Just 16km north of the beautiful town of Saumur on the Loire river, Manoir Des Arts is a wonderful base for exploring this glorious region.
If arriving by train, the TGV service takes you from Paris CDG or Montparnasse to Tours or Angers where there are interconnecting services to Saumur.
There is a well-stocked supermarket around a five-minute drive away in the small local village as well as a bakery and other amenities. Even closer, a neighbouring farm has its own fruit and vegetable stand and the caretaker can recommend the fresh eggs from his daughter’s farm.
Close to the manoir you will also find some superb walking paths, horse-riding, fishing spots and so many cycling opportunities including the famous La Loire à Vélo. Follow the trail west towards Gennes and Le Thoureil or cycle in the other direction, reaching the Vienne towards the enchanting town of Chinon and beyond. If you prefer boating, hire canoes or kayaks close to Saumur as a great way to admire the local scenery.
Of course, a visit to Saumur (16km) is a highlight of your stay – it’s a stunning town with a great reputation for its art and gastronomy. There are many excellent restaurants and you should try some of the town’s sparkling wine produced in Saumur’s surrounding vineyards. Afterwards, take a taxi home – the manoir is just a 10-minute ride away.
Spend time exploring Château Saumur, followed by a boat ride on the Loire River. In the town’s centre there are many beautiful historic buildings, lovely shops and the fantastic weekly market on a Saturday morning selling all sorts of regional delights. Then there’s the amazing Cadre Noir equestrian school – book a guided tour and you may be lucky enough to see a performance during your time here.
Also close to Saumur is the impressive Fontevraud Abbey (20km) as well as the fascinating Troglodyte caves in the village of Rochemenier (40km).
To experience yet more charm and beauty, visit the villages of Candes-Saint-Martin and Montoreau, close to where the Loire and Vienne rivers meet. They are both classified as two of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ and there is a wonderful walk between the two. Look out for trips on traditional boats, a picture-perfect way to admire the scenery.
Chinon is also a delight with its cobbled, winding lanes and characterful bars and wine caves. Visit on a Thursday morning for the atmospheric weekly market and marvel at the views when wandering around the Chinon Fortress. It’s also a picturesque spot for hiring canoes and kayaks along the Vienne.
There are also so many historic châteaux across the Loire valley. Château d'Ussé, around a 55-minute drive away, is said to be the castle that inspired the story of Sleeping Beauty whilst both Château d'Azay-le-Rideau and Château de Villandry can be reached within an hour.
The great city of Tours (62km) is another fantastic day out with all its historic sights and beauty, perhaps combined with a visit to the vineyards of Vouvray.
The Region
A region doesn’t get to be called “The Garden of France” without being pretty special, and the Loire Valley is just as luscious and beautiful as its nickname would suggest. There’s countless acres of beautiful woods, vineyards and farmland that produce some of France’s revered ingredients and delicacies, and a wealth of history and beautiful architecture that demands and rewards exploration. Whether you’re heading off with the family, friends, or both, our fantastic portfolio of Loire Valley villas and chateaux means you’ll find fantastic, comfortable and quirky accommodation no matter your preferences.
