Saumur is a town that seems to have been made for exploring by various means — whether by boat, bike, or on foot. Its scenic location along the Loire River, famous for its castles, troglodyte caves, and world-class wines, makes it a perfect place to see with a tour. We’re particularly fond of the traditional boat trip because it offers an authentic experience floating through a UNESCO-listed landscape. But Saumur isn’t just about sightseeing — it’s about engaging with its history, its flavors, and its beautiful surroundings. For those who want to combine activity and culture, there’s a range of options that cater to different interests and energy levels.
In this list, you’ll find everything from a relaxing Sunrise cruise on the Loire River to energetic e-bike tours that pair cycling with wine tastings. Whether you’re interested in learning about local wines, exploring medieval towns, or just cruising quietly along the river, Saumur has an experience for you.
Below, we’ve grouped these tours into categories including boat rides, cycling and wine adventures, walking tours, and cultural visits. Each offers a different perspective on Saumur, helping you decide what suits your style best.
1. Traditional boat trip
At number 1 on our list, the Traditional boat trip offers an authentic way to experience the Loire Valley. This one-hour voyage takes you on a handcrafted 18th-century boat, gliding peacefully through waters that have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage site since 2000. The journey is steeped in local tradition, with a boat driven by history and craftsmanship.
What sets this trip apart is its genuine feel; it’s not a modern, touristy cruise but rather an immersive experience into the region’s boating heritage. The boat’s small size means you’ll enjoy a personal, relaxed atmosphere as you learn about the Loire’s significance. The reviews highlight a 4.5-star rating based on 97 reviews, with many visitors mentioning how memorable and intimate the experience feels.
This tour is perfect for travelers looking for a quiet, scenic, and authentic experience that highlights the natural beauty and historical importance of the Loire River. It’s especially good if you want something with a cultural twist without committing to a full-day activity.
Bottom Line: A gentle, historic cruise that feels like stepping back in time, ideal for anyone wanting a calm, meaningful view of the Loire.
2. E-bike Cycling and Wine in Saumur France
Number 2 on our list is the E-bike Cycling and Wine tour, which is a fantastic choice for those who want to combine physical activity with tasting some of the Loire Valley’s finest wines. With a perfect 5.0-star rating from 2 reviews, this 5 to 6-hour tour offers a leisurely ride along the river and through historic vineyards.
Starting at the renowned Gratien et Meyer sparkling wine house, you’ll taste their famous fizz while enjoying views over the Loire. Then, a picnic near Château Targe gives you a chance to soak in the scenery before visiting one of the oldest vineyards in the region, where you can learn about the process from the vineyard owner himself. Along the way, a stop at the Our Lady of Ardilliers church adds a peek into local pilgrimage sites that predate Lourdes.
What makes this tour unique is the combination of cycling, wine tasting, and cultural insights—all accessible thanks to the electric bikes, which make hills and distances manageable. This is ideal for active travelers who want to experience local traditions and flavors in a relaxed setting. The tour’s inclusion of visits to historic vineyards and local churches makes it more than just a wine tasting.
Bottom Line: Perfect for active wine lovers who want a well-rounded, insightful experience with beautiful landscapes and excellent tastings.
3. From Saumur: Loire Valley Private 2-Day Wine Cycling Trip
Number 3 is the Loire Valley Private 2-Day Wine Cycling Trip, which offers an immersive two-day experience exploring the region’s castles, villages, and vineyards by bike. For $995 per person, you’ll get to visit iconic spots like Chinon and Candes Saint Martin, riding along the Loire River, through vineyards, and past historic landmarks like castles and abbeys.
The tour emphasizes interaction with winemakers, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at how Loire wines are crafted. Your days will be filled with tastings of local wines paired with regional foods, making each stop both educational and delicious. The route is carefully curated to highlight the best scenery and cultural sites, with a focus on small-group intimacy and personalized attention.
