Traces of the Second World War in the Loire Valley

Although the Loire Valley was mostly not in the thick of the conflict during the Second World War, at both the end and the beginning of the War there was enough active combat to be really frightening for the local residents. Traces of this fighting are easy to see, but only if you know what you are looking for, and it is one of the things we will make sure we point out to you if you book a tour with us.

The house on the right has bullet ricochet marks on its gable end.

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For details of our private guided tours of chateaux, gardens, wineries, markets and more please visit the Loire Valley Time Travel website. We would be delighted to design a tour for you.

We are also on Instagram, so check us out to see a regularly updated selection of our very best photos. You may also like to check out our YouTube channel. 

What to Buy as Souvenirs and Gifts From France

Because food is such a big part of French life this is always a good choice for gifts and souvenirs. But you need to find something that will survive being packed in a suitcase and doesn't need refrigeration or protection (and will be allowed back in to your home country). We have a few suggestions that might surprise you. They are all icons of French cuisine, won't cost very much, and will travel well. 

Have you thought about mustard, vinegar or sardines? 

 

Mustard probably crossed your mind...Dijon style mustard is after all known throughout the western world. Try to get one from a small artisanal producer who uses French sourced ingredients and doesn't export.

Vinegar? What's so special about vinegar? Well you need to seek out the special vinaigre d'Orléans, now made by only one factory (Martin Pouret) but once the source of vast fortunes for certain 19th century businessmen. It is the French equivalent of the better known Italian balsalmic vinegar of Modena.

And sardines? Yes, you read that right. Sardines. The premium sardines come in colourful tins designed by contemporary artists and have a vintage, just like the finest wines. And they make a great souvenir because once you've eaten the contents, the tin makes charming decorative object and talking point.

If you take a tour with us we will be very happy to include a visit to an épicerie fine (high end grocers) who specialises in French regional products. Just let us know you'd like to buy some sardines for your friends back home...We and the staff in the shop can advise about the products on offer. 

 

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For details of our private guided tours of chateaux, gardens, wineries, markets and more please visit the Loire Valley Time Travel website. We would be delighted to design a tour for you.

We are also on Instagram, so check us out to see a regularly updated selection of our very best photos. You may also like to check out our YouTube channel. 

Fangirling it in the Loire Valley

This is our Franco-American client Sophie. She's an ardent and lifelong fan of the Rolling Stones, and this really is Mick Jagger's front gate. Normally we point it out, but we don't stop there, but Sophie insisted! 

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For details of our private guided tours of chateaux, gardens, wineries, markets and more please visit the Loire Valley Time Travel website. We would be delighted to design a tour for you.

We are also on Instagram, so check us out to see a regularly updated selection of our very best photos. You may also like to check out our YouTube channel.