Insights into the French way of life and European travels by an Australian living in the Loire Valley
Header photo: Blois in spring, 2016. All photos on website copyright by Rosemary Kneipp unless specified otherwise. All rights reserved.Sign up for the latest posts below and don’t forget to click the confirmation email link:
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Tag Archives: Blois
Outside My Front Door
Paula McInerney from Contented Traveller, whom I’ve already featured in my weekly blogger round-up, is publishing a series of posts entitled “Outside my front door”. I was delighted when she asked me to contribute and I’ve been enjoying hearing from other bloggers as … Continue reading
Posted in Loire Valley, Loire Valley châteaux
Tagged Amboise, Blois, Chambord, Chaumont, cheverny, contented traveller, Loire Valley
5 Comments
Photo of the Week – Stepping up to Blois
We arrived in Blois on Friday and are here for a month, the longest we’ve ever stayed. This morning, we were rewarded with bright sun and blue skies so we went for a walk on the other side of the … Continue reading
Photos of the week – Through my window in Blois
We’ve been having lovely weather in Blois – very cold, with minus temperatures at night and sometimes throughout the morning followed by bright sun and blue skies. The view from my office window is unfortunately marred by those horrible cables. … Continue reading
Monday’s Photo of the Week – Tour du Foix, Blois Royal Castle
This photo was taken just before sunset from the area behind Blois Castle overlooking the Loire River. The Tour du Foix is part of the old 13th century fortifications.
Posted in Architecture, Loire Valley, Photography
Tagged Blois, Blois Royal Castle, Tour du Foix
2 Comments
Top Ten Chateaux in the Loire Valley
There are so many wonderful places to visit in the Loire Valley that newcomers to the region often need guidance. It’s pointless saying “Chenonceau is my favourite. You should go there” or “Forget about Chambord, there’s nothing to see”. Each … Continue reading
Posted in Architecture, France, Loire Valley, Loire Valley châteaux
Tagged Amboise, Azay-le-Rideau, Blois, Chambord, Chaumont, Chenonceau, cheverny, Ussé, Valençay, Villandry
45 Comments
An Autumn Walk in Les Grouets
The sun’s shining outside and we’ve just had lunch. Instead of getting back to work on a very boring translation and the Big Fireplace Operation respectively, I suggest to Relationnel that we go for a walk. What’s the point of … Continue reading
Posted in Architecture, Loire Valley, Mushrooms
Tagged Blois, Closerie Falaiseau, Les Grouets
3 Comments
Another Three Reasons to Live in Blois
It’s Mei Lun and Alain’s last day in Blois. The sun is shining brightly even though it’s four degrees. We decide to go into Blois and visit the Cathedral area. We park on the mail, so-called because of a game called … Continue reading
Posted in Architecture, France, Loire Valley, Sightseeing, Wine
Tagged Blois, Chez Laurent, l'appartthé, Saint Louis' cathedral, wine tasting
7 Comments
Chariots and Pâté in Blois
Miraculously, the sun has come out so I suggest to my Australian friend Mei Lun, who’s staying with me for a few days, that we go into Blois for coffee and maybe find some ginger tea. It’s warm for late … Continue reading
Posted in Food, France, French customs, Loire Valley
Tagged Blois, Closerie Falaiseau, Le Marignan
8 Comments
Back Home in France
By the time we leave Australia, I am starting to feel less of a foreigner. I can understand most of what people are saying and know what to do in a restaurant or a bar. OK, so I still can’t … Continue reading
Posted in Food, France, Lifestyle, Loire Valley
Tagged Blois, paris, renovations, spéciales oysters
9 Comments
A Painter Comes to Stay
Closerie Falaiseau was almost ready for rental when I received a phone call from an American and his wife who wanted to stay for nine days, starting just two days later. I was having dinner at L’Embarcadère with Kathy Stanford … Continue reading

Posted in Accommodation, Art, Loire Valley
Tagged Blois, Closerie Falaiseau, impressionist painting, John Modesitt, Loire Valley
16 Comments