Still celebrating...in Saumur

 

In Saumur for the weekend taking advantage of part of the family's birthday present to Pauline,a unique boat trip along the Loire River in an unforgettable way. Drifting between golden sandbanks and riverbanks, admiring the historic charm of Saumur all bathed in the warm glow of a Loire Valley sunset.

As we cruised, we enjoyed a deliciously chilled local meal perfectly paired with local wines,a lovely experience. 

More pics.to follow later...

We finished the evening off listening to live music on the streets of Saumur.

Eileen's last day as a tourist...in Saumur

For Eileen's last day as a tourist here in Centre-Val de Loire we went over to Saumur a place we had not visited for many years and a first for her. We took the little tourist train to get some views from across the river and to get us up to the chateau.

We did the tour of the chateau as we were there and although it is not one of the best interiors of the region it was ok for a visit.

You can actually walk around the grounds of the chateau for free which I would recommend as the views are stunning. There is a restaurant within the ground but with a very unpleasant (perhaps overworked?) waitress who made us decide to use the nearby 'Le Terrier du Château' which had a very amenable host with good food at reasonable prices and great view of the chateau. 

After lunch we headed back down into town for a walk around before heading home...a very enjoyable day out!

Tuesday for towns - sparkling Saumur

Saumur on the banks of the river Loire.

                

An opportunity to attend a gala 'Cadre Noir' at a bargain price!

Friday sees the opening of the 2016 season for the famous equestrian spectacular the 'Cadre Noir' in Saumur. As it is the opening performance they are offering a ticket price of 15 euros,so if you haven't experienced it,this might be a good time to try it.

On yer bike...

If you are a cyclist then this weekend you want to be around Saumur as not only is there the 'La Fête du Vélo en Anjou' - a weekend when, according to the local tourist board, 20,000 cyclists (and roller bladers!) pedal (and skate) their way along 120 km of 'reserved' roads on both banks of the river Loire between Montsoreau and Bouchemaine - but also the annual 'Anjou Vélo Vintage' in Saumur itself.

(Credit: Coralie Pilard)

The Saumur event promises a nostalgic look at the bicycle up until 1985 (don't know what happened after that) along with all things retro. Last year we popped over just after the event to see what they had been up to...we are not cyclists but it looked as if the town really gets behind the event in a big way..

Tanked up...

When our son Paul was over recently we took him over to visit Saumur and when we were there we decided to visit the tank museum.

It's a great place to visit if the weather is less than perfect...or if you are into military hardware.There is a great selection on show from early models...

right up to with missile firing examples...

...but it's not just tanks on display.

Each display has information in French,English and German.

Although there is a 'do not climb on' notice for the tanks they have allowed a small area where kids, young and old can do a bit of clambering. We reckon the entrance fee of  €7.50 is good value but the € 5.00 for taking photographs a bit surprising.

Church on Sunday...Saint-Nicolas Saumur

This week we head over to Saumur and the 12th century church of Saint-Nicolas. 

It is the side chapels that again feature the mosaics with collages featuring a variety of religious events including the 'flight into Egypt' and the 'Assumption'.

 ...including the massive supporting pillars

 What I have come to love about many French churches is their ability to give little clue externally to the pleasures that await you inside...like Saint-Nicolas.

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