Look Up in Descartes...

The rather loud frontage of the hair salon on rue du Commerce in Descartes makes it easy to look straight ahead and miss what is above. Look up, though and the upper floors reveal a much more restrained façade, with elegant windows, ironwork balconies and carefully carved stone detailing. It is a good example of why the 'Windows and Balconies' series looks beyond the obvious at street level.

“Through every window,Touraine breathes — calm, patient, and quietly luminous.”

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Part of the “Windows of the Loire” Series

Each Wednesday, we share a glimpse of the Loire Valley through its windows — small frames of everyday beauty and quiet reflection.

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Descartes - towns and villages of Centre-Val de Loire.

Descartes has a claim to fame that is not quite as straightforward as it first appears. René Descartes was traditionally regarded as having been born here in 1596, when the town was still called La Haye-en-Touraine. There has nevertheless been some debate over the precise circumstances of his birth, including claims linking it with Châtellerault. What is certain is that he spent his early childhood here, and the town eventually took his name.

Part of the “Towns & Villages of the Loire” Series

Exploring the towns and villages of the Loire Valley — their streets, stories, and quiet beauty.

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Monday's Chateau - Chateau du Rivau.

Château du Rivau is one of those châteaux that seems to change character with every viewpoint. The towers, walls, gardens and surrounding landscape give it plenty of different faces, making it surprisingly photogenic from almost any angle. I have more photographs on my Château du Rivau page which also explains the Joan of Arc connection.

Happy Monday in the Loire Valley!

“Each château tells a story — of kings, of artists, and of the dream of France itself.”

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Part of the “Châteaux of the Loire” Series

Every Monday, we explore one of the Loire Valley's legendary châteaux — from royal residences to riverside retreats — each revealing a different chapter of the region's story.

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A bench with a view at Château de Candé.

A bench with a view and this one has a particularly good one. From the grounds of Château de Candé, the view stretches across the wooded Indre valley to the railway viaduct at Monts. The viaduct carries the railway over the Indre and has been part of the landscape for well over a century.

The view also puts the setting of Château de Candé into perspective. The estate sits above the Indre valley and has a large park of 230 hectares, much of it woodland.

“On Sundays, Touraine speaks softly — and you have time to listen.”

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Part of the “My Sunday Bench” Series

Each Sunday, we share a quiet bench somewhere in the Loire — a small reminder that peace is often found where you simply stop to notice it.

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Rue de la Mairie, Villandry: on the streets of Touraine

Rue de la Mairie runs through the centre of Villandry towards the château. The village has much older roots than its famous Renaissance château might suggest: it was originally known as Colombiers, and that name remained in use until 1639.

There's also a nice historical detail here. In 1189, the 'Peace of Colombiers' was agreed at the medieval fortress that stood on the site of today's château, when Henry II of England recognised Richard the Lionheart as his heir.

 Rue Principale

This is Villandry as a village, rather than just as the famous château and gardens.

“The streets here don’t hurry. They simply invite you to walk, to notice, to belong.”

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Part of the “On the Streets of the Loire” Series

Each Saturday, we stroll through the lanes and cobbles of Loire towns and villages — places where every step feels like a story.

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Bon week-end - have a lovely weekend everyone.

Le Grand-Pressigny

Part of the “Bon weekend from the Loire” Series

Each Friday, we share a quiet moment from the Loire — a region that invites you to unwind, a beautiful weekend at a time.

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