Rue du Docteur Paul Martinais in Loches.

Rue du Docteur Paul Martinais is the principal route connecting the historic towns of Loches and Beaulieu-lès-Loches.

This photograph was taken just before crossing the former railway track, where the street becomes Rue des Ponts, a name that seems entirely appropriate for what comes next. The change of name is a small detail but these little transitions are often what make walking around Loches so interesting.

What's in a name: who exactly was - doctor Paul Martinais?

“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 - have a good weekend everyone.

Chateau de Sully-sur-Loire

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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Taken in Touraine - staying in Descartes.

Despite the recent difficult weather conditions, due to the diligent gardeners there, the flower beds in the public gardens in Descartes were looking remarkably good on Monday. The garden has a particularly varied planting scheme, including a rose garden in the old castle ditches, making it one of those places where the history is beneath your feet but the horticulture is very much of the present day.

You can see more images here.

“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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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.

Discover more about the Loire Valley

Browse the full series

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