Richelieu, the Cardinal's City
From the very first moments, as you walk the streets of Richelieu, you are immersed in a unique atmosphere, that of 17th-century France.
"Richelieu? Ah yes, of course, the famous red cardinal from the reign of Louis XIII!" will exclaim fans of The Three Musketeers.
"Richelieu? An unsung gem of the Loire Valley, a village where the spirit of the musketeers still lingers!" will reply those who have already strolled there.
Our journey therefore begins here, in this little gem of barely 1500 souls, miraculously preserved from time.
The town of Richelieu is a royal gift. In 1631, King Louis XIII, in gratitude for the loyal service of his minister, granted him the construction of a fortified town in his honor. Thus was born Richelieu, an architectural jewel of the Grand Siècle, conceived and built according to the ideals of absolutism: a rigorously symmetrical urban plan, two large squares, imposing ramparts, and a vast park of 475 hectares, still standing despite the ravages of time.
The authenticity of this village is best savored first thing in the morning, over a steaming cup of coffee on the terrace of the "Richelieu" café in the central square. Then, it's time for a stroll: a stop in front of the Notre-Dame collegiate church, a visit to the 17th-century covered market, where you can discover the produce of the surrounding farms – aged cheeses, golden loaves of bread, and sun-drenched fruits and vegetables. Finally, one detail is intriguing: the doorways of the houses, smaller than they are today… Were people in the 17th century really so short?
We won't dwell on it too long, but the scent of that France of yesteryear will stay with us for a long time.
SAUMUR, a well-deserved shopping break!
A 45-minute break
Stepping into the E.Leclerc shopping center in Saumur is like taking a welcome breather. Travel is also about knowing when to pause, combining relaxation with the pleasure of shopping. Stroll through the modern galleries, find a souvenir to slip into your suitcase, or simply savor an espresso before hitting the road again, feeling lighthearted and refreshed.
The Michelin-starred restaurant at Fontevraud Abbey.
A royal luncheon awaits us beneath the majestic vaults of the abbey. At the helm is Thibaut Ruggeri, Michelin-starred chef and winner of the prestigious Bocuse d'Or. Here, gastronomy is an art, a tribute to local produce, chosen with meticulous care and prepared in the purest French tradition.
In the solemn setting of this thousand-year-old abbey, every bite is an invitation to travel. Subtle flavors, refined textures, meticulously balanced pairings: this meal promises to be unforgettable.
Fontevraud Abbey, between History and Mysteries (Duration: 1 hour)
Lost in time, Fontevraud is much more than just a monastery. For seven centuries, this abbey was run by women, welcoming nuns, royal princesses, and prisoners in turn. Its rich history has earned it a place on the World Heritage List.
Founded in 1101, this mixed abbey was governed by 36 abbesses from the most prominent families, including the Bourbons. But Fontevraud is also the necropolis of the Plantagenets: Henry II, Richard the Lionheart, and Eleanor of Aquitaine rest there for eternity.
After the Revolution, the abbey was transformed into a prison under Napoleon, before regaining its splendor from the 1960s onwards. Even today, its walls seem to whisper the intrigues of the past. And what of the enigma of the "Romanesque Kitchens"? Variously believed to be a baptistery, a funerary tower, or simply smoking rooms, their secret remains unsolved.
The only way to find out more? Go through the gates of the abbey and let yourself be captivated by its fascinating history.
COMBIER Distillery – The Alchemy of Flavors
In the heart of Saumur, a stop is a must in a temple of taste: the Combiers distillery, the oldest of the Loire Valley liqueur producers, founded in 1834.
Here, tradition and excellence blend in perfect harmony. You can still discover the 19th-century stills, designed by Gustave Eiffel's engineers. Each liqueur, each spirit, is the fruit of jealously guarded expertise, where ingredients are selected with meticulous precision: local rose petals, green anise from Spain, bitter oranges from Haiti…
Visiting the distillery means delving into the history of the famous Triple Sec "L'Original Combier" or unraveling the mysteries of absinthe, this "green fairy" that inflamed so many bohemian spirits, from Picasso to Degas.
And of course, it's time for the tasting: an explosion of flavors, from fragrant syrups and captivating liqueurs to mysterious absinthes. For those who want to take the experience further, a tasting aboard a boat sailing on the Loire is also available.
(Visit and tasting: €23 – Optional tasting on a boat: €31)
