The town of Saumur recently hosted a captivating event. Here we present a few stolen moments.
For a weekend, the famous city was transformed, transported to another era.
For the second year, it has organized the Special Anjou Vélo Vintage Tour. The aim is to recreate the atmosphere of the early days of the Tour de France, with vintage bicycles and adhoc clothing. 
A real universe emerges before our eyes.
Elegance, superb French elegance, is reborn. The chic, the ultra chic is to stylistically match your bike and your clothes. The challenge is enormous. With a competition to back it up, it’s all about showing your ability to draw inspiration from another date, to take a real space-time trip.
Styles and historical periods collide to delight the eye. The atmosphere is undeniably playful. Bustiers from the 50s cohabit with 19th-century tops.
The game pleases. 
Various nationalities are represented. Japanese, Koreans, Italians and English all flocked. Between a mischievous return to childhood and historical research, the weekend was more than rich, surprising and almost enchanting. More than 13,000 people ventured to Saumur that weekend.
On Saturday morning, competitors and visitors arrived on site. An impressive vintage village was created to entertain them. 6,000 M2 were dedicated to bikes through the ages. Stores were able to provide you with a gear from the 40s to the 80s, while others were dedicated to fashion. Hats, bags, shoes, you name it. Satisfaction was at its peak.
Numerous activities were on offer. An exhibition of Vélos de Légende (Legendary Bikes), organized by the Conseil Général de Maine-et-Loire, enabled visitors to admire some superb specimens. All belonged to Emmanuel Dehan’s collection, and recalled the models used by the ‘Greats’, Bobet, Mercks, Poulidor, etc …
An “old-fashioned” post office had been reconstituted from the collection of Olivier Groult, an Angevin. Thanks to it, anyone could send special telegrams. Once the text arrived at its destination, it was typed in the style of an ‘old timer’.
A stand served up some daring dishes. Using the ‘old-fashioned vegetables’ produced by the Maine-et-Loire Agricultural Cooperative, regional chefs dared to serve Tomatoes and guignolet, Green and white asparagus tartar with roasted hazelnuts… Etc. Everything has been done to ensure optimal entertainment.
A lunchtime reception was held at the Gratien & Meyer estate. Between cocktails and a jazz band, a tour of the cellars was organized. The Saumur region revealed some of its secret charms. From ancient winemaking techniques to tastings, every moment was precious. 
Saumur brut, demi-sec, rosé, crémant de Loire, the wines displayed their singularity. Festillant was also a highlight. Created by Gratien&Meyer, this drink made from local grape varieties has been dealcoholized. While the alcohol is gone, the aromas are still very present. White, rosé or even flavored in a variety of ways (with Cranberry, Grapefruit, etc.), this nectar deserves a certain amount of attention.
In the afternoon, the competition. Competitors were divided into four categories: Trendy, Glamorous, Sporty and Authentic. The racing machines were gleaming, the competitors’ eyes filled with hope. 
Everyone used their inventiveness and skill to finalize an outfit and present a coherent, distinctive appearance. Thirty-two singular outfits captivated the public. A special, out-of-category prize was awarded, further rewarding creativity and daring. These included Mme Baruzzo (Prix special du Jury), Delphine Lemoigne (1er Prix Glamour), Christophe Delucas (1er Prix Branché), Christian Cappeleto (2ème Prix Sportif), Bernard Letscher (3ème prix Sportif), Alexandre Voisine (2ème Prix Authentique) and his Grand-Bi,…
In the evening, a reception was hosted by Maison Bouvet-Ladubay. The dinner offered a glimpse of the wealth of local produce. A Lindy Hop dance enchanted those present. It offered a variety of pleasures. Fabrics mingled, prints juxtaposed, as did history.
Music and dance created a sensation of freedom, almost tantamount to an extraordinary escape. It was going to be a hectic weekend. We had to return step by step, in anticipation of the next day, just as promising. ..
The illuminated Saumur, citadel and château, overlooking the Loire, were awe-inspiring. A sweet sensation and a delight. To any stranger to this world, the beauty of the Loire was on display.
The region’s reputation for visual and culinary delights is no accident.
