Looking forward to spring...at Chateau Villandry

Spring in the gardens at chateau Villandry

Wednesday is Loches day...check out the river

The river Indre meanders through Loches adding to its attraction as the most popular place to visit in Southern Touraine.

Tuesday for towns in the Loire Valley - lovely Langeais

Today we feature one of our favourites...Langeais. This lovely town on the banks of the river Loire is a delight.

The town itself is worth a stroll around then add to that its mighty chateau,its beautiful church and imposing road bridge and you have the makings of a of  great day out.

Monday's chateau...Chateau de La Guerche

The chateau at La Guerche in Southern Touraine yesterday. 

Church on Sunday... the collegiate church of Saint-Sylvain de Levroux.

 As you drive around the town of Levroux in the department of Indre, what draws you in is the site of its 13th century church which hogs the skyline.

It is often referred to as the 'petite cathédrale du Berry' and once you see it close up and step inside you can understand why!

It contains one of the oldest organs in France,dating back to the 15th century.

If you are ever nearby you should pay it a visit,

Time to think about escaping the madness...book your holiday in France

Come and stay with us here in our beautiful corner of Centre-Val de Loire (the Loire Valley). You not only get our fully equipped self-contained cottage and courtyard but you also get the benefit of our 10 years of  experience living here to help you get the most out of your holiday.

Friday photo - the river Indre at Azay-le-Rideau

Looking forward to spring...at Chateau de Chenonceau

The warm spell of weather we are having currently here in the Loire Valley is making us long even more for spring to arrive. The dedication of the regions gardeners make visiting the chateaux at this time of year such a delight...like Chateau de Chenonceau  (above).

Wednesday is Loches day...beautiful even when the sun fails to shine.

       

      

More on Loches and its market here 

Tuesday for towns in Centre-Val de Loire - Levroux in Indre

Our region has something to offer to everyone choosing it as a holiday destination. For returning visitors there is an opportunity to seek out places away from the main tourist trail of the river Loire and its chateaux and visit the lesser known departments of the region, such as Indre which has much to offer. The marketing of its tourism, likes its neighbour Indre-et-Loire (Touraine) focuses on the more traditional name 'Berry Provence'. As we have explored ourselves we have been pleasantly surprised by what we have found.

On our way back from a visit to Saint-Valentin (on the 14th) we passed by Levroux a town we had, on a previous road trip, stopped and had lunch without any further exploration.One of our fellow travelers did feel there was more to this place than meets the eye.On approaching it from a different route the obvious 'more; was the very grand church which you can see from the top photograph.

We will give you more on the very iteresting 'La Collegiale Saint-Sylvain' on another post.  

Other points of interest are the old gate 'La Porte de Champagne'...

'La Maison de Bois'...

'Le Berger Couche'...

and just outside the town the remains of the former chateau.

Monday's chateau in Centre-Val de Loire Chateau de Levroux

Or the remains there off...these ruins sit in the town of Levroux 80 km south west of Tours / 21 km north of Chateauroux. The site can be traced back to the Romans but these are what is left of a medieval castle probably destroyed either during the 'Wars of Religion'

The castle would have had a drawbridge over a protective moat and what we see here are the two towers that would have protected it.

You can see a slide show of more images here

Church on Sunday...has to be Eglise Saint-Valentin

19th century church at Saint Valentin in Indre dressed up for Valentine's Day.

No Joan but this version of St. Valentin.

Something for the weekend...Saffron Fair

Saturday, February 16th, 2019 - the 20th Saffron Fair at  Preuilly-sur-Claise  in the gym from 10am to 10pm. Free admission.

We revisit the village of Saint Valentin

Yesterday (14th) we revisited the little village of Saint-Valentin ,this time under a beautiful blue sky...you can see updated webpage here.

The place to be today...

The Village of Saint-Valentin in Indre has its big day today it even has temporary post office offering uniquely stamped cards. 

Village website