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

The castle of Palluau sits overlooking the valley of the Indre and the medieval town nestling at its feet. It rests on its 12th century origins beneath the castle built in the 15th. It had been fought over by Philippe Auguste, King of France and Richard the Lionheart, King of England during the hundred years war which saw it partly destroyed by the invaders. In more peaceful times Rabelais, came to visit his friend, Father Antoine de Tranchelion from the neighboring abbey of Saint Genou, here. 

Church for Sunday - the former Carolingian sanctuary at Cravant-les-Coteaux

Today we feature the church of Saint Léger which sits in the old town 'Vieux Bourg' of Cravant-les-Coteaux. 

The former Carolingian sanctuary has a nave which  dates from the 9th century and is one of the rare well-preserved types of the Carolingian dynasty. The nave leads to the choir which dates from the 12th century and the Notre Dame chapel, occupying the south east transept from the 15th century. 

Despite lying unused for nearly a thousand years, the sanctuary surprisingly stayed intact . In 1865, it was bought by the Société Archéologique de France at a public auction. In 1933 it was 'sold', to the Association des Amis du Vieux Cravant, for the sum of 100 francs. More info. here 

Have a good weekend - remember we still need to take care.

Why not visit the beautiful gardens at Chateau de Villandry and stay outdoors - you can buy a 'garden only' ticket (7,50 €) which is probably the best value ticket in the Loire Valley.

Friday from a different angle - The Royal Fortress of Chinon

The Royal Fortress at Chinon from Quai Charles VII

Thursdays taken in Touraine...le plan d'eau, Saint-Flovier

Wednesday is Loches market day - go visit - wear your mask!

and there is so much more...

Tuesday for towns in Centre-Val de Loire - the beautiful village of Chedigny,after the roses...

Chedigny is the only village in France designated as a whole, as a ' Jardin Remarquable' . This is primarily due to its commitment to rose planting which means that for the period of the flowering season it is awash with scent and colour. The village however is a joy to stroll through at any time of year and as our images show,there is still plenty of colour around in August. 

You can take a walk with us below in our slideshow of the village when the roses are in bloom. 

Monday's Loire Valley chateau - August at Chateau d'Amboise

We did a revisit to Chateau d'Amboise last Tuesday and as expected,due to the current situation, it was fairly quiet considering it was high season.

Church on Sunday - Saint-Calais chapel - Chateau de Blois

More here

Have a good weekend everyone, from people who are lucky enough to call the Loire Valley home.

Looking down on the river Loire from Chateau d'Amboise

Friday from a different angle - Chateau d'Azay-le-Ferron

More on Chateau d'Azay-le-Ferron here

Thursday's taken in Touraine ...the lake at Paulmy

Plan d'eau - Paulmy Touraine Sud

Wednesday is Loches day- under an August blue sky.

More on Loches here.

Tuesday for towns in the Loire Valley - Chinon and its medieval streets

      

We revisited Chinon on Sunday for a stroll through its medieval streets and  'brocante mensuelle' on the banks of the river Vienne,which is always a pleasure.

Monday's Loire Valley chateau - Chateau de Langeais

More on Chateau de Langeais here.

Church on Sunday - the church of Saint Vinvcent, Antogny-le-Tillac

The church of Saint Vinvcent in the little village of Antogny-le-Tillac is interesting in that it appears to have been built offset. 

Its paneled nave, with some parts of it dating from the 11th century, is oddly offset to the apse and is lit from windows on one side only.

  

The apse with its octagonal bell tower date from the 12th century.

Where's Joan? - she's not here but this lady is - saint Germaro?

Santé - have a great weekend from all of us here in the Loire Valley...

...why not make enjoying some Loire valley wines part of your weekend.