Sunday, 12 July 2026

Mon Banc Dominical / My Sunday Bench -some shade in Loches.

tone bench beneath a rose-covered pergola in the public gardens of Loches, surrounded by flowers and mature trees in the Loire Valley.

Tucked away in the public gardens of Loches, this simple stone bench rests beneath a rose-covered pergola, where cool shade offers a welcome retreat on a warm summer's day. Surrounded by climbing roses and mature trees, it's a peaceful place to pause and enjoy one of Touraine's quieter corners.

Unlike a wooden bench warmed by the sun, the cool stone seat remains inviting even in the heat of the afternoon. Here, the fragrance of roses, birdsong and the gentle rustle of leaves create a moment of calm just a short stroll from the historic Royal City of Loches.

The public gardens of Loches were laid out on land that once formed part of the town's defensive surroundings. Today they provide a peaceful contrast to the medieval fortress above. The rose pergola has become one of the garden's most photographed features, offering both colour in late spring and early summer and welcome shade for visitors exploring the town.


More Loire benches here.

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


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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Saturday, 11 July 2026

Saturday on the streets...

Rue Jeanne d'Arc in Orléans leading towards Cathédrale Sainte-Croix with festival banners displayed above the street.
Rue Jeanne d'Arc is Orléans' grand ceremonial street, created in the 19th century to provide a magnificent approach to the cathedral. Running in a straight line from the Loire towards the Cathédrale Sainte-Croix, it offers one of the finest urban vistas in France, with the cathedral dominating the skyline at its northern end.

Bon samedi dans Centre-Val de Loire!

“The streets here don’t hurry. They simply invite you to walk, to notice, to belong.”


Part of the “On the Streets of the Loire” 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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Friday, 10 July 2026

Sure sign of summer in the Loire Valley...

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Here, bon week-end isn’t just a phrase — it’s a gentle ritual the region has perfected.

“In the Loire, the weekend begins with light — and ends with gratitude.”


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.

Discover more from the Loire

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Thursday, 9 July 2026

Taken in Touraine in 'le vieux quartier de Tours'.

Half-timbered building housing Restaurant Léonard de Vinci at the intersection of Rue de la Monnaie and Rue des Orfèvres in Tours.

This half-timbered building, now home to the restaurant Léonard de Vinci, stands at the intersection of Rue de la Monnaie and Rue des Orfèvres in the old quarter of Tours. Its timber frame and brick infill are a reminder of the medieval streetscape that still survives in this part of the city.

Le vieux quartier de Tours: Rue de la Monnaie takes its name from the mint once established nearby, while Rue des Orfèvres recalls the goldsmiths who worked in the area. Together, the street names preserve the memory of the trades that shaped medieval Tours.

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


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
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Wednesday, 8 July 2026

A lesson in symmetry...

Château de Cheverny with its famous symmetrical facade
At Château de Cheverny, evenly spaced windows create one of the Loire Valley’s most elegant façades. The formal balance continues around the building, giving the château its famously composed appearance.

Château de Cheverny in the Loire Valley with a symmetrical pale stone façade, tall shuttered windows, domed roofs and green lawn.

Château de Cheverny has remained in the same family for more than six centuries and its interiors are among the best preserved in the Loire Valley The château is also said to have inspired Marlinspike Hall in 'The Adventures of Tintin'.


“Through every window, the Loire breathes — calm, patient, and quietly luminous.”

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, 7 July 2026

Tour de l'Horloge on Rue nationale, Amboise,


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

Exploring the towns and villages of the Loire Valley — their streets, stories, and quiet beauty.

Browse the full series

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