Bellevue in Amboise. This is our second time to stay here. The location couldn’t be better in Amboise and the staff couldn’t be friendlier or more helpful. It’s nothing fancy, but exactly what we needed. We’ve ridden bikes to see Chateau Chenonceau and took a taxi to Chambord and Cheverny. Chateau d’Amboise is right around the corner and Di Vinci’ chateau is just a walk away. And bonus - the wine can’t be beat!! We love it here!

Carol, I'd check out the lesser-known Chateau Gaillard which is right next to the Clos de Luce. Gaillard is far-less crowded and more sympa 'by a street' as Brits sometimes say. Created centuries ago by an Italian architect, the whole experience reflects his once having introduced oranges plus other citrus to France. Their lil cave-cafe serves great salads Niçoise, with their own stock of different squeezed juices. Their famed orange cake is peerless, as are their various excellent jams.

Have you considered staying in Loches?

I am done. the rivers

Been sometime (2018) but Loches was a delight.
Also Chateau Langeias was great, both were uncrowded back then. Langeias is an easy train ride from Tours. I also quite enjoyed Tours perhaps more so than Amboise, unusual for me as I like small towns more than cities.

Stayed at Le Clos d'Amboise recently. The hotel itself is ok. It had parking and was well located.

We travelled to the Loire Valley last year and did exactly as you are, staying first in Amboise and then in Saumur. I loved Amboise and from there, we used public transportation to visit Blois, Chenonceau, and Loches. All excellent day trips. After Amboise, I felt a bit disappointed by Saumur - it is much larger and just lacked something for me (the teens in our group preferred it to Amboise, however). From Saumur, we took the train to Le Mans for the day - its centre is just stunning. We all loved it!
I found our lodging on Airbnb, which I prefer over hotels, for the extra space, laundry facilities, etc. We were a group of 7, so I doubt our choices would suit you, although the house in Amboise where we stayed was one of my most favourite Airbnbs ever.

Have a wonderful trip!

Stayed at Chateau de Nazelles across the river fron Amboise maybe 15 minutes this May for 3 nites. . Unique and very nice, recommended.