War Memorial

Before you stands Saumur’s War Memorial, on Place de la République. Created in the early 20th century by sculptor Paul Roussel and architect A. Tourner, it pays tribute to the people of Saumur who gave their lives for France during the great conflicts of the 20th century. Carved from the region’s pale tuffeau stone, the monument is striking for its movement and symbolism: a mounted horseman carrying Victory behind him on horseback. This powerful allegory evokes Saumur’s deep equestrian heritage—the city of the Cadre Noir and the cavalry—where man and horse have always shared a single destiny. On the base, the names of the fallen are engraved in stone, standing as a timeless record of sacrifice. Since its unveiling, the memorial has remained the heart of Saumur’s commemorations. Each year on May 8 and November 11, residents, veterans, and schoolchildren gather here to honor those who fought and fell. Surrounded by the hum of daily life in this lively square, the monument endures as a place of remembrance and gratitude—a solemn reminder of the cost of peace and the enduring bond between Saumur and its proud military tradition.