Saint-Martin-De-La-Place lies between the Loire and the Authion, ten kilometres downstream from Saumur. This gives you two specific interests to consider when choosing a destination: the river landscape, with its paths and water activities, and architectural history spanning from the early 12th century to a neoclassical manor house.
Landscape, cycling and hiking trails
The banks of the Loire offer views across the valley and the southern slope; the panorama also takes in the wooded edges of the plateau. The Bords de Loire are open to visitors and offer a panorama of the river. Check visiting conditions before your trip.
For cyclists, the village lies at the crossroads of the Loire à Vélo and Authion à vélo routes. Since route signage and alignments should be checked before setting off, it is worth consulting the latest route maps for both when planning.
One option for exploring on foot is the flat “De la Loire à l'Authion” hiking trail. It is 13.7 kilometres long and runs between the banks of the Loire and the Authion. Its length and flat profile give you a clear idea of the route; check the route details before setting off.
Canoeing on the Loire
Canoës Terre d'Entente operates a canoe base in Saint-Martin-De-La-Place, where you can explore the Loire on the water. Trips are available solo, as a pair, or with family. Depending on the format, they last from two hours to several days. The choice ranges from a shorter outing to a multi-day trip; the time required depends largely on the duration you choose.
Activity formats and availability may vary by season. Check which trips are offered before your visit. This keeps your plans aligned with what is actually available locally, without assuming a particular season or availability.
Architectural history between chapel, château and manor house
The Prieuré de la Madeleine is the oldest building in the municipality. Its chapel was built in the early 12th century by Maurice Roinard, the Seigneur of Boumois, as the private chapel of his château. Château de Boumois is classified as a historic monument. After it was destroyed during the Hundred Years' War, René de Thory had it rebuilt farther north between 1520 and 1530, protected by the Levée.
Another historical layer leads back to the Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Florent de Saumur. It established a Blairie in what was then Platéa, now Saint-Martin-De-La-Place: a barn used to collect dues and tithes. A neoclassical manor house was built on the site of the former Blairie residence in the late 18th or early 19th century. Together, these buildings reflect different functions and eras: a private chapel, a rebuilt château, and a manor house on an older site used for economic purposes.
Individual visitors could visit Château de Boumois from 1 July to 31 August. Before your visit, check whether this seasonal arrangement is still in effect.
A find at the Port
The history of the river can also be read from the water level: the wooden piles of the raised causeway at the Port are dated to around AD 50. They are still visible when the water is very low. Whether they can be seen depends on the water level and the season.
Discover more destinations
Brain-sur-l'Authion, Bauné, Ambillou-Château, La Daguenière, Segré, Broc, La Ménitré, Grez-Neuville
For the broader travel overview: Maine-Et-Loire.
