Saumur from the river.

From this side of the Loire the whole town seems to float.

The Château de Saumur has stood on its rocky spur since the 10th century, first a fortress against Norman raids, later a Plantagenet stronghold, then a refined palace under the Dukes of Anjou. Its white tuffeau towers still rise above the rooftops exactly as they did when they appeared in the Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry.

Below them the river moves slowly, the swans drift and the town goes about its normal business.
A perfect pause on the road through the Loire Valley.

Part of the “Towns & Villages of the Loire” Series

Exploring the towns and villages of the Loire Valley — their streets, stories, and quiet beauty.

Browse the full series

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