Wednesday for windows...forgotten.

Spotted this little forgotten window as you walk towards the park and main chateau at Chateau de Chaumont-sur-Loire. Only a few steps further along and it would be better dressed !

 

Four from the Festival 2025...

 

Four gardens (2 pics each) from this year's  International Garden Festival at Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire . Gardens 2,3,4 &4b.

See the detail / design of the individual gardens here: 

Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire .

Monday's chateau...Chateau de Chaumont-sur-Loire,

The Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire was looking resplendent last week as we explored its annual International Garden Festival, which this year embraces the theme 'Once Upon a Time in the Garden'.

Mon banc dominical / My Sunday Bench...by the Loire in Saumur

 

Great spot to view the bridge over the Loire river at Saumur but that bench is a bit off. Ok lads last job of the week just place the top slab centrally on the supports. How hard can it be?

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.

Bon week-end à tous, have a good weekend everyone...a sell out at Villandry!

This years 'Nights of a Thousand Lights'  (Nuits des Mille Feux) at Chateau de Villandry is a sell-out for both tonight and tomorrow night. If you are lucky enough to have tickets, enjoy, if not here are a few pics. to give you a flavour of it!