Saturday on the streets...

Rue Jeanne d'Arc is Orléans' grand ceremonial street, created in the 19th century to provide a magnificent approach to the cathedral. Running in a straight line from the Loire towards the Cathédrale Sainte-Croix, it offers one of the finest urban vistas in France, with the cathedral dominating the skyline at its northern end.

Bon samedi dans Centre-Val de Loire!

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

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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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View of the Vienne...

From the heights of the Fortress of Chinon, the mighty Vienne river stretches westwards through a broad, wooded valley, with the hillside homes of Chinon below.

The fortress occupies a long rocky spur above the river and was once a key royal stronghold. It was here, in 1429, that Joan of Arc met the future Charles VII before setting out to help change the course of the Hundred Years’ War.

“In Touraine, even the silence tells a story.”

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Part of the “Taken in Touraine” Series

Every Thursday, we pause somewhere in Touraine — a village, a vineyard, or a quiet riverside — to capture the spirit of this timeless Loire region.

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Monday's chateau - Royal Lodgings from a different angle.

Royal Lodgings at Loches.

Bon lundi.

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

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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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Monday's chateau - the Royal Lodgings at Loches.

One of the most fascinating stories tied to this château is that of Agnès Sorel, the official mistress of Charles VII. She was given the Royal Lodgings as her residence and lived here in great luxury. Known for her beauty and intelligence, she even dared to wear dresses that revealed her shoulders, considered very bold for the time! Tragically, she died young (possibly from mercury poisoning). Her tomb can still be seen nearby in the Church of Saint-Ours.

Another powerful moment: In June 1429, fresh from her victory at Orléans, Joan of Arc met Charles VII in the Great Hall of these Lodgings and persuaded the hesitant king to travel to Reims to be crowned, a turning point in the Hundred Years’ War.

“Each château tells a story — of kings, of romance,intrigue 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

© Experience Loire — Châteaux of the Loire · Back to Home