Last updated: 11 November 2024
Discover the holiday season in Saumur, royal city of the Loire Valley! Our guide presents all the festivities and activities that illuminate the city during the winter season, at the foot of the famous château.
From the historic center to the banks of the Loire, Saumur adorns itself with festive decorations. The traditional Christmas market on Place Saint-Pierre welcomes local artisans, while rue Saint-Jean comes alive with decorated shop windows. The illuminations run through the medieval streets to the Town Hall, creating a warm atmosphere throughout the city.
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Saumur Holiday Light Displays
Father Christmas Festival at Montbazon
- What to Expect
- Personalized Christmas ball and wreath creations
- Description
- The Village of Father Christmas at Montbazon Fortress offers a festive experience with lights, creative workshops, stories, and entertainment for all ages. Visitors can enjoy seasonal specialties in the gourmet stalls and complete their purchases in the specially themed shop.
- Where
- Montbazon | More Info : Father Christmas Festival at Montbazon
Saumur Holiday Markets and Shopping
Saumur Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Presence of many local artisans and merchants.
- Description
- The Saumur Christmas Market is an essential event that brings together artisans and merchants to offer tastings, magical discoveries, and gift shopping. Visitors can stroll through the wooden huts of artisans and decorated Christmas trees, make their last Christmas purchases, gather around a cup of hot wine, or enjoy various animations.
- Where
- Saumur | More Info : Saumur Christmas Market
Tours Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- A dozen chalets spread across three distinct locations.
- Description
- The Tours Christmas Market welcomes you to three distinct locations with a dozen chalets each: Boulevard Heurteloup, Place de la Résistance, and Place Anatole France. You will find local products, artisanal items, jewelry, and other gift ideas in the chalets.
- Where
- Tours | More Info : Tours Christmas Market
Saumur Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas Visit to the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud
- What to Expect
- A festive visit with concerts and exhibitions.
- Description
- The Christmas Visit to Fontevraud Royal Abbey offers a rich cultural experience with concerts, exhibitions, and family activities.
- Where
- Fontevraud-l'Abbaye | More Info : Christmas Visit to the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud
Discovery of the Cadre Noir of Saumur
- What to Expect
- Exclusive guided tours and commented presentations of the riders and their horses.
- Description
- The Cadre noir de Saumur is a premier site for French equestrian excellence, offering guided tours to explore the history and operation of the school. Visitors can choose between classic tours, investigations, or meetings for initiates.
- Where
- Saumur | More Info : Discovery of the Cadre Noir of Saumur
Saumur Other Holiday Activities
Visit to the Combier Distillery
- What to Expect
- Guided tour with tasting of Combier liqueurs
- Description
- Step back in time and discover the secrets of Combier liqueur production and the fascinating history of absinthe. The distillery is open for visits all year round by appointment.
- Where
- Saumur | More Info : Visit to the Combier Distillery
Christmas Visit to the Château de Villandry
- What to Expect
- Nature is invited into each room of the castle.
- Description
- The Château de Villandry invites visitors to spend Christmas in a warm and welcoming family home. Nature enters each room, with plant decorations and festive arrangements creating a festive atmosphere.
- Where
- Villandry | More Info : Christmas Visit to the Château de Villandry
Christmas Visit to the Chinon Fortress
- What to Expect
- Immersive path dedicated to the iconic queens of Chinon.
- Description
- The Royal Fortress of Chinon celebrates Christmas by honoring women. An enchanting path, blending history, poetry, and nature, dedicated to the two iconic queens of Chinon: Eleanor of Aquitaine and Marie of Anjou. The royal lodgings transform into a fairy-tale setting thanks to refined floral compositions, immersing visitors in the magic of Christmas festivities.
- Where
- Chinon | More Info : Christmas Visit to the Chinon Fortress
Christmas Tales at Château de l'Islette
- What to Expect
- Christmas stories told by Madame Bénédicte Michaud every day.
- Description
- Immerse yourself in a warm environment where Madame Bénédicte Michaud tells stories from around the world every day starting at 4 PM, by the cozy fireplace.
- Where
- Azay-le-Rideau | More Info : Christmas Tales at Château de l'Islette