Wednesday for windows...Rue René Boylesve in Tours.

Side window above a garage on Rue René Boylesve in Tours.

'Band standing'...

Two bandstands...the first in the public gardens in Loches and the second on Place du Maréchal Leclerc in Beaulieu-les-Loches.

Monday's chateau - Chateau de Montpupon

Approaching Chateau de Montpupon, the first thing that strikes you is how it seems to rise naturally from the landscape a graceful blend of creamy stone towers, slate rooftops, and medieval walls, softened by centuries and surrounded by forest. There’s a stillness to the place, as if it has been waiting patiently for you to discover it..

Tucked away in the rolling green hills of the Loire Valley, Château de Montpoupon always seems to glow brightest under a clear blue  sky. It’s not the largest, nor the most famous of France’s châteaux but that is precisely its charm. Here, the crowds thin out, the air is still, and history feels close enough to touch.

The château dates back to the Middle Ages, with each era leaving behind traces: a fortified keep, Renaissance-style wings, and carefully restored interiors. Yet it remains wonderfully intimate, more home than palace. Unlike the grandeur of  Chenonceau or Chambord, Montpoupon invites quiet exploration. You’re not just a visitor; you’re a guest stepping into someone’s ancestral memory.

Perhaps the most magical moments come outside. From the château's terrace, the view stretches across green meadows and forested ridges. Birds dart through the sky. Somewhere in the distance, a horse might whinny the estate is still active in equestrian circles. It’s easy to imagine a time when carriages arrived along the gravel paths, bringing nobility from Paris or Tours for the season.

For those seeking peace, authenticity, and a touch of lived-in nobility, Château de Montpoupon offers an unforgettable pause in the Loire Valley. It's a reminder that not all castles need to dazzle with opulence; some captivate simply by being true to themselves.

Mon banc dominical / My Sunday Bench...sole survivor

Last surviving ornate bench in Descartes public gardens with the rest having been replaced by a modern, less attractive design.

Bon week-end à tous, have a good weekend everyone...seek out some shade.

 

Château d’Azay-le-Rideau under a clear blue sky is hard to beat. With its elegant turrets reflected in the still waters of the moat and the symmetry of Renaissance architecture glowing in the sunlight, it’s a near-perfect scene. That mirror-like moat, lush green framing, and cloudless sky combine for a postcard moment that feels almost surreal. It’s one of those places where nature and architecture are in quiet harmony.

Thursday's taken in Touraine...August in Loches.

 

More on Loches here.