Saumur, located in the Loire Valley of Central France, affiliated with Asheville in 1996.

Fast Facts

• Population 30,000
• Well known for its beautiful centuries-old homes and churches, fine wines, and mushroom caves
• Famous for its role in inspiring the 'Edict of Nantes', creating religious equality under Henri IV
• The birthplace of Coco Chanel

Past Projects

• May 29, 2000 official visit of six Saumur city officials to Asheville.
• Both local boys' and girls' basketball teams participated in a Saumur's Jeanne d'Arc International Basketball Tournament over the Easter weekend of 1999 and 2000.
• Several groups of international guests have been home hosted.
• An inter-university agreement exists between UNCA and the Université Catholique de l'Ouest (UCO) near Saumur. Warren Wilson College also developed a partnership with UCO through sister cities' help.
• Saumur culinary students from the Lycée Jean Bertin Culinary School have created projects on exchange with Asheville restaurants. Future Projects
• Visit by jewelry crafts students from Haywood Technical Community College to Saumur.

View Map (Saumur is located between Tours and Angers)

The ASC Saumur Committee can be reached by email at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it