Wednesday 28 February 2018

Some of today's markets in Centre Val de Loire


Market day today in...(You'll need a warm coat) Angers, Fonteuraud l’Abbaye, Saumur,  Blois, Romorantin-Lanthenay, Loches, Montbazon, Orleans and Tours

Tuesday 27 February 2018

Tuesday for towns in Centre-Val de Loire - Montrichard


The market town of Montrichard in Loir-et-Cher sits on the banks of the river Cher and takes full avantage of it location with a man-made river 'beach' which proves very popular during the summer months.


The town also has some good restaurants and a fairly lively weekly market on Friday mornings. It is full of character and worth a wander around its quaint streets. 


Monday 26 February 2018

Monday's Loire Valley chateau - Chateau du Grand-Pressigny



This week we feature the Chateau du Grand-Pressigny which also contains the region's museum of prehistory.








Sunday 25 February 2018

Loire Valley church for Sunday - Notre-Dame de Nanteuil, Montrchard



Today we feature thhe church of Notre-Dame de Nanteuil,one of three churches in the town of Montrichard in Loir-et-Cher. The church is a mix of styles with alterations over many centuries.



The original church is of a fairly normal design with a single nave, transept and apse but a later extension on an upper level reveals a more interesting prospect.


The ornately decorated chapel has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries for Catholics coming to pray in front of the statue of the Virgin Mary. They had come here to Montrichard to take the waters of a miraculous fountain said to blessed by Saint Martin de Tours. 


Friday 23 February 2018

Thursday 22 February 2018

Something for the weekend a main and dessert at Tours

At the 'Salon du Chocolat de Tours' you will have three days to discover chocolate in all its forms, dark chocolate or milk,  macaroons, chocolate breads and other delicacies from more than 60 exhibitors.

Tuesday 20 February 2018

Tuesday for towns in Centre-Val de Loire - Richelieu


The town of Richelieu takes its name from its founder, Cardinal Richelieu the hugely egotistical character who in his time, after the king, (Louis XIII) was the most powerful person in France.


You can visit the grounds (now a park) of what used to be his extravagant palace.

Saturday 17 February 2018

The Loire Valley in the spring - a great time to visit




Our beautiful region is a joy at any time of year but is especially delightful in springtime when the gardens of the towns and cities and the glorious chateau come alive with colour.




Blossom on Rue Saint-Martin in Le Grand-Pressigny




The public gardens at Loches




The public gardens at Descartes


Open countryside in Southern Touraine















e






Thursday 15 February 2018

Something for the weekend - Saffron Fair at Preuilly-sur-Claise

Saffron Fair

There will be thirty-five exhibitors with saffron of course being the star but it will be surrounded by various local products such as rabbit, foie gras, cheese and cold cuts. There will be an offer of free tastings.

Tuesday 13 February 2018

Tuesday for towns in Centre-Val de Loire - Saint Valentin



Today I felt we should feature the small village of Saint Valentin in the department of Indre (36) with tomorrow being Saint Valentine's day. There is not a lot to the village but it comes alive around this time of year, for obvious reasons.



Monday 12 February 2018

Monday's Loire Valley chateau - Loches



When is a chateau not a chateau? - when it's in Loches and is referred to as the 'Logis Royal'. Maybe it is because it competes with its feudal neighbour with its keep and donjon as the castle of this citadel town. In any case it is a striking building that lords over the town from on high,


On first view on entering the grounds after making your way up through the old city gate it does look more of a house than a castle and certainly less imposing as its visible facade. You can see more on the Royal residence.chateau here