Happy Valentines Day...

Saint-Valentin (Indre), decked out in a magnificent garland of greenery, red roses, and white blooms forming a giant heart arch over the entrance, complete with French flags and heart-shaped wreaths.

This tiny village (pop. ~280) is France's unique 'Village des Amoureux,' proudly bearing the name of the patron saint of love since forever. Every February, it hosts a multi-day Fête des Amoureux (this year the 62nd edition on 14-15 Feb 2026), with ceremonies at the town hall, love diplomas from the mayor, a Mass for couples, the Jardin des Amoureux (with its Tree of Wishes, heart-shaped willow, and lovers' kiosk), romantic markets, concerts, and chocolate stands. Couples come from near and far to renew vows, hang wishes, or simply soak in the year-round romance.

The Mairie photo captures that perfect festive touch, simple, heartfelt, and oh-so-French. A reminder that love isn't just one day; in Saint-Valentin, it's every day.

Whether you're here in person or dreaming from afar, may your Valentine's be filled with tenderness, laughter, and a little magic.

 

Tuesday for towns in Centre-Val de Loire - Levroux in Indre

Our region has something to offer to everyone choosing it as a holiday destination. For returning visitors there is an opportunity to seek out places away from the main tourist trail of the river Loire and its chateaux and visit the lesser known departments of the region, such as Indre which has much to offer. The marketing of its tourism, likes its neighbour Indre-et-Loire (Touraine) focuses on the more traditional name 'Berry Provence'. As we have explored ourselves we have been pleasantly surprised by what we have found.

On our way back from a visit to Saint-Valentin (on the 14th) we passed by Levroux a town we had, on a previous road trip, stopped and had lunch without any further exploration.One of our fellow travelers did feel there was more to this place than meets the eye.On approaching it from a different route the obvious 'more; was the very grand church which you can see from the top photograph.

We will give you more on the very iteresting 'La Collegiale Saint-Sylvain' on another post.  

Other points of interest are the old gate 'La Porte de Champagne'...

'La Maison de Bois'...

'Le Berger Couche'...

and just outside the town the remains of the former chateau.

Loire Valley church on Sunday - St.Martin's Aubigny-sur-Nere

Today we feature the church of  St.Martin's in Aubigny-sur-Nere deep in the department of Cher (Berry). The town has very strong Scottish connections - you can read more here on this and is well worth a visit,especially in mid July when they have their 'Fetes Franco Ecossaises'. I really must do a 'towns' page for here!

You can see more of the church here.