Insights into the French way of life and European travels by an Australian living in the Loire Valley
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Category Archives: Loire Valley châteaux
Roses, Chambord Gardens and a Birthday
I think I should begin with an explanation about why I haven’t posted since the begininng of June! It’s very simple – lack of time! I used to post every day when on holidays but realised that Jean Michel had … Continue reading
Sound & Light at Blois Castle
I am not a great fan of sound & light shows but I think I should go to the one at Blois Castle so I can recommend it (or not) to visitors. As residents of Blois, we have free passes … Continue reading
Cycling in the Loire – Luynes to Langeais: Castles & Troglodytes
It’s one of those perfect summer days in the Loire Valley and we’ve chosen to cycle from Luynes to Langeais via a loop we’ve found in our La Touraine à vélo book. Luynes is about 50 minutes from Blois by … Continue reading
Best Nine Instagram Photos for 2015
These are my nine most “liked” photos on Instagram for the year. Four are châteaux of the Loire and two are the flowers in my garden! Top: Chenonceau, Sully, my wisteria Middle: Grenada, foie gras and vouvray in front of our fireplace, Chambord … Continue reading
Posted in Flowers & gardens, Loire Valley châteaux, Photography, Portugal
Tagged instagram nine best
21 Comments
Loire à vélo: Cycling from Tours to Château de Villandry
Another beautiful sunny autumn day when it’s warm enough to cycle. I’ve been wanting to see the gardens at Château de Villandry ever since Susan from Days on the Claise mentioned that the late summer planting was at its peak and the … Continue reading
Visit the Loire without a Car based in Blois
The Loire Valley with its famous châteaux, especially Chenonceau, Chambord, Chaumont and Cheverny, is only a couple of hours from Paris by train or car. Visiting the area by car provides the greatest freedom but not everyone wants the added … Continue reading
Taking the Bike Ferry across the Loire between Blois and Chambord – Loire à Vélo
It’s Sunday again and unlike last week, we wake up to a bright blue sky. We have breakfast and are out of the house at the unusually early hour of 11 am – but we have a boat to catch. … Continue reading
The First Day of Summer & Cycling Itinerary N° 9
It’s the summer solstice – 21st June – which in Europe is officially the first day of summer. We get up very late and have a full breakfast, including tostadas, which we were introduced to in Grenada in January. By … Continue reading
Posted in Cycling, Flowers & gardens, Loire Valley châteaux, Renovation, Wine
Tagged châteaux à vélo, gamay grapes
10 Comments
May Flowers in the Country
Last time, I took you on a tour of my garden in May. I thought you might like to see the wild flowers in the surrounding countryside as well. Here are the photos I took last Friday when we cycled along the … Continue reading
The Secret Châteaux of the Loire Valley – Langeais, Villesavin, Montpoupon & Beauregard
First published in The Good Life France My top ten châteaux and castles in the Loire Valley are the four “Cs” – Chenonceau, Chambord, Cheverny and Chaumont – followed by the royal castles of Amboise and Blois, all of which … Continue reading
Posted in Loire Valley, Loire Valley châteaux, Restaurants
Tagged Beauregard, Langeais, Loire Valley châteaux, montpoupon, Villesavin
10 Comments
