Monday's Château – Château de Beauregard

Standing gracefully in the heart of the Loire Valley, Château de Beauregard may not be the largest or most famous château in the region, but it possesses a charm all its own. Surrounded by peaceful parkland and formal gardens, its elegant Renaissance façade reflects the refinement that characterised the French court during the 16th century.

Located between Blois and Cheverny, Beauregard rewards visitors with a quieter experience than many of the Loire's better-known castles. Beyond its impressive exterior lies one of France's most remarkable historic interiors, making it a hidden treasure for anyone exploring the Loire Valley.

Château de Beauregard is renowned for its extraordinary Portrait Gallery (Galerie des Illustres), which contains 327 portraits of kings, queens, statesmen and influential figures from European history. Created during the 17th century, it stretches almost 26 metres and is one of the finest portrait galleries in France. Beneath the paintings, the beautiful floor is decorated with over 5,500 Delft tiles, adding another unique feature that visitors rarely expect to find.

Happy Monday in the Loire Valley!

“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

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A lesson in symmetry...

At Château de Cheverny, evenly spaced windows create one of the Loire Valley’s most elegant façades. The formal balance continues around the building, giving the château its famously composed appearance.

Château de Cheverny has remained in the same family for more than six centuries and its interiors are among the best preserved in the Loire Valley The château is also said to have inspired Marlinspike Hall in 'The Adventures of Tintin'.

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

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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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Windows in the Tower at Château de Blois – Louis XII Wing Courtyard

In the courtyard of the Château de Blois, this staircase tower marks the transition into the Louis XII wing, where late Gothic style begins to give way to early Renaissance ideas.

Built around 1500 for Louis XII, the wing combines red brick and pale stone in a pattern typical of the period. The tower itself is both practical and symbolic, housing the spiral stair while projecting royal presence into the courtyard.

Look closely at the windows and you can see that shift in style. Their frames are more regular and refined than earlier medieval openings, yet still retain decorative flourishes, sculpted surrounds, and small turrets that hint at the Gothic tradition.

Set against the slate roof and open sky, the tower draws the eye upward, a vertical accent in a courtyard that tells the story of French architecture evolving from fortress to residence.

Bon mercredi dans la vallée de la Loire !

 

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

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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.

See more from Experience Loire

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

Towns & Villages: Blois and its layers of history.

This is a favourite view in Blois's historic core, on Rue du Puits Châtel, near the cathedral and the château district. The half-timbered building is part of the preserved medieval quarter, while the cathedral (built 1678–1697 on older foundations) anchors the skyline with its tall bell tower and dome.

A reminder: some Loire towns are best seen in their small details — a timbered corner, a cathedral tower in the background, the quiet layers of history.

Bon mardi dans la vallée de la Loire !

“Every town and village in the Loire Valley tells its story gently — in rooftops, stonework and narrow streets.”

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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

© Experience Loire — Towns & Villages of the Loire · Back to Home 

 

Tuesday for Towns and Villages – Vendôme, the Little Venice on the Loir.

Reflections on the Loir... a gentle riverside stroll in a town full of medieval charm.

Today's town: Vendôme (Loir-et-Cher), often called the 'Little Venice' of the Loire Valley thanks to the multiple arms of the Loir River criss-crossing the historic center.

From this riverbank perspective, the view highlights the town's medieval heritage: the 12th-century tower and remnants of the old château walls perched on the hillside, overlooking stone houses with slate roofs, chimneys, and autumnal foliage. The Loir flows calmly below, bordered by quays, flower beds bursting with chrysanthemums and other blooms, and the quiet townscape—perfect for a peaceful walk or photo stop.

Vendôme is a classified 'Ville d'Art et d'Histoire' with a rich past (from Gallic origins to counts of Vendôme, including César de Vendôme son of Henri IV). Key sights nearby include the Flamboyant Gothic Abbaye de la Trinité (with its stunning façade and cloister museum), the ruined Château de Vendôme (panoramic terrace views), Place Saint-Martin (with its carillon tower), and the Rochambeau district's half-timbered houses.

Why linger in Vendôme?

• Riverside paths along the Loir for calm walks or cycling.
• Covered market halls (15th century) for local produce.
• Easy day trip base: 40 min TGV from Paris, close to Lavardin (one of France's "Most Beautiful Villages") or the Loir Valley vineyards.

A quiet Tuesday gem: history mirrored in the water, flowers framing the stone—pure Touraine serenity. What's your favorite riverside town in the Loire?

“Every town and village in the Loire Valley tells its story gently — in rooftops, stonework and narrow streets.”

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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

© Experience Loire — Towns & Villages of the Loire · Back to Home 

Monday's Loire Valley chateau - Chateau de Beauregard

The main attraction at Beauregard is the 17th century portrait gallery "Galerie des Illustres" a 26-meter long Renaissance room with over 300 portraits of distinguished Frenchmen and Europeans. More info here

Tuesday for towns...Saint Aignan in Loir-et-Cher

Today we focus on the town of Saint-Aignan which rests on the river Cher in the department of Loir-et-Cher.

The collegiate church