Loches on non-market day.

A calm Pl. du Marché aux Fleurs in Loches on non-market day.

“Some towns speak softly — Loches is one of them.”

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Part of the “Towns & Villages of the Loire” Series

Exploring the towns and villages of the Loire Valley — their streets, stories, and quiet beauty.

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Bon week-end – Chinon.

The medieval fortress of Chinon rises above the rooftops of the old town. This imposing castle, perched on a rocky spur overlooking the Vienne river, was a favourite residence of the Plantagenet kings and played a key role in French history.

It was here in 1429 that Joan of Arc met the future Charles VII and convinced him to claim the French throne. The castle later served as a prison and fell into ruin before being restored. Today its towers and walls dominate the skyline of Chinon, one of the most striking towns in the Val de Loire.

Wishing everyone a good weekend from the heart of the Loire Valley.

Part of the “Bon weekend from the Loire” Series

Each Friday, we share a quiet moment from the Loire — a region that invites you to unwind, a beautiful weekend at a time.

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Taken in Touraine – Loches in springtime.

Loches, one of the most picturesque medieval towns in the Touraine region of the Loire Valley. The view shows the historic upper town with its royal castle and the distinctive 15th-century Tour Saint-Antoine rising above the rooftops.

In spring the town is framed by blossoming trees, adding soft colour to the stone architecture. Loches has a long royal history: the chateau served as a favourite residence for Charles VII and Agnès Sorel and the old keep as a prison for several high-ranking figures including the Duke of Milan.

A peaceful Loire Valley scene that combines medieval heritage and seasonal charm.

“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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Windows in the Loire Valley - Azay-le-Rideau

Rue Gambetta in Azay-le-Rideau, one of the most charming streets in this Loire Valley town. Traditional tuffeau stone buildings line the narrow way, featuring classic multi-paned windows, wrought-iron balconies and simple wooden shutters.

The ground floors house small shops,caves and cafés, with their menu boards and signage adding everyday life to the historic façades. A quiet corner that perfectly captures the intimate scale of Loire villages.

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.

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Towns and Villages – Boussay-sur-Claise in Touraine

Boussay-sur-Claise, a small village in the Touraine region of the Loire Valley, Indre-et-Loire department. The Romanesque church of Saint-Pierre with its sturdy tower and slate roof dominates the center of the village.

In front stands a war memorial statue, a common feature in French villages, honoring local soldiers who died in the World Wars.

The quiet road and open square give a peaceful impression of everyday life in one of the lesser-known villages of the Touraine countryside.

Good information on Bousay-sur-Claise here. 

“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.

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Monday's Chateau – Chateau du Rivau.

Château de Rivau , a medieval fortress turned Renaissance castle in the Touraine region of the Loire Valley, near Lémeré between Chinon and Richelieu. 

Building started in 1445 by Pierre de Beauvau, chamberlain to Charles VII, the château has ties to the Hundred Years' War, it's where Joan of Arc reportedly stopped in 1429 to collect horses for her troops en route to Orléans. 

The site combines fortified medieval elements (towers, drawbridge) with Renaissance features. Today it is known for its remarkable gardens, designated 'Jardin Remarquable', with fairy-tale themes, organic plantings, rose collections and contemporary art installations. 

The château remains privately owned but open to visitors, with exhibits, a hotel and a restaurant on site. A Loire Valley stops blending history, architecture and peaceful landscaped grounds.

For those interested in owning their own château in the Loire Valley (you can dream!), there are specialist agencies focused on historic properties in the region.

“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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On the Streets of Touraine – Impasse Nicolas Potocki in Montrésor.

A narrow street in Montrésor, one of the most beautiful villages in the Loire Valley's Touraine region. The view looks along Impasse Nicolas Potocki toward the church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, with its tall spire and clock face rising above the rooftops.

Traditional houses line the cobbled lane: stone walls, red-tiled roofs, and simple shutters. Street signs mark "Rue du Moulin des Roches" and "Le Lavoir" (the old washhouse). The impasse leads toward the entrance of Château de Montrésor.

The village has medieval origins, but its name and some streets reflect 19th-century Polish influence. In 1849, the Polish noble family Branicki (through the Potocki line) acquired the château after political exile from Russia. Xavier Branicki, a refugee opposed to Tsar Nicholas I, settled here with followers. Streets like Impasse Nicolas Potocki and Rue Branicki honor this history. The family still owns and inhabits part of the château today.

Bon samedi dans la Touraine !

“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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