The 'Jewel of the Loire' on our French cycling tours

Published on: 12th June 2012
By Green Jersey Cycling

The 10th century castle style chateau at Saumur has a very interesting history and certainly adds culture to a cycling holiday in France. 

Our Loire Valley cycle route does pass by quite a few chateaux, but Saumur is known as the 'Jewel of the Loire'.
This chateau has had a range of owners, from Theobald I who required a stronghold against the Normans in the 10th century, through wars and destruction being rebuilt by Henry II of England in the 12th century and various French kings and dignitaries, it has also been a prison during Napoleon's time, to army barracks and currently a museum of decorative arts, horses and antique toys - what a blend! 

Green Jersey Cycling: 12th Jun 2012 09:00:00