Wednesday for windows...Rue René Boylesve in Tours.

Interesting side window above a garage on Rue René Boylesve in Tours.

'Band standing'...

Two bandstands...the first in the public gardens in Loches and the second on Place du Maréchal Leclerc in Beaulieu-les-Loches.

Monday's chateau - Chateau de Montpupon

Approaching Chateau de Montpupon, the first thing that strikes you is how it seems to rise naturally from the landscape a graceful blend of creamy stone towers, slate rooftops, and medieval walls, softened by centuries and surrounded by forest. There’s a stillness to the place, as if it has been waiting patiently for you to discover it..

Tucked away in the rolling green hills of the Loire Valley, Château de Montpoupon always seems to glow brightest under a clear blue  sky. It’s not the largest, nor the most famous of France’s châteaux but that is precisely its charm. Here, the crowds thin out, the air is still, and history feels close enough to touch.

The château dates back to the Middle Ages, with each era leaving behind traces: a fortified keep, Renaissance-style wings, and carefully restored interiors. Yet it remains wonderfully intimate, more home than palace. Unlike the grandeur of  Chenonceau or Chambord, Montpoupon invites quiet exploration. You’re not just a visitor; you’re a guest stepping into someone’s ancestral memory.

Perhaps the most magical moments come outside. From the château's terrace, the view stretches across green meadows and forested ridges. Birds dart through the sky. Somewhere in the distance, a horse might whinny the estate is still active in equestrian circles. It’s easy to imagine a time when carriages arrived along the gravel paths, bringing nobility from Paris or Tours for the season.

For those seeking peace, authenticity, and a touch of lived-in nobility, Château de Montpoupon offers an unforgettable pause in the Loire Valley. It's a reminder that not all castles need to dazzle with opulence; some captivate simply by being true to themselves.

Mon banc dominical / My Sunday Bench...sole survivor

Last surviving ornate bench in Descartes public gardens with the rest having been replaced by a modern, less attractive design.

Bon week-end à tous, have a good weekend everyone...seek out some shade.

 

Château d’Azay-le-Rideau under a clear blue sky is hard to beat. With its elegant turrets reflected in the still waters of the moat and the symmetry of Renaissance architecture glowing in the sunlight, it’s a near-perfect scene. That mirror-like moat, lush green framing, and cloudless sky combine for a postcard moment that feels almost surreal. It’s one of those places where nature and architecture are in quiet harmony.

Thursday's taken in Touraine...August in Loches.

 

More on Loches here.

Wednesday for windows...Villa des Ponts.

Spotted these intriguing windows walking back to Loches from Beaulieu-lès-Loches, They are at 16 Rue du Dr Paul Martinais (Loches) which bears the name 'Villa des Ponts' but a search for some history of the property proved fruitless.

 

Another four from the Festival 2025...

Four gardens (2 pics each) from this year's  International Garden Festival at Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire . Gardens 5,6,7 & 8.

See the detail / design of the individual gardens here: 

Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire .

Monday's chateau...from a different angle! t was the Royal Lodgings at Loches taken from the Chem. de la Prairie de la Foire.

Where? It was the Royal Lodgings at Loches taken from the Chem. de la Prairie de la Foire.

Mon banc dominical / My Sunday Bench...Beaulieu-lès-Loches

A quiet bench in Beaulieu-lès-Loches, facing the ancient abbey, offers a moment of deep stillness. The stone walls rise gently above the village, weathered by time and softened by light.Here, history feels closs, not in grand gestures, but in quiet presence.  

Saturday on the streets of Touraine...Rue des Moulins in Loches.

More on Loches here.

 

Bon week-end à tous, have a good weekend everyone...stay cool.

Why not visit this years International Garden Festival at Chaumont-sur-Loire, if you do, don't forget to take a hat!

 

Thursdays taken in Touraine...illuminating.

 

From August 6 to 9, Chateau de La Guerche in honour of the 200th anniversary of Victorine d'Argenson's marriage to Raoul de Crouy-Chanel in 1825, will be the setting for a "Nocturne": an immersive and interactive show, in which visitors are invited to wander through the château as they embark on a detective investigation...

Wednesday for windows...forgotten.

Spotted this little forgotten window as you walk towards the park and main chateau at Chateau de Chaumont-sur-Loire. Only a few steps further along and it would be better dressed !

 

Four from the Festival 2025...

 

Four gardens (2 pics each) from this year's  International Garden Festival at Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire . Gardens 2,3,4 &4b.

See the detail / design of the individual gardens here: 

Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire .

Monday's chateau...Chateau de Chaumont-sur-Loire,

The Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire was looking resplendent last week as we explored its annual International Garden Festival, which this year embraces the theme 'Once Upon a Time in the Garden'.

Mon banc dominical / My Sunday Bench...by the Loire in Saumur

 

Great spot to view the bridge over the Loire river at Saumur but that bench is a bit off. Ok lads last job of the week just place the top slab centrally on the supports. How hard can it be?

Saturday on the streets of Touraine...streets to stroll in Loches.

 

Approaching Grande Rue after coming down Rue du Château in Loches feels less like changing streets and more like slipping between centuries. Here there is no sence of urgency. these are streets made for strolling, for slowing down and letting the facades tell their stories.

Rue du Château begins at the Porte Royale, the entrance to the medieval city, once home to royal intrigues and a strong Joan of Arc connection.. As you descend, the ramparts give way painted shutters  and ancient doors.. It’s quiet but alive in a way only ancient towns can be.

Then you step onto Grande Rue, Loches’ old commercial heart. The street is lined with Renaissance façades, timber-framed shops, and  cafés spill out onto the narrow street, tempting you to pause for a local wine or le plate de jour.

There are no neon signs here, rarely crowds, just tourists getting to know the streets of this medieval town with perhaps only a distant church bell reminding them that time still moves, even if it doesn’t feel like it here.

Bon week-end à tous, have a good weekend everyone...a sell out at Villandry!

This years 'Nights of a Thousand Lights'  (Nuits des Mille Feux) at Chateau de Villandry is a sell-out for both tonight and tomorrow night. If you are lucky enough to have tickets, enjoy, if not here are a few pics. to give you a flavour of it!