The next day, Sunday, the atmosphere was sporting. 1400 people were present. 
For the sum of 12 euros and the rental of a bicycle, anyone could take part in a quality cycling race. There were four routes to choose from: 34 km for occasional sports enthusiasts, 58 km for seasoned cyclists, and 100 km for performance enthusiasts. In addition to the superb scenery, each itinerary showcased the local heritage. From vineyards to châteaux, every stop was a pleasant surprise.
The first of these, the 34 km, offered some great prospects. Here’s a transcript of a few sporting moments, to be experienced in the present. At the start line in Saumur, everyone was in a frenzy. The cyclists, all excited by the prospect of adventure, were busy with the final preparations. And hup! The rustle of a flag and they were off to the banks of the Loire. A few classic cars accompanied them.
As they threaded their way through the vineyards, everyone savored the characteristics of the Saumur region: good living, good eating, conviviality… An ideal place for short or long stays.
The race continued. A first stop at Château de Parnay, where a tasting of particularly interesting wines was on offer… . The bubbles popped and exploded in the mouth. The white wine, sparkling or not, was a pleasant distraction for the taste buds. Bicycles in hand, everyone enjoyed themselves and pulled themselves together. A few seconds, a few minutes, and it was time to set off again. Everyone got back on their bikes. The next stop was Souzay, a troglodyte village. A speciality of the banks of the Loire, these are highly distinctive. Generally present as early as the 12th century, they bear witness to the local medieval habitat. Dwellings dug into the rock offered protection from the elements and daily uncertainties. They also housed a wide range of commercial activities. Here, on this Sunday, bakers reopened the ancestral ovens and made ‘fouées’, a local specialty. A judicious combination of bread dough and cheese soothed the appetites of the sports enthusiasts. It was time to hit the road again, …
In the distance, the Château de Montsoreau loomed large. 
In the courtyard, a gourmet picnic was organized. All participants relaxed. Sitting down, stretched out in the short grass, they took a rest that would do them good.
A few minutes devoted to making new friends and the departure was announced.
The ride back to Saumur was a joyful one. Left and right, bicycles, triplets, young women with ribbons in their hair, men with biker glasses, … ! One daring man was riding a bi-cycle! The Grand bi appeared around 1870. Progressively, the size of the front wheel became omnipresent to the detriment of the small rear wheel. The aim was to increase the bike’s speed. Sometimes controversial for its dangerousness, it became widely used around 1884. During the Anjou Vélo Vintage Tour, Marc Lebreton, world grand-bi champion in 2009 and 2011, gave everyone a chance to familiarize themselves with his unusual design.
More, more, more! Elegance, elegance, multiplicity and style. Each at their own pace, they made their way towards the city. At the finish line, the competitors confirmed their participation. There, on the podium, they expressed their joy at discovering this country, this region. Of course, every aspect of the ride was discussed. Some focused on gastronomy and wine, others on conviviality and the talents of winegrowers.
Everyone was won over. For sure, they’ll be back, and with panache they’ll start the Anjou Vélo Vintage Tour all over again.
A superb adventure, impressive for the diversity of sensations it offers, and for the welcome given to the event by the people of Saumur. The town is fully mobilized, pulsating during the Grand Tour weekend. It’s entirely devoted to the visitor, the tourist impressed by this availability. Famous for its exceptional horses and its Ecole du Cadre Noire, Saumur could now be renowned for its steel mounts.
Come, come, you won’t regret it !
To help you prepare your stay in Anjou, check out http://www.anjou-velo-vintage.com/ , http://www.anjou-tourisme.com/ and Le Guide Evasion Anjou published by Hachette. The latter two offer suggestions for accommodation, an analysis of the territory and a very good overview of its potential.
In addition to the Anjou Vélo Vintage weekend, a number of suggested tours are available on foot, by bicycle, etc.!
Jazz aperitifs at Domaine Gratien&Meyer every Friday evening until September 7. Details at http://www.gratienmeyer.com
And a few wineries to visit, www bouvet-ladubay.fr, www.chateaudeparnay.fr, http://www.gratienmeyer.com
Cette publication est également disponible en : Français (French)
