We are planning to stay in Amboise and Saumur. Do you have any suggestions on lodging? Any "must see" places we should visit?
Thank you!
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
2614 posts
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!
Posted by
33 posts
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.
Posted by
1266 posts
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.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
16180 posts
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.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
9738 posts
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