Saumur and its château
If you are staying in Angers a day trip to Saumur is perfectly possible as it is only an attractive hour's drive along the banks of the Loire. It's even quicker by autoroute (A11 and A85) but less fun and you will have to pay tolls. Head out through Angers via Trélazé on the D952. This will take you along the north bank of the Loire until you reach Les Rosiers. Turn right over the bridge and then follow the Loire on the south bank to Saumur. On a sunny day this will be a very attractive drive.
In Saumur I'd naturally have lunch at the Pot de Lapin. The Bistrot de la Place would be an alternative or if you just want a quick bite then the Brasserie de la Bourse in centre of Saumur near to the tourist office is always reliable.
There is a big choice of producers in easy reach of Saumur to go and see. Ones I would recommend include:
There is a big choice of producers in easy reach of Saumur to go and see. Ones I would recommend include:
Château de Villeneuve (Souzay-Champigny)
Château de Targé (Parnay)
Château de Hureau (Dampierre)
Domaine de Val Brun (Parnay)
Domaine de Nerleux (St Cyr-en-Bourg)
Domaine des Roches Neuves (Varrains)
Domaine des Roches Neuves (Varrains)
Antoine Sanzay (Varrains)
Château de Chaintres (Chaintres)
Château de Chaintres (Chaintres)
Domaine Filliatreau (Chaintres)
Among the sparkling wine houses there are Langlois-Chateau (Saint-Hilaire-Saint-Florent) and Bouvet-Ladubay (Saint-Hilaire-Saint-Florent).
See part one here.
