Sunday 31 May 2020

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.


Friday 29 May 2020

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




Wednesday 27 May 2020

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 (donjonsitting as it does in its lofty situation, well chosen by Foulques (Fulk) Nerra the Count d'Anjou, above the town.


Tuesday 26 May 2020

Tuesday for towns - Descartes in Southern Touraine

Looking down rue de Commerce in Descartes

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

Monday 25 May 2020

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.

Thursday 21 May 2020

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 20 May 2020

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

Loches dunjon viewed from road into the town

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 19 May 2020

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.



Sunday 17 May 2020

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 16th century by the Bourbon family more as a political statement than as a place of worship. 


Henri de Bourbon

Saturday 16 May 2020

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.

Thursday 14 May 2020

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 13 May 2020

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.