Guests who love cycling and wine find this tour to be an ideal way to combine physical activity with rich local flavors. The 5-star review underscores its high quality, and the two days provide enough time to explore without feeling rushed. If you’re looking for a longer, more in-depth experience and are comfortable on a bike, this is a top choice.
Bottom Line: A comprehensive, well-paced way to see the Loire Valley’s highlights while tasting its wines and learning from local experts.
4. Saumur Private Walking Tour
Number 4 on our list is the Saumur Private Walking Tour, offering a deep dive into the town’s medieval roots and its role in regional history. For around $322, up to 15 people can discover Saumur’s historic core in a two-hour stroll. Highlights include the 10th-century monastery, Renaissance architecture, and the legendary Cadre Noir equestrian center.
The guide shares stories about Saumur’s involvement in the Edict of Nantes and its resistance during WWII. Visitors also explore Charles de Foucauld’s birthplace and other local landmarks. This tour is ideal for history buffs and those who want to understand Saumur’s cultural layers firsthand. The personal nature of a private group ensures a relaxed pace and tailored insights.
Guests appreciate the tour’s discovery of Saumur’s roots and stories that bring its streets alive. It’s a good fit for travelers with limited time but who want a thorough introduction to the town’s character.
Bottom Line: An engaging, informative walk through Saumur’s past, perfect for history lovers or first-time visitors wanting a local’s perspective.
5. A visit to the Langlois cellars in Saumur
Number 5 is the Langlois Cellars tour, which offers an insider’s look into how sparkling wines are made in the troglodyte caves. This hour-long visit includes guided tastings of 3 Crémants de Loire and 3 still wines, providing a close-up view of the patient aging process in cellar tunnels carved into the tuffeau stone.
What makes this experience stand out is its setting: exploring underground caves that have been dug into the soft limestone for centuries. The knowledgeable guides share the secrets of creating fine bubbly, giving you a sense of craftsmanship and patience that’s hard to find elsewhere. Reviews acknowledge the privileged access and the educational value, making it a good choice for wine lovers who want to learn about the region’s sparkling wine heritage.
Pricing isn’t listed, but the tour’s focus on cellar visits and tastings makes it a valuable experience for those wanting a behind-the-scenes look at wine production. It’s suited to visitors interested in wine, history, and unique underground landscapes.
Bottom Line: A distinctive tour for those curious about sparkling wine production in one of France’s premier regions.
6. Doué-la-Fontaine: historical tour of the town with wine tasting
Number 6 features the Doué-la-Fontaine historical tour, led by Louis Langlois, offering a slow-paced journey through the town’s past in about three hours. Starting in either Doué-la-Fontaine or Saumur, the tour includes a private visit to a wine cellar and stories about the town’s significance through the ages.
This tour is especially appealing for those interested in local stories, from medieval times to resistance efforts during WWII. Alongside historical narration, the wine tasting adds a flavorful layer to the experience. Its accessibility makes it suitable for a wide range of travelers, including families and older visitors.
Guests appreciate the leisurely pace and the chance to learn about the town’s evolution while sampling regional wines. It’s a good option for a relaxed afternoon that combines culture and wine.
Bottom Line: A laid-back, informative tour that gives a thorough understanding of Doué-la-Fontaine’s and Saumur’s shared history with a taste of local wine.
7. Guided e-bike tour of Saumur
Number 7 is the Guided e-bike tour of Saumur, perfect for those short on time but eager to see the city’s highlights. In just 1.5 hours, you’ll pedal along the Loire paths, through neighborhoods, and charming alleys, all while being led by an experienced local guide.
What makes this tour appealing is the electric bike, which means no effort is required to cover scenic routes and uphill areas. It’s a flexible way to get a good overview of Saumur’s most photogenic spots and local secrets without breaking a sweat. The guide’s deep knowledge ensures you’ll learn about the city’s history and culture along the way.
This is an excellent choice for travelers who want a quick, active overview of Saumur without committing to a full day or more involved experience. Reviews are not available, but the format suits active travelers or those with limited time.
