Richelieu is unlike any other town in the Loire Valley. Founded in 1631 by Cardinal Richelieu, it was designed from the ground up with a perfectly ordered street grid and elegant limestone houses that still define its character today.
This view along Rue Paul Viau Laurence leads towards the church, with architecture that has remained remarkably faithful to the Cardinal's original vision.
The irony of Richelieu is that the town survived better than the château it was built to accompany. After the French Revolution, Cardinal Richelieu's vast palace was plundered for its treasures and eventually demolished, its stone sold as building material. Today, the carefully planned town remains the greatest monument to his ambition.
There’s a particular kind of quiet that settles over the terraced gardens of La Guerche. The stone walls hold the day’s heat, the leaves on the banana tree that still grows, improbably green, barely move.
Not much has changed here over the years with the only real sign of modernity being the 'dish' on the roof!
A quiet lane in Loches with a big sense of history.
Stepping into Rue du Grand Marché in Tours feels like walking straight into a postcard of medieval France.
The striking half-timbered houses with their dark wooden beams and warm brick patterns rise on both sides, creating that classic Loire Valley charm. Outdoor café terraces spill onto the cobblestones, and the bright blue sky with fluffy clouds adds the perfect touch of spring light.
This lively yet historic street in the heart of Tours is one of those places where you can easily spend hours wandering, photographing details, and soaking up the atmosphere.
Personal tip: Come early in the morning or late afternoon when the light plays beautifully on the facades and the terraces start filling up.
Have you explored the old streets of Tours yet?
“Every town and village in Centre-Val de Loire tells its story gently — in rooftops, stonework and narrow streets.”
Each Tuesday, we visit one of the Loire Valley's towns or villages of the Loire Valley — their streets, stories, and quiet beauty.
© Experience Loire — Towns & Villages of the Loire · Back to Home
“Every town and village in the Loire Valley tells its story gently — in rooftops, stonework and narrow streets.”
Each Tuesday, we visit one of the Loire Valley's towns or villages of the Loire Valley — their streets, stories, and quiet beauty.
© Experience Loire — Towns & Villages of the Loire · Back to Home
Looking out over the River Cher toward Montrichard, the town appears gently layered along the slope above the water. The river moves calmly below, reflecting the sky and tthe stone houses and tiled roofs with their pale façades catching the light.
Above them, the medieval château dominates the scene, its towers and ramparts standing solid against the horizon. It gives the view a sense of age and permanence, as if the river has been passing beneath it for centuries without interruption. The bridge spans the Cher with quiet confidence, linking the riverbanks and drawing the eye toward the heart of the town.
“Every town and village in the Loire Valley tells its story softly — in rooftops, stonework and narrow streets.”
Each Tuesday, we visit one of the Loire Valley’s towns or villags of the Loire Valley — their streets, stories, and quiet beauty.
© Experience Loire — Towns & Villages of the Loire · Back to Home
“Every town and village in Touraine tells its story softly.”
Each Tuesday, we visit one of the Loire Valley’s towns or villages of the Loire Valley — their streets, stories, and quiet beauty.
© Experience Loire — Towns & Villages of the Loire · Back to Home
“Every village and town in Touraine tells its story softly”
Each Tuesday, we visit one of the Loire Valley’s towns or villages of the Loire Valley — their streets, stories, and quiet beauty.
© Experience Loire — Towns & Villages of the Loire · Back to Home
