Saturday on the streets of Touraine...in Le Grand-Pressigny.

 

In the heart of Le Grand-Pressigny, Rue du Four Banal feels like  stepping back in time. This narrow street, home to an old communal oven, still echoes with the rhythms of centuries past. With its medieval charm and quiet pace, the street offers a glimpse of Southern Touraine as it once was. Here, as in other nearby streets, history is alive and time appears to stand still.

Bon week-end à tous, have a good weekend everyone...why not visit one of the prettiest villages in Touraine.

Montresor

Wandering through Montrésor is like walking through time. narrow lanes lined with honey-colored stone houses take you passed its historic church and lead you down to its peaceful riverside path known as the balade des balcons which offers perfect views of the château mirrored in the water.

A view from the Garden Festival...

From the Garden Festival at Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire

Wednesday for windows...inside out at the Musée Lansyer in Loches.

 

The View over the rooftops of Loches from inside the Musée Lansyer in the Royal city. 

Perched on the ramparts of the royal city of Loches, the Emmanuel Lansyer Museum offers a charming, intimate visit into the world of 19th-century landscape painter Emmanuel Lansyer (1835–1893).

 Set in his former family home, the museum showcases hundreds of his works, paintings, sketches and drawings and a lovely stained glass window on the staircase.

Don’t miss the peaceful garden, with stunning views over historic Loches.

Favourite time in Touraine...

 

Tournesols in Touraine.

The sunflower fields in the Loire Valley truly are something special, those golden waves stretching across the landscape under the summer sun create such a striking contrast with the soft stone of the châteaux and the lush vineyards of Touraine. It’s no wonder painters and photographers are drawn to the region.

Monday's chateau...Royal Lodgings,Loches

As you walk along the terrace of the Royal Lodgings in Loches, you can’t help but marvel at the weight of history beneath your feet. This very terrace would have once echoed with the footsteps of some of the most notable figures of French history. Joan of Arc passed through these royal lodgings after her pivotal meeting with Charles VII. Agnès Sorel, the king’s beloved mistress and a symbol of early Renaissance influence, made it her home. Even Anne of Brittany, twice Queen of France, found herself within these walls. From the terrace, the sweeping views over the Indre valley haven’t changed much since their time, offering you much the same views they once paused to admire.

 

Mon banc dominical / My Sunday Bench...In Loches.

 

 At the Royal Lodgings (Logis Royal) in Loches, a unique and symbolic creature, the "cerf ailé" or winged stag, can be seen guarding the benches on the terrace. This mythical animal was the personal emblem of King Charles VII of France.

The winged stag is not just a decorative element; it carried symbolic meaning. The stag typically represents nobility, purity and solitude, while wings add an element of divine inspiration or swiftness, possibly reflecting Charles VII’s aspirations or the qualities he wished to associate with his reign.

This emblem is repeated in the great hall of the Logis Royal, reinforcing Charles VII’s presence and legacy at the château. The Royal Lodgings at Loches were an important royal residence during the 15th century, and Charles VII often stayed there, especially during the critical years of the Hundred Years' War.

Saturday on the streets of Touraine...in Amboise

If you ever wondered where our header was taken...Quai Charles Guinot in Amboise.

Bon week-end à tous, have a good weekend everyone...why not visit Loches market.

More on Loches market.

 

Thursday's taken in Touraine...the Buck Moon?

Captured last week in Southern Touraine.

Wednesday for windows... Rue de la Prte Neuve, Saumur.

More on Saumur.

 

TOUR DE FRANCE 2025 - STAGE 9 - Chinon › Châteauroux

 

Having the route pass through Touraine not only offered beautiful scenery and a chance for spectators to see the race up close but it also gave a boost to local tourism. With the historic charm of Chinon and the vibrant town of Châteauroux as bookends, it was a stage rich in cultural and visual appeal. The vineyards, castles, and rolling countryside made for fantastic visuals on the televised broadcast and great publicity for the region.

