Bon week-end from the Loire Valley, Château d’Azay-le-Rideau

Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, reflected in the still water of its moat, is one of the most recognisable sights in Touraine. Built in the early 16th century, it combines French tradition with the new Italian Renaissance style then arriving in the Loire Valley.

The château was built for Gilles Berthelot, Treasurer-General to King François I. When he fell from favour, he fled France, and the unfinished château passed to his wife, Philippe Lesbahy, who is thought to have overseen much of its completion.

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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View of the Vienne...

From the heights of the Fortress of Chinon, the mighty Vienne river stretches westwards through a broad, wooded valley, with the hillside homes of Chinon below.

The fortress occupies a long rocky spur above the river and was once a key royal stronghold. It was here, in 1429, that Joan of Arc met the future Charles VII before setting out to help change the course of the Hundred Years’ War.

“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.

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Welcome to July...Loches in Southern Touraine.

 

The Dunjon at Loches.

Towns and villages - Beaugency.

There are places where the pace of life seems to slow naturally, and Beaugency is one of them. A branch of the small River Mauve threads its way through the town center, bordered by flower-filled terraces, old stone houses and quiet cafés.

This peaceful scene is a reminder that Beaugency's history stretches back well over a thousand years. Once an important crossing point on the Loire river , it prospered through trade and still retains much of its medieval character. The little waterways that weave through the town add another layer of charm, inviting visitors to linger rather than hurry on.

A corner of the Loire Valley where history and everyday life continue to flow together.

“Some towns speak softly — Beaugency is one of them.”

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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 de Saumur.

From this angle, Château de Saumur appears almost theatrical, framed by open space and summer planting rather than defensive walls. It is easy to forget that behind the elegant outline sits a fortress with centuries of changing roles.

The château began as a medieval fortress before becoming a residence for the Dukes of Anjou. Its distinctive silhouette became so admired that it is thought to have inspired illustrations in medieval manuscripts depicting ideal castles, helping shape the image of what a French château should look like.

Château de Saumur rises dramatically on its hill overlooking the Loire River and the town below.

From this angle, the château’s pale stone walls and round towers stand out against the blue sky, with its slate roofs and pointed turrets giving it a fairytale silhouette.

Originally built as a fortress in the 10th century, the château was transformed in the 14th and 15th centuries into a more residential Renaissance-style residence. It has served many roles over the centuries, fortress, royal residence, prison, and military academy and offers beautiful views over the Loire river.

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.

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Mon banc dominical / My Sunday Bench , Chaumont-sur-Loire

Hidden beneath a canopy of foliage, this simple wooden bench offers one of the most welcome features of the International Garden Festival at Chaumont-sur-Loire, a little shade. Surrounded by lush planting and dappled sunlight, it's the perfect place to pause, take in the creativity of the gardens and enjoy a few peaceful moments before continuing the walk.

Not every memorable bench comes with a grand view. Sometimes it's the quiet corner, cool air and birdsong that make you stay a little longer.

More Loire benches here.

“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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