A street for Heritage Weekend...

A peaceful tree-lined walk at Mail du Donjon in Loches leads directly to one of the Loire Valley’s most impressive medieval keeps.

During the European Heritage Days weekend the Donjon de Loches is free to enter (Saturday and Sunday), making it the perfect moment to climb the massive stone tower and enjoy the views. The approach itself is already worth the visit.

So much on offer this weekend...

We find best place for information is here: This is for Touraine but you can search other departments on this site.

“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 Touraine” 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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Looking Across the Loire to Saint-Liphard in Meung-sur-Loire.

There is something unusual about Saint-Liphard that isn't immediately obvious from this view. The church has a trefoil-shaped plan, created by its transept ending in semicircular apses. The arrangement is described as unique in the region and is more commonly associated with churches in northern France and the Rhineland.

The story behind the church goes back much further. Liphard, a 6th-century hermit associated with Meung, was buried here, and an oratory was built over his tomb. A Romanesque church followed in the 10th century, while the present structure incorporates later Gothic alterations. The church became a collegiate church in 1068. 

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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A chateau with two architectural faces - Meung-sur-Loire

 The original fortress was built for the bishops of Orléans, with the surviving medieval structure dating largely from the 13th century. Then, centuries later, the bishops transformed it into a much more comfortable residence. In the 18th century, Fleuriau d’Armonville added the grand façade and major extensions, followed later by a chapel and vestibule. The result is the rather striking contrast seen here: 18th-century château designed for more civilised living, joined to a medieval fortress with its defensive towers.

Chateau website here:

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

Browse the full series

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Monday in the Loire Valley: Chateau de Montpoupon.

A perfect start to the week with this elegant medieval gem! Château du Montpoupon rises proudly along a quiet road in the heart of the Touraine, its imposing round towers and slate roofs silhouetted against a brilliant blue sky.

Built between the 13th and 15th centuries and later transformed into a Renaissance residence, Montpoupon has kept its authentic fortress charm. The massive curtain wall, conical turrets, and strategic position make it one of the most picturesque lesser-known châteaux of the region. Surrounded by peaceful countryside and forests, it offers a wonderful escape for history lovers and castle enthusiasts.

A timeless beauty that feels straight out of a storybook – ideal for a gentle Monday morning wander (in spirit or in real life!).

Bon lundi dans la vallée de la Loire !

“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

 © Experience Loire — Châteaux of the Loire · ,

Back to Home

Bon week-end à tous. Have a good weekend everyone!

Soft evening light settles over the towers of Château de Sully-sur-Loire, reflected in the still water of its broad moat. The stone bridge links the quiet town to the fortress beyond, while the warm glow on the walls hints at centuries of watchfulness.

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Part of the “Bon week-end from the Loire” Series

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

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Christmas windows in Loches.

Playful seasonal windows in the heart of Loches, where festive figures appear at the windows of La Tour Saint-Antoine Cafe, set against the town’s imposing medieval tower of the same name, rising above. The contrast between the historic stonework and the cheerful Christmas decorations adds a light-hearted note to this corner of the old town, a reminder that Loire Valley towns continue to live, celebrate and adapt within centuries-old settings.

“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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