Monday's chateau - Château de Luynes overlooking the river Loire.

Grey skies over Touraine, but the Château de Luynes still commands the view... a stone sentinel guarding the Loire. 🏰

Today's château: Château de Luynes in Luynes (Indre-et-Loire), about 15 km west of Tours.

Originally a 10th–11th-century fortress (rebuilt in the 13th century by the Maillé family), it evolved into a grand Renaissance manor house while retaining its medieval core—thick ramparts, round towers with conical roofs, and a dramatic position overlooking the Loire river and the village below. The site has seen centuries of history: sieges, noble owners (including the Luynes family who gave it its name in the 17th century), and transformation into a family residence (still privately owned and inhabited).

From this angle, the château's perched silhouette rises above terraced gardens and old stone walls—perfectly framed by trees and the valley expanse. It's a reminder of how Loire châteaux blend defense with elegance, dominating the landscape like silent guardian

Why visit Luynes?

• The château offers occasional guided tours or events (check locally; it has been closed to regular visits in recent years due to private ownership/financial reasons but the exterior and views are free from the town paths).
• Nearby: Gallo-Roman aqueduct ruins (impressive arches), 15th-century covered market halls in the village, and easy access to Villandry gardens (6 km) or Tours.
• Stroll the town for pretty houses, shops, and Loire riverbank walks.

History perched high, waiting for the next curious eye. What's your favorite Loire château view?

Bon lundi dans la vallée de la Loire ! 🇫🇷🏰

“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.

Discover more about the Loire Valley
Browse the full series

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Mon banc dominical/My Sunday Bench - in Descartes.

Benches waiting for winter walkers in Jardin Public René Boylesve, Descartes.

À bientôt et bon dimanche !

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

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Part of the “Mon banc dominical” 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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Happy Valentines Day...

Saint-Valentin (Indre), decked out in a magnificent garland of greenery, red roses, and white blooms forming a giant heart arch over the entrance, complete with French flags and heart-shaped wreaths.

This tiny village (pop. ~280) is France's unique 'Village des Amoureux,' proudly bearing the name of the patron saint of love since forever. Every February, it hosts a multi-day Fête des Amoureux (this year the 62nd edition on 14-15 Feb 2026), with ceremonies at the town hall, love diplomas from the mayor, a Mass for couples, the Jardin des Amoureux (with its Tree of Wishes, heart-shaped willow, and lovers' kiosk), romantic markets, concerts, and chocolate stands. Couples come from near and far to renew vows, hang wishes, or simply soak in the year-round romance.

The Mairie photo captures that perfect festive touch, simple, heartfelt, and oh-so-French. A reminder that love isn't just one day; in Saint-Valentin, it's every day.

Whether you're here in person or dreaming from afar, may your Valentine's be filled with tenderness, laughter, and a little magic.

 

Bon week-end ! – Jardin Public René Boylesve, Descartes

A quiet garden invites the weekend to begin gently.

The Jardin Public René Boylesve in Descartes in Southern Touraine, is a charming public garden laid out on the site of a former medieval stronghold.

With winding paths, a pretty central gazebo, rare and exotic trees, a rose garden (including the "Descartes" rose), and views toward the old church and stone walls, it's a hidden (not to us!) gem for a stroll or bench pause. Named after the writer René Boylesve (who drew inspiration from this region), the garden offers that perfect mix of history and nature in a small, walkable town famous for its 'three Renés' (Descartes the philosopher, Boylesve the novelist, and composer René de Buxeuil).

A simple wish as the week ends, find a quiet corner like this, breathe in the fresh air, let the bare branches frame the sky and enjoy whatever the weekend brings.

Bon week-end à tous ! Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! 🌿🇫🇷

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Part of the “Bon week-end from the Loire” Series

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

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© Experience Loire — Bon week-end from the Loire · Back to Home

Thursday's 'taken in Touraine' - by the river Indre in Loches.

February calm along the Indre... a quiet wooden footbridge leads straight into the fairy-tale silhouette of Loches.

On the bucolic banks of the Indre River in Loches, where a modest wooden bridge crosses a side channel or mill race, offering one of the most picturesque views of the Cité Royale.

In the distance, the imposing Renaissance Logis Royal (home to Charles VII, Agnès Sorel, Jeanne d'Arc's triumphant visit in 1429, and Anne de Bretagne) and the clustered towers of the the Collegiate Church of Saint-Ours (12th-century Romanesque gem with its pyramid-shaped spires). Bare winter trees frame the scene perfectly, the river's murky winter flow adding a soft, reflective mood, typical of Touraine's gentle backdrop.

“In Touraine, even the silence tells a story.”

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Part of the “Taken in Touraine” Series

Every Thursday, we pause somewhere in Touraine — a village, a vineyard, or a quiet riverside — to capture the spirit of this timeless Loire region.

 Discover more about the Loire Valley
Browse the full series

© Experience Loire — Taken in Touraine · Back to Home 

Wednesday for Windows : Saint Joan of Arc in Stained Glass – Église, Manthelon.

Today’s window: inside the Église Saints-Gervais-et-Saint-Protais-et-Volusien in Manthelon (Indre-et-Loire), a tall arched stained glass portraying Sainte Jeanne d'Arc (Saint Joan of Arc).

She stands tall in white armor, blue cloak flowing, golden halo shining, holding her banner aloft and sword at her side, classic iconography of the Maid of Orléans as protector and martyr. The rich greens, purples, reds, and golds glow against the grey stone, with floral and geometric borders adding delicate detail.

The church itself has deep roots: an early sanctuary from the late 5th century welcomed relics of Saints Gervais and Protais, brought by Bishop Volusien of Tours. The current neo-Romanesque building dates from 1868 (replacing the medieval one), with many of its stained glass windows created between 1868 and 1876 by the renowned Tours workshop of Lucien-Léopold Lobin. This particular panel of Jeanne d'Arc is likely a later 19th/20th-century addition, reflecting the surge in her veneration after her canonization in 1920.

Manthelon is a peaceful village near Loches, perfect for a detour if you're exploring the Loire's lesser-known treasures—combine it with a visit to the Château de Loches or a walk along the Indre river.

These windows aren't just decoration; they're stories in light, reminding us of faith, history, and resilience in the heart of rural Touraine.

Have you spotted any surprising saints in Loire church windows?

Bon mercredi dans la Vallée de la Loire! 🇫🇷⛪

 

“Through every window, the Loire 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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