The Saumur Cavalry School
Saumur's rich military history began in 1763, when the Carabiniers regiment of the Count of Provence settled in the town on the initiative of Choiseul. In 1814, the School of Instruction of Horse Troops took over, and in 1825, it became the Royal School of Cavalry. This institution was at the origin of a remarkable architectural heritage, including the 18th century barracks, as well as the riding schools and stables surrounding the Place du Chardonnet, built in the 18th and 19th centuries. This complex is today one of the finest examples of equestrian military architecture in Europe.
When it was completed in 1769, this complex was the largest in France specifically designed for equestrianism. The central building in classical style, reserved for officers' quarters, now houses a museum tracing the history of the French cavalry, from Charles VII in 1445 to modern chariots. The stables, built parallel to the west wing, were among the first to be located outside, contrary to the common practice of housing the riders above their horses. Today, these stables are a section of the Musée de la Cavalerie. The riding school for the equerries, designed to impress, is inspired by the model of the Trocadéro.
The Armored Cavalry Training School, although looking to the future, perpetuates the traditions of the cavalry. It draws its strength from a prestigious past, faithful to the cavalry spirit of initiative, audacity and panache. Equipped with the most modern facilities, it combines simulation and cutting-edge equipment to train the management of the armored forces of today and tomorrow. The young executives leaving this school are immediately able to engage in various operational configurations, mastering the most advanced equipment.
The Tank Museum
Originally located within the École de Cavalerie, the Musée des Blindés was moved to a larger and more suitable space, a little further into the city. This move allowed the museum to develop and diversify its collections, offering visitors a more immersive and educational experience.
The Musée des Blindés in Saumur is one of the largest museums of its kind in the world. It houses a collection of over 800 armoured vehicles, ranging from the first tanks of the First World War to the most modern models. Visitors can discover rare and iconic pieces, such as the Renault FT tank from 1917, the famous German Panther, and vehicles from the Cold War.
The museum also offers interactive exhibitions and dynamic demonstrations, allowing visitors to see these vehicles in action. Special events, such as historical re-enactments and open days, are regularly held, offering a unique opportunity to delve into the history of armoured vehicles and understand their crucial role in modern conflicts.
The Fortifications of Saumur
The fortifications of Saumur bear witness to the strategic importance of the city over the centuries. The Château de Saumur, which majestically dominates the Loire, was built in the 10th century by Thibault le Tricheur, Count of Blois. Initially a simple wooden fortress, it was gradually transformed into a stone castle in the 13th century by the Plantagenets, becoming a royal residence under Louis XI. The outbreak of the Hundred Years' War in 1337 gave the fortified cities of Saumur and Angers a crucial strategic role. While Louis I undertook a major reconstruction of the castle, giving it the elegant silhouette depicted in the miniature of the Très Riches Heures du duc de Berry (see the miniature extract from the manuscript below), the city was adorned with a large fortified enclosure, the work on which, attested in 1364, continued until the middle of the 15th century. By far the most spectacular, it consisted of four gates and at least 19 towers, 10 of which still stand today.
The castle served as a military fortress, prison, and weapons depot, playing a key role in regional and national conflicts. The imposing ramparts and towers, built to withstand sieges, still offer a fascinating insight into medieval military architecture. Guided tours provide insight into the tumultuous history of this iconic monument.
The Cadets of Saumur
The Saumur cadets occupy a special place in the city's military history. In June 1940, during the German invasion, these young reserve officers, aged 20 to 25, distinguished themselves by their exceptional courage. Enlisted in the Cavalry School, approximately 800 cadets defied more than 40,000 German soldiers at the gates of Saumur on June 18, 1940, as Marshal Pétain signed the Armistice with Germany.
Armed with musketoons, training weapons, and their courage, the cadets defended the bridges of Gennes from June 18 to 20, 1940. Their heroic resistance inspired 2,500 French soldiers, including Algerian riflemen, reserve aspirant students from Saint-Maixent, sappers from the 6th Engineer Regiment, and cavalrymen from the 19th Dragoon Regiment, who joined them with 24 armored vehicles. Although outnumbered and outgunned, they held their position, delaying the German advance.
Their bravery left an indelible mark. General Kurt Feld, head of the German division, impressed by their bravery, let them leave for the free zone with military honors. The nickname "Cadets of Saumur" was thus born, symbolizing their temerity.