The best running trails in Loire-Anjou-Touraine

The Royal Abbey of Fontevraud is one of the largest monastic communities in Europe dating back to the Middle Ages. It is a place with a rich history, located in the heart of the Loire Valley and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The abbey is a unique cultural site! An abbey with a royal destination, a formidable prison is today a place of creation (museum of modern art).

The Place Saint-Pierre in Saumur has traditionally been a haven for bistros. This is where social life meets. Sit down and enjoy the bustling life.

Behind the classical 17th-century facade lies a magnificent building that combines both Romanesque and Plantagenet Gothic styles. Saint Peter's Church is a representative example of Plantagenet Gothic (12th-13th centuries), particularly due to its strongly curved vaults. Among the furnishings is a remarkable set of 15th-century choir stalls. (Organ concerts are regularly held here). Restoration of the west facade began in November 2008. A team of stonemasons consolidated and restored this classical facade in a "composite" style. This facade had closed off the nave since the 17th century following the collapse of the first Gothic facade. The building was then completely restored! Source: https://www.ville-saumur.fr/patrimoine-architectural/l-eglise-saint-pierre-2

The Royal Abbey of Fontevraud is one of the largest monastic communities in Europe dating back to the Middle Ages. It is a place steeped in history, located in the heart of the Loire Valley and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Let yourself be carried away by the magic of this ancient site and discover the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud, an architectural and historical jewel that will fascinate young and old alike. Thanks to captivating exhibitions, fascinating guided tours and a rich cultural programme, you will immerse yourself in the unique world of this abbey, founded in the 11th century and once a necropolis of the Plantagenets. Every stone, every vault, every corner tells a story... But Fontevraud is much more than a historical site... Broaden your discovery with a visit to the Fontevraud Museum of Modern Art, which houses more than 800 works donated by Martine and Léon Cligman. A prestigious collection that combines ancient and modern art, for an artistic immersion through the ages. Triggered? Find out more at https://www.ot-saumur.fr/en/abbeys-and-religious-heritage/royal-abbey-of-fontevraud-5344942/

The Royal Abbey of Fontevraud is one of the largest monastic communities in Europe dating back to the Middle Ages. It is a place with a rich history, located in the heart of the Loire Valley and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

City on the banks of the Loire with dazzling white walls and iridescent blue roofs, Saumur tells the chapters of its history to the powerful and majestic rhythm of the river. Royal city and princely castle, place of security and Protestant intellectual centre, equestrian capital with the evocative name of fine bubbles or still wines, it is all these events and all this know-how that the river serenely reflects at the foot of the limestone hill.

Originally constructed in the 10th century by Theobald I, Count of Blois, the château was built as a fortified stronghold to protect a nearby Benedictine abbey. In 1026, it came under the control of Fulk Nerra, Count of Anjou, and was later inherited by the Plantagenets. After its destruction in 1067, the castle was rebuilt by Henry II of England in the late 12th century. https://www.mybkexperience.it.com

Great place to stop for lunch on a bike ride. Book in advance and take the tour with picnic lunch.