Beauty and the Beast

One of the wineries we regularly visit has a collection of vintage cars, so we fit in really well. One day we visited and the winemaker was struggling to start his delivery van, a classic Citroen H model (below with Claudette, one of our tour vehicles). We were delighted to be able to pass on a tip that works on our tour vehicles, which are classic Citroen Traction Avants. Believe it or not, our tour vehicles and the delivery van have the same motor, even if the exteriors vary somewhat (!)

If you are interested in French classic or vintage cars email us and let us chaffeur you around in one of the most iconic of them all. We can organise to visit other classic car enthusiasts too, who just happen to be winemakers, chefs or run chateaux open to the public.

1000 Years Old and Shaped the Modern World

Historian and author Ian Mortimer has a new book out. It's called 'Centuries of Change' and to publicise it he wrote an article for the Guardian newspaper entitled 'The 10 Greatest Changes of the Past 1000 Years'. We were thrilled to see that the very first item on the list was 'Castles' and illustrated by a Lansyer painting of Loches.

The castle keep at Loches (above) was built in the early 11th century, and is the first of its kind in France. We love Loches, and although it's not so well known to visitors as the Renaissance chateaux in the Touraine Loire Valley, we encourage our clients to see it. Whilst you are there, take advantage of the buzzing twice weekly market in the town and don't miss the medieval royal apartments. You even can pop in to Lansyer's former home and see the originals of his beautifully rendered views of the town and citadel. Loches is one of the best preserved late medieval and renaissance towns you will find, with not a modern building within sight in the old centre of town.

If you would like to visit this secret gem of a town, email us and we will include it in your customised itinerary.

Meet Bernard, Who Drives For Us

This is Bernard. He's a retired chef who grew up in the Touraine Loire Valley. We are delighted to have him join us as part of the team at Loire Valley Time Travel, and we are impressed by his obvious rapport with our clients, despite the fact that he doesn't speak English. If for some reason Simon is unable to drive you, Bernard will be your chauffeur. It's the perfect job for him, as he loves Traction Avant cars, history and good food. Working for us he gets all three things in one day. He's in heaven, and you will be too if you take a tour with us. Email us and book your tour now.