The Windows of Basilica Notre-Dame de Cléry.

Notre-Dame de Cléry is a major example of Flamboyant Gothic architecture, built largely in the 15th century after an earlier church was destroyed during the Hundred Years' War. Its history is closely tied to Louis XI, who chose Cléry as his place of burial.

The king's connection with Cléry began when, as a young man, he made a solemn vow to the Virgin. He later rebuilt the church, made it a royal chapel and arranged for his tomb to be placed here. He was buried at Cléry in 1483, rather than with his royal ancestors at Saint-Denis.

So while this photograph is about the windows, it is worth remembering what lies behind them: Louis XI chose Notre-Dame de Cléry as the place where he would spend eternity.

“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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Abilly in Southern Touraine.

Abilly has a much older story than its quiet appearance suggests. The village's name is traditionally traced to the Roman period, from a landowner called Abillius, giving rise to Abilliacum, meaning the land or estate of Abillius. The name appears later as Vicaria Abilliacensis and Abilly was already an established settlement by the early medieval period.

There is prehistoric history here too: Abilly lies within the southern Touraine area famous for its Neolithic flint-working sites around Le Grand-Pressigny. 

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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All towers and chimneys...

The Loire Valley’s most iconic silhouette never fails to impress, even under a moody sky. Some places need no introduction. Chambord simply stands there, all towers and chimneys, and the rest of the landscape seems to arrange itself around it.

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 on Place du Tertre, Meung-sur-Loire

This is the sort of bench that invites you to stop for a while. On Place du Tertre in the historic centre of Meung-sur-Loire, it sits among old stone houses, shuttered windows and the small details of a carefully maintained town square.

Meung's historic centre grew around the Collégiale Saint-Liphard, the château and the medieval Porte d'Amont. The town's position beside the Loire also made it an important place of passage, with its river, mills, merchants and medieval streets shaping the town we see today.

But for me, the attraction here is rather simpler: a good bench, an attractive little square and somewhere to sit and look at the architecture.

“On Sundays the Loire Valley 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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A street for Heritage Weekend...

A peaceful tree-lined walk at Mail du Donjon in Loches leads directly to one of the Loire Valley’s most impressive medieval keeps.

During the European Heritage Days weekend the Donjon de Loches is free to enter (Saturday and Sunday), making it the perfect moment to climb the massive stone tower and enjoy the views. The approach itself is already worth the visit.

So much on offer this weekend...

We find best place for information is here: This is for Touraine but you can search other departments on this site.

“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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Loire Valley: European Heritage weekend 2026...what's on.

This weekend, 19–20 September 2026, is the perfect opportunity to discover—or rediscover—the remarkable heritage of the Loire Valley and Centre-Val de Loire.

European Heritage Days invite visitors to explore the region's rich cultural heritage, from magnificent châteaux and historic monuments to museums, gardens, churches, villages and places that reveal the stories of the people who shaped the region.

The Loire Valley is particularly rich in heritage, and this special weekend offers the chance to look beyond the best-known sights and discover places and events you may not have encountered before.

Whether you're a long-time resident or visiting the region for the weekend, take the opportunity to explore somewhere new and experience the heritage of Centre-Val de Loire.

We find best place for information is here: This is for Indre-et-Loire but you can search other departments on this site.

Bon week-end — and happy heritage hunting!

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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