UNUSUAL GORGEOUS TRADITIONAL BOAT FACING THE CHATEAU DE SAUMUR

We stayed in both the self-catering apartment and then in one of the two houseboats, which are moored just below the 19th century stone mansion which contains the apartment. All three have probably the best view of Saumur's chateau as they are directly across the river, on the island (Ile d'Offard). it's a short walk to town across the main bridge which is about two blocks away, and there are also shops on the island, including a wonderful bakery with some of the best crossants we've ever tasted. Georges and Armelle are friendly and diligent hosts, who will do anything needed to make the stay pleasant and relaxing. The property is in a very quiet area but easily walkable to many shops and two excellent markets, on the island itself on Thursdays, and in the central Saumur town square on Saturdays. We had not realized that the apartment has a small second bedroom which came in very handy when our daughters came for a short visit. The apartment includes washing machine and dishwasher, and a small but workable cooktop. The modern shower has lots of hot water and great pressure, also true in the boat. WiFi connections worked well, and the apartment's high ceilings and thick stone walls keep rooms cool on hot days. We could never decide whether we preferred the view of the chateau during the day, when the sun sparkles off the creamy limestone walls and turrets, or at night, when the gleaming chateau is reflected onto the river's calm surface. Saumur is a smallish town (pop. around 30,000) located between the larger and better-known cities of Tours and Angers. On the north side of the river is the modern train station with easy connections or direct service to Angers, Nantes, St. Nazaire, Orleans, Le Mans, Tours, Paris etc. on clean, fast trains, and the English-speaking station staff are helpful and gave us ticket suggestions which saved us quite a few Euros on our numerous local and regional trips. This is a great base for exploring the Loire Valley's many sights, including not only the many well-known castles but also the huge medieval abbey at Fonteyvraud (where Richard Lion Heart and his family are buried) as well as many wineries. Saumur has its own "appellation" and several wineries which provide tours, such as Veuve Amiot which makes excellent sparkling wines at very attractive prices (also free tours and tasting). We would gladly go back for another stay, as there is still a lot we were not able to cover in one visit.