Divine

Loire

In our Magazine

Saumur

In the heart of the Loire Valley, where the river’s mist clings to tuffeau stone and memories of the Plantagenets linger, Saumur has danced between elegance and rebellion since the 11th century. Its historic cavalry school, founded in 1825, still echoes with the rhythm of precise dressage—it is here, beneath slate rooftops, that the fine art of control meets the liberty of the Loire. To think of Saumur only as a sparkling wine is to miss its gentle contradiction: the precision of méthode traditionnelle meeting the unforced beauty of Cabernet Franc in chalky soils. This appellation balances nerve and grace, with whites that carry limestone’s cool imprint and reds that capture wild cherry, graphite and the faintest whisper of violets. The play of light on the confluence of tufa caves and hillside vines invites quiet appreciation—and in autumn’s golden calm, on a walk along the south-facing slopes of Parnay, the river seems to hold its breath. Further layers of Saumur’s charm await curious palates and thoughtful footsteps—explore more in the pages that follow.