Bottom Line: An efficient, enjoyable way to see Saumur’s main sights on a comfortable e-bike with expert guidance.
8. Guided tour of the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud
Number 8 takes you inside the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud, a site packed with stories about Eleanor of Aquitaine and medieval monastic life. The 2-hour guided tour starts at the abbey itself and is available in several languages. It uncovers tales of religious life, prison history, and the unique architecture of this rare abbey complex.
The tour’s highlights include stories about the founder, the abbey’s role in regional politics, and its more recent history as a prison. Visitors describe the experience as fascinating and full of “unusual anecdotes,” making it a standout for culture and history enthusiasts. The tour is accessible and allows for private groups, which can tailor the experience further.
If you’re intrigued by medieval architecture and stories of Eleanor of Aquitaine, this tour offers a compelling visit that enriches your understanding of the region’s past.
Bottom Line: A captivating cultural excursion into a historic site with plenty of stories, perfect for lovers of medieval history.
9. Sunrise cruise on the Loire River in Saumur
Number 9 is the Sunrise cruise — a peaceful way to experience the Loire’s natural beauty. For only $36 per person, you’ll start your day with a 2-hour journey on the river, watching the first light over the UNESCO-listed landscapes. You’re served pastries, hot drinks, and fruit juice as you drift along.
What makes this cruise special is the quiet serenity and the chance to see the wild and royal sides of the Loire at dawn. It’s a great option for early risers or those seeking a calm, scenic moment. The crew is attentive, making sure you enjoy this tranquil start to the day.
This experience is best suited for travelers who love nature, photography, or simply want to enjoy a gentle, reflective moment on the water. It’s not a long tour but provides a memorable snapshot of the Loire’s early morning magic.
Bottom Line: A peaceful, scenic cruise perfect for a quiet morning and a different view of Saumur’s landscapes.
10. Traditional Loire boat rental
Finally, the Traditional Loire boat rental offers a private vessel with a pilot, allowing you to choose your own route along the river. For a set rate (regardless of group size within capacity), you can enjoy a 2-hour private boat charter that passes past famous castles and along the scenic Loire.
This option is exceptional if you want complete flexibility and privacy—imagine floating past Château de Saumur at your own pace or stopping for photos whenever you like. The boat is at 21 Quai du Marronnier, with a straightforward meeting point. Reviews aren’t listed, but the focus on a private, customizable experience makes this ideal for families, couples, or groups who prefer a personal touch.
Keep in mind, you’ll want to bring a camera for the photo stops and be prepared for a relaxed, scenic ride with no fixed itinerary. It’s a perfect way to create your own Loire adventure.
Bottom Line: A flexible, private way to explore the Loire by boat, tailored to your schedule and interests.
How to Choose the Right Tour in Saumur
When deciding among these options, consider your budget, time constraints, and interests. For a short, scenic introduction, the traditional boat trip or guided e-bike tour are excellent. If you’re passionate about wine, the wine cycling trips or cellar visits add a flavorful layer. History lovers might prefer the walking tour or the Fontevraud abbey. For a romantic or peaceful start, the sunrise cruise offers a contemplative view.
Booking early is advised, especially for popular activities like the 2-day wine cycling trip or tours with limited availability. Consider the season—spring and early fall are ideal for outdoor activities, while winter offers fewer options but a cozy atmosphere.
Final Thoughts
Saumur’s array of tours caters to many types of travelers. History enthusiasts will appreciate the Saumur private walking tour, while adventure lovers might favor the e-bike tours. For a scenic, relaxing experience, the Sunrise cruise or the traditional boat are excellent choices.
Ultimately, Saumur offers a diverse selection that can suit your timeframe, interests, and energy level. We recommend booking your preferred tour early—these experiences are popular and tend to fill up quickly. Whichever you choose, you’re in for a memorable journey through one of France’s most picturesque regions.