Whether you were roadside cheering or watching from home, it was a win for the sport and for Touraine.  

And they're off...Tour de France 2025

Today Chinon has the honor of hosting the start of the 9th stage of this year's Tour de France.

Mon banc dominical / My Sunday Bench...Chinon

Bench with a view of the Pont de Chinon stretching gracefully over the Vienne River, more than just a way across, it's a passage through time. Built on foundations that date back to the 12th century, the bridge has witnessed centuries of change, war, and quiet resilience.

Saturday on the streets of Touraine...Loches on market day.

Pl. du Marché au Blé on market day (Sat/& Wed.)

Bon week-end à tous,have a good weekend everyone...chateau de Chenonceau

 A canoe on the River Cher glides silently beneath the arches of the Château de Chenonceau, its stone reflection shimmering in the rippled water like a dream half-remembered. The castle stretches gracefully across the river, part bridge, part fairytale, its white façade softened by the warm afternoon light. Time slows here, too, caught between centuries of history and the stillness of the present. It feels less like travel, more like drifting through a painting.

Thursday's taken in Touraine...Chinon.

Chinon, evidence of being dressed up for the start of the 9th stage of the Tour de France on Sunday July 13th

Wednesday for windows...in Chinon.

 

Love this feature on Rue Rabelais in Chinon.

Monday's chateau...Chateau de Valencay,

Step Back in Time at the Château de Valençay: France’s Underrated Royal Gem.

If you’re exploring the châteaux of the Loire Valley and think you’ve seen it all—Chambord, Chenonceau, Amboise, think again. Tucked just to the south, in the quiet, pastoral Indre region, is a place that’s as grand, fascinating, and history-soaked as any of its more famous neighbors: the Château de Valençay.

This stunning estate isn't just another pretty castle—it's where diplomacy, elegance, and a dash of political intrigue come together under one slate-blue roof. Trust us: it’s worth the detour.

Mon banc dominical / My Sunday Bench...Le Blanc (36)

 

This bench sits on the little chemin behind the 'Eglise Saint-Cyran du Blanc' giving views over the low town.

More on Le Blanc.

Saturday on the streets of Touraine...Descartes

 

Rue du Commerce in Descartes.

Bon week-end à tous,have a good weekend everyone...visit Tours?

This Sunday it is free entry at the Museum of Fine Arts in Tours why not make a day of it and visit this fine city and all it has to offer.

Thursday's taken in Touraine...give me the higher ground.

Take this elevator link and discover the two sides of Chinon! Start in the lively lower town, where you'll find charming shops and local services. Then ride up to the historic upper town, crowned by a majestic medieval fortress that offers stunning views over the city.

Wednesday for windows...in Tours.

On Bd. Béranger.

 

Seeking shade...stay safe !

Took this photo last week at Place Jean Jaurès, in Tours, very few people on the move as was hot but at least there was some cloud cover. Would imagine even fewer today as they all seek some shade and try and stay cool during this canicule. 

Monday's chateau...Chateau de l'Islette

 

Some much needed shade at Chateau de l'Islette.

Mon banc dominical / My Sunday Bench... at Tours' Botanic Gardens.

 

Plenty of choices at Tours' Botanic Gardens.

Saturday on the streets of Touraine...Loches

Place de l'Hôtel de ville in Loches.

Bon week-end à tous,have a good weekend everyone...the rooftops of Chinon.

More on Chinon here.

 

Tournesols de Touraine.

 

Tournesols de Touraine.

Wednesday for windows...inside out at Château de l'Islette

 Looking onto the garden from inside Château de l'Islette.

View below is from an open window from a bedroom on the first floor.

Official website.

Searching for shade...

On Pl. du Général de Gaulle, Chinon.

 

Monday's chateau...Château de l'Islette

Four from a visit yesterday.

More on the Chateau here/

 

Mon banc dominical / My Sunday Bench...in Chinon.

 

Saturday on the streets of Touraine...in Chinon

A walk through the streets of Chinon is always a delight.