Amboise - inside out!

Through the glowing window of 'Pâtisserie Chocolaterie Bigot' in Amboise, the Loire Valley invites you in with pure indulgence. Golden croissants, sugar-dusted brioche, apple chaussons and towering kouign-amann-style treats line the shelves, their warmth contrasting the cool February light outside.

Beyond the glass, Place Michel Debré stretches toward the iconic Château d'Amboise perched on its hill, towers and rooftops catching the overcast sky. Passersby in coats hurry past half-timbered facades and cobblestones, a living postcard of Touraine charm.

Bigot, a family treasure since 1913 (now in its fourth generation), isn't just a patisserie, it's a chocolatier, glacier, and salon de thé beloved for hot chocolate, tarte tatin, and seasonal marzipan fruits. Right opposite the château, it's the perfect stop for a moment of sweetness amid Loire heritage.

This "inside-out" view captures the essence of the Loire: everyday beauty framed through windows, blending temptation with timeless architecture.

 

“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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Tuesday for towns & villages - Amboise.

We stopped here longer than planned, mainly to look in the window of 'Patisserie Chocolaterie Bigot'. The street narrows just enough to pull your attention forward, toward the tower at the far end and it’s easy to forget whatever sent you this way in the first place - probably the chocolate!.

From this spot, Amboise feels unguarded. Shop windows reflect timber beams and pale stone rather than people in a hurry. Nothing asks to be photographed and yet everything feels worth noticing.

The old clock tower doesn’t dominate the view; it simply waits. It has seen the street fill and empty countless times and today is no exception. Life continues at a human pace, framed by buildings that have learned how to age without spectacle.

I like streets like this. They don’t perform. They just exist, and invite you to do the same for a moment longer than you intended.

“Every town and village in the Loire Valley tells its story gently — in rooftops, stonework and narrow streets.”

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

Each Tuesday, we visit one of the Loire Valley's towns or villages of the Loire Valley — their streets, stories, and quiet beauty.

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Monday's chateau - Château de la Guerche.

As the sun dips low over Southern Touraine, the sky ignites in soft pinks and oranges behind the sturdy 15th-century towers of Château de la Guerche. Perched on the banks of the Creuse, this fortified gem, built during Charles VII's reign and later restored, stands timeless against the twilight, its conical roofs and stone walls catching the last warm glow.

A quiet, magical close to the day in the heart of Southern Touraine.

No less impressive in daylight!

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

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, a thoughtful Sunday bench in Bléré

This simple wooden seat, in the corner of a carpark in Bléré, backed by a hedge and old stone wall, features a striking bronze sculpture of clasped hands (poignée de main) at its center, a powerful symbol of friendship, solidarity, and Franco-German reconciliation. Placed on Place Garrel (inaugurated around 2012) it is dedicated to the twinning of Bléré and Garrel in Germany, it invites passersby to sit, reflect, and connect, with a small plaque noting its message of unity ("Lien de solidarité" or similar theme).

In this quiet corner of Bléré—a charming Loire Valley town along the Cher River, the bench stands as a modern emblem amid historic surroundings, perfect for a moment of pause amid the town's half-timbered streets and nearby châteaux vibes.

Practical Loire tips:

• Located near the town center, easy to find after a stroll from the Cher riverbanks or market square.
• Pair it with a visit to nearby Chenonceau (15-min drive) or a coffee in Bléré's cafés.
• Ideal on Sundays: peaceful, with locals often out enjoying the calm.

A bench that speaks of coming together.

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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On the streets of Touraine - another view along Rue de la Rôtisserie in Tours

Another view along Rue de la Rôtisserie in Tours reveals the timeless charm of medieval Touraine: striking half-timbered houses with exposed oak beams, yellowed plaster, overhanging upper stories, and intricate wooden carvings leaning gently over the narrow cobblestone lane.

Practical Loire tips:

• Turn the corner to Place Plumereau for outdoor cafés and people-watching under more timbered gems.
• Nearby: Saint-Gatien Cathedral (10-min walk) or the Musée des Beaux-Arts for a full historic morning.
• Best on Saturdays: markets nearby and lively terraces—perfect for a glass of local Vouvray wine.

Even in winter light, these streets capture the Loire's enduring magic.

À bientôt et bon samedi ! ☕🚶‍♂️

 

“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 Touraine” 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 à tous - have a good weekend everyone - from Château de Villandry,

From the stunning formal gardens of Château de Villandry, where perfect geometry, sparkling water features, and timeless stone create the ultimate calm escape in the Loire Valley.

As winter lingers, these Renaissance masterpieces remind us that spring is just around the corner, perfect timing to start planning your Loire getaway.

Each Friday, we share a peaceful moment from the region that invites you to slow down and savor the beauty.

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À bientôt et bon week-end !

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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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