Windows & Balconies of the Loire: Inside Out at Château de Chambord.

Inside out at Château de Chambord. Usually we look through a window to see inside a building, but here the view works just as well in reverse. The leaded glass frames Chambord's formal French gardens, drawing the eye along the central axis towards the château's grounds.

The gardens themselves have a long history. Planned under Louis XIV, completed during the reign of Louis XV, and laid out in their 18th-century form in 1734, they eventually disappeared beneath simpler lawns. The formal gardens were restored and replanted in 2016–17, reopening to visitors in March 2017.

A rather good example of how, at Chambord, the view from a window can be as carefully composed as the view of the building itself.

“Through every window,the Loire Valley 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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Quiet Morning on Place du Marché aux Fleurs, Loches

On a non-market day the Place du Marché aux Fleurs in Loches feels almost suspended in time, wide open cobbles, long shadows from the trees and just the soft echo of footsteps where the stalls usually stand.

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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A Château with a moat...a rare thing here in Touraine.

The Château du Châtelier near Paulmy in Southern Touraine is a rare survivor. Built as a fortified stronghold in the 12th and 13th centuries, it still has its moat surrounding the rocky site, complete with water. The original fortress had a double enceinte, towers and a deep defensive ditch whose water level could be controlled through channels from the nearby Brignon.

There is another detail we particularly like: on the western side, the pedestrian drawbridge still survives. The main drawbridge disappeared in the 18th century, but this smaller one remains, giving the château an unusually convincing medieval approach.

We love the little pedestrian bridge with its drawbridge — but what really makes the Châtelier special is seeing a medieval château with its moat still complete and holding water. That is becoming a rare sight indeed.

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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By the 'kiosque à musique' in Beaulieu-lès-Loches

A bench in front of the elegant 'kiosque à musique' in Beaulieu-lès-Loches which dates from the early 20th century. Completed in 1909 it stands on what is now Place du Maréchal Leclerc, beside the former abbey buildings that became the town hall.

The kiosk is still very much part of village life. Concerts and other events continue to take place beneath it, including summer music events. Beaulieu's own heritage guide lists the kiosk among the highlights of this Petite Cité de Caractère®, alongside its medieval heritage and the Grand Clocher.

“On Sundays, the Loire 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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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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