Loire Valley Church on Sunday - Abbaye de Fleury,Saint-Benoit-sur-Loire

This remarkable Romanesque abbey complex dates from the 11th/12th century and still contains an active community of Benedictine monks today.

More info here

Have a good weekend everyone...from the Loire Valley

Enjoy your new freedoms but respect the rules.

Friday from a different angle - Chateau de Villandry

It's the gardens at Chateau de Villandry that draws in the crowds but the chateau itself is well worth a visit - see more here

Thursday's taken in Touraine - beautiful Southern Touraine

 

Beautiful Southern Touraine

Wednesday is Loches day - why not soak up some history...

 If you are in Loches for the Wednesday market you should visit the imposing castle keep (donjon) sitting as it does in its lofty situation, well chosen by Foulques (Fulk) Nerra the Count d'Anjou, above the town.

Tuesday for towns - Descartes in Southern Touraine

You would never guess that these were taken after confinement was eased...people are obviously,rightly so, still taking it very seriously.

More on Descartes here

Monday's Loire Valley chateau - Chateau de Rouvray

Chateau de Rouvray sits just outside the village of Chambon in Southern Touraine. It is,externally at least, rather pleasant to the eye. What you see today is the combination of centuries of remodelling. It has been modified internally  to suit modern day living and most of the original features have been lost. As a private dwelling it is only available to view on patrimoine days or by appointment during the summer months.

Church on Sunday in Centre-Val de Loire back to the abbey in Vendome to view its glass..

Have a good weekend from us here in the Loire Valley

Friday from a different angle - Holy trinity Abbey,Vendome

More on Holy Trinity Abbey here

Thursday's taken in Touraine...my favourite bridge over the river Loire.

Remember going over this bridge for the first time way back in 2004 before arriving to explore Langeais and thinking "this is the region of France we should move to" and we did! We celebrate 12 years of being here today...great decision!

Wednesday is Loches day - looking forward to Cité Royale reopening.

Tomorrow (21st May) sees the  the Dunjon and Royal Lodgings at Loches reopening for visitors with the necessary implementation of health and safety measures in place (note: masks will be mandatory).     

Tuesday for towns in Centre-Val de Loire - the beautiful village of Chedigny

Took a walk through village of Chedigny yesterday to view the roses. The village would normally be preparing for its annual 'Rose Festival' around now - it should have been 6th/7th June - but because of the current crisis it has, like most other events, been cancelled. Such a shame but there is still time to view this years display in a safe manner.  

You can take a walk with us below in images.

Monday's chateau in Centre-Val de Loire - Château de Châteaudun

Today we feature the rather imposing Chateau de Chateadun in Eure-et-Loire, 

Church on Sunday - Chapelle St.Louis, Champigny sur Veude

Revisiting  Chapelle St.Louis at Champigny sur Veude near Richelieu is modelled on the Royal Sainte-Chapelle in Paris and dedicated to St.Louis. Built as a rather grand funeral chapel in the 16^th century by the Bourbon family more as a political statement than as a place of worship. 

Henri de Bourbon

Have a good weekend... now you can go further afield

With confinement being eased you can now visit some of the attractions of the Loire Valley but be sure to observe their social distancing rules -continue to stay safe. Before setting out check with individual sites to get information regarding if and when they are open.

Friday from a different angle - Chateau de La Guerche

The 15th century Chateau de La Guerche in Southern Touraine

Thursday's 'taken in Touraine' - poppies at the chateau....

  

Poppies bursting out below the walls of the chateau at Le Grand-Pressigny at the moment, adding a delightful soft touch to the base of its mighty fortifications.

Wednesday is Loches day - getting back to 'normal'.

With the easing of confinement Loches can gradually return to the welcoming place that it is and look forward to sharing its ambiance with visitors. 

More on Loches here

Tuesday for towns - Promenade, Place Michel Debré Amboise

More on Amboise here