Taken in Touraine...

This is a view of Chateau de Chenonceau you may not have seen,,,its the 'back door' on the south bank of the river Cher - doesn't she look thin!

We took this photograph after walking along the riverbank towards the chateau on 'the other side'.

You can only gain access to this side of the river from the chateau during July and August when they open the door at the far end of the gallery but it is worth the walk to get this different view of the glorious Chrnoncea.

'Taken in Touraine'...

This celestial painting,surprisingly, can be found on the front of the old cheese factory in Orbigny.

Expect the unexspected....

The Loire Valley always throws up surprises...especially from a musical prospective...we have listened to a clavichord in a church, a harp in a chateau and a Rolling Stone tribute band in a pub - what more could you ask for? What about some Acid Rock Ska? You know you want it!

 We had the experience at the unlikely spot of the 'Salle de Fete' in the small Southern Touraine village of Chaumussay, The set was opened by three-sax-toting band 'Kestai' (pictured above) who gave a lively performance...of better things to come.

They were followed by a group from Paris (not the better things to come) fronted by an angry women...who took us back to the punk era with a squeeze-box and penny whistle - honest!

The head-liners,'Lemon Furia' came on at midnight by which time the audience had dissipated somewhat both in mind and body and showed them how it's done!

'Taken in Touraine'....

Second of our website's new feature 'Taken in Touraine'...interesting créperie  in Tours - next time maybe go inside!

Best towns to stay in the Loire Valley?

Good question - and one that is often asked in the many forums that now dominate search results on the internet. Not surprisingly it is a difficult one to answer as it depends largely on what you want to do and see on your visit to a region that offers so much in the way of options - we think in many ways it sums up diversity that is 'France'. Read more here... on our website.

'Taken in Touraine'...

As we go about our business here in the Loire Valley we can't help but stop and take photographs as it such a great location offering so many opportunities to capture 'the moment'.

We have decided to feature some of these in a new feature on our website called 'Taken in Touraine'

The first photo to be featured is one we have taken many times and in every season of the year...it is taken from the bridge overlooking the river L'Agronne where it joins the river La Claise in Le Grand Pressigny.

Happy Holidays for 2014