The Château de Saumur, originally built as a castle and later developed as a château. It was originally constructed in the 10th century by Theobald I, Count of Blois, as a fortified stronghold against Norman attacks. It overlooks the confluence of the rivers Loire and Thouet. In 1026 it came into the hands of Fulk Nerra, count of Anjou, who bequeathed it to his Plantagenet heirs. Following its destruction in 1067, the castle was rebuilt by Henry II of England in the later 12th century
After exploring the castle Wendy found a backroad out of the castle and down a very steep and twisting trail to the river fornt. From there we rode along the rive rto the Pont Cessart where we crossed to Offard Island. We rode across the island, through a bust shopping centre and then turned East and rode to the end of the island and the camping area.