The Mushroom Museum🍄

🍄Once upon a time a mushroom Museum at Saumur (/soʊˈmʊər/)

Based in Saint-Hilaire-Saint-Florent (/sænt ɪˈlɛər sænt flɔːˈrɒ̃/), on the Saumur heights, in the Maine et Loire, the Mushroom Museum offers, first and foremost, a unique immersion in the fascinating universe of mushrooms. Whether they are wild or cultivated.

Indeed, established in old troglodyte galleries and dug in tuffeau (/ˈtuːfoʊ/), this bizarre site also, at the same time, cultivates culture, nature and local stories, in a as mystic as educational atmosphere.

🍄A bizarre spot in the heart of The Loire (/lwɑːr/) Valley.

First of all, the Museum extend in old underground cellars, typical of the Loire landscape. Once upon a time, these galleries, where the temperature is steady and humide are ideal, were used to mushroom harvest, carrying on the local skill.

Nowadays, it contains an exceptional and educational collection dedicated to these fascinating organisms.

👉 Small tips: plan to have a small wool, as the temperatures in the cellars do not exceed 13 °C.

👉During the visit, the public discovers in particular:

More than 250 species of wild mushrooms, from morels to toadstools.
An active mushroom garden where Paris mushrooms, oyster mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms and other exotic varieties grow. But above all, the star of the place: the largest specimens of mushrooms from Paris, called Galipettes (/ˌɡælɪˈpɛts/).
In addition, detailed explanations on cultivation techniques, the history of the mushroom and the essential role of fungi in the ecosystem.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Young and old can discover the Mushroom Museum

The Mushroom Museum is not only a natural curiosity; it is also a family and educational place.

Thus, workshops and a course specially designed for young and old allow to better understand the life of mushrooms, their growth, their culinary uses, but also their ecological role.

Moreover, the visit generally lasts between 1 and 1 hour 30 minutes, which makes it an ideal outing during a stay in the region or a weekend with family.

ℹ️Practical information about the Mushroom Museum

📅 Open

The museum is open every day from early February to mid-November. However, hours vary according to the season:

10 am to 6 pm in low season (February, March, October, November)

Until 7 p.m. from April to September

🚗 Access

The museum is located a few minutes’ drive from downtown Saumur and famous troglodyte sites such as Pierre et Lumière (/pjɛər eɪ luːˈmjɛər/) and the Puygirault’s gardens ( /pwi ʒɪˈroʊ/).

💶 Indicative rates

Prices may vary; however, there are generally:

Adult: ~$8–$9

Child: ~6–7 €

Family packages and tickets combined with other troglodyte sites

🍄 An immersion in the mycological universe

One of the main assets of the Museum of the Mushroom is its ability to stimulate the senses. Indeed, the visual diversity of the species exhibited blends with the aromas and textures specific to the mushroom.

Thus, visitors experience a real sensory and cultural immersion in the mycological universe, thanks to a staging that delights both enthusiasts and curious.

💡 Local anecdotes

It should be stressed that troglodytism is a strong element of the Saumur identity. Notably, these cellars were used for viticulture, wine storage and, of course, mushroom cultivation.

🍽️ Gastronomic focus

The mushrooms grown here are regularly integrated into the local cooking. For example, Galipettes are often served as an appetiser, stuffed with garlic butter.

In this way, the museum creates a tasty link between natural heritage and culinary tradition.

🌟 Conclusion: extend the mycological experience of the Saumurois

In the end, a visit to the Mushroom Museum offers much more than just an unusual discovery. On the contrary, it offers an immersion in a unique underground heritage, local know-how and a fascinating world where nature and history meet.

Therefore, why not extend this trip to the heart of the Loire Valley? After a day exploring the cellars and treasures of Saumur, staying at the Best Western Adagio Hotel allows you to fully enjoy the charm of the city.

Ideally located, comfortable and welcoming, the establishment is thus a perfect starting point to discover the other riches of the territory, between castles, vineyards and banks of the Loire.

In short, a great way to combine cultural discovery, gourmet pleasures and relaxation for a complete stay in Saumur. 🍄✨