Wednesday, 7 January 2026

Window shopping in Loches.

Artisan shop window in Loches, Loire Valley, with dark wood framing and a detailed interior visible through the glass.

A carefully framed shop window in Loches, where craftsmanship and decoration meet behind dark-painted woodwork. The glass offers a clear view into a warm, detailed interior, inviting passers-by to pause and look a little longer.

Artisan shop window in Loches, Loire Valley, with dark wood framing

“Through every window, the town breathes — calm, patient, and quietly luminous.”


Part of the “Windows of the Loire” Series

Each Wednesday, we share a glimpse of the Loire Valley through its windows — small frames of everyday beauty and quiet reflection.

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Tuesday, 6 January 2026

Towns & Villages of the Loire Valley - December in Loches.

Street view in Loches with the Tour Saint-Antoine rising above traditional stone houses in this historic town of the Loire Valley.
A quiet street in Loches, where everyday life unfolds beneath layers of history. The Tour Saint-Antoine rises above the rooftops, its pale stone catching the light, a steady presence watching over a town shaped by centuries.
Street view in Loches with the Tour Saint-Antoine
Looking towards the Tour Saint-Antoine and Porte des Cordeliers in Loches

“Every town and village in Touraine tells its story softly.”



Part of the “Towns & Villages of the Loire” Series

Each Tuesday, we visit one of the Loire Valley’s towns or villages of the Loire Valley — their streets, stories, and quiet beauty.


Browse the full series


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Monday, 5 January 2026

Monday's chateau - Chateau de Chenonceau in December.

Château de Chenonceau in December, showing the château and gardens in winter light, a quieter seasonal view of one of the Loire Valley’s most iconic historic landmarks.

Château de Chenonceau in December reveals a quieter side of one of the Loire Valley’s most celebrated châteaux. Bare gardens, winter light, and calm reflections draw attention to its elegant lines and long history, offering a more contemplative way to experience this landmark once the crowds have faded, a timeless Loire Valley classic seen at its most serene.. 

You can check out the chateau's Christmas dressing here.

“Each château tells a story — of kings, of artists, and of the dream of France itself.”


Part of the “Châteaux of the Loire” Series

Every Monday, we explore one of the Loire Valley’s legendary châteaux — from royal residences to riverside retreats — each revealing a different chapter of the region’s story.

Discover more about the Loire Valley
Browse the full series

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Sunday, 4 January 2026

Mon banc dominical — My Sunday Bench in Loches.

Benches in the public gardens of Loches with Saint-Ours church visible in the background, capturing a calm and reflective moment in the Loire Valley.
Loches — a Sunday moment of stillness.

A quiet line of benches in the public gardens of Loches, where the path gently leads the eye toward the twin towers of Saint-Ours church rising above the trees. This is a place to pause, where history feels present without demanding attention. Sitting here, the town reveals itself slowly, stone, sky, and garden sharing the same calm moment.

More Loire benches here.

“On Sundays, the Loire speaks softly — and you have time to listen.”


Part of the “Mon banc dominical” Series

Each Sunday, we share a quiet bench somewhere in the Loire — a small reminder that peace is often found where you simply stop to notice it.

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Saturday, 3 January 2026

On the Streets of Touraine - December in Loches.


Historic street scene in Loches, Touraine, leading toward the Porte Royale and former town hall, showing the medieval character of the town in December.
A calm December view along the historic streets of Loches, where pale stone façades guide the eye toward the fortified gateways of the old town. This approach to the Porte Royale, with the former town hall beside it and that of Porte des Cordeliers reflects Loches as both a lived-in town and a place shaped by centuries of defence, administration and everyday life. The winter light and the quieter  streets allow the architecture of the medieval town to take centre stage.

Loches— the charm of everyday Touraine life.

“The streets here don’t hurry. They simply invite you to walk, to notice, to belong.”


Part of the “On the Streets of the Loire” Series

Each Saturday, we stroll through the lanes and cobbles of Loire towns and villages — places where every step feels like a story.

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Friday, 2 January 2026

Bon week-end à tous - have a good first weekend of 2026 everyone.


Remember Chateau d'Azay-le-Rideau is free to enter on the first Sunday of the months of January, February, March, November and December. 

“In the Loire, the weekend begins with light, and ends with gratitude.”


Part of the “Bon week-end from the Loire” Series

Each Friday, we share a quiet moment from the Loire, a region that invites you to unwind, one beautiful weekend at a time.

Discover more from the Loire

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