Streets of the Loire...in Blois a city of layers.

In Blois, this little street tilts toward the river like a quiet thought. light slips between shutters, a florist opens early and someone carries the day’s first basket of errands down the slope. Above it all, a pink umbrella, a remnant from 'Octobre Rose', hangs giving a splash of colour against the limestone calm.

Blois is a city of layers: medieval passages, Renaissance façades, and traces of kings and revolutions woven into everyday life. On a Saturday morning, none of that is evident, what you feel instead is the gentleness of a place that still moves at a human pace.

“In the Loire, even the quiet streets know how to welcome a weekend.”

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Part of the “Streets of the Loire” Series

Each Saturday, we explore a moment from the Loire Valley — its streets, its textures, and its quietly unfolding stories.

Browse the full series

© Streets of the Loire · Back to Home

On the streets of Tours.

Evening on Rue de Bordeaux in Tours.

October street view in Loches...

Rue Picois in Loches.

Rue Foulques Nerra: the Citadel’s narrow pathway through time.

Winding its way through the medieval citadel of Loches, Rue Foulques Nerra is a steep, narrow street that leads back toward the commanding Porte Royale. Named after the fearsome 11th-century Count of Anjou—Foulques Nerra, or "Fulk the Black", this stone-lined lane feels like a passage straight through history. As you glance up at the looming fortress walls, you can almost hear the echo of armored boots and whispered secrets from centuries past. Today it’s a quiet route rich in the atmosphere of feudal France.

 

Saturday on the streets of Touraine...Preuilly-sur-Claise

Looking down Grand rue in Preuilly-sur-Claise.

Saturday on the streets...in Chavignol

On Route du Graveron in Chavignol which lies just below Sancerre, This small village is renowned not only for its goat cheese but also for its wine producers 

Domaine Serge Laporte seems to have it on tap!

Saturday on the streets...of Sancerre.

More on Sancerre.

Saturday on the streets of Touraine...In Loches

Looking up Grande rue in Loches.

 

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

More on Loches here.

 

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.

Saturday on the streets of Touraine...in Le Grand-Pressigny.

 

In the heart of Le Grand-Pressigny, Rue du Four Banal feels like  stepping back in time. This narrow street, home to an old communal oven, still echoes with the rhythms of centuries past. With its medieval charm and quiet pace, the street offers a glimpse of Southern Touraine as it once was. Here, as in other nearby streets, history is alive and time appears to stand still.

Saturday on the streets of Touraine...in Chinon

A walk through the streets of Chinon is always a delight.

 

Saturday on the streets of Saumur... Rue Franklin Roosevelt

 

Rue Franklin Roosevelt in Saumur.

On the streets of Touraine... Montresor.

 

Montresor

Saturday on the streets... of Preuilly-sur-Claise.

 

Rue de l'Abreuvoir in Preuilly-sur-Claise,Southern Touraine.

Saturday on the streets...Rue Pierre de Blois.

We love this little street with Maison de Denis Papin (Hôtel de Villebresme). Denis Papin, who has quite a history, may not actually have lived here but apparently it is good for the tourists!

 

On the streets of Blois...

 

More on Blois.

On the streets of Touraine...Preuilly-sur-Claise

Looking down Grande Rue.

 

Saturday on the streets...Tours

Tours

 

On the streets of Touraine - Richelieu

Grande Rue, Richelieu.