Shop Where the Chefs Shop in the Loire Valley

Because we live locally we shop at our local markets. We are very lucky to live within striking distance not only of one of the best outdoor farmers markets in the area, but also have an organic market garden with a farm shop right on our doorstep. We are very pleased to report that we've seem Michelin starred chefs shopping there too. For a really authentic shopping experience, let us take you market shopping. Even if you are staying in a hotel and not self-catering, visiting local farmers markets is a real pleasure. We know all the stall holders and producers and would be delighted to introduce you.

Shopping at an organic market garden in the Loire Valley.

To enquire about our private guided tours of chateaux, wineries, markets and more email us or use our contact form. More tour ideas can be found on the Loire Valley Time Travel website.

Wartime Reminders in the Loire Valley

There are reminders of the Second World War all over the Loire Valley. The many forests made ideal hideouts for Resistance groups, and those in isolated farmhouses and small villages were often willing to help. There are graves and memorials all over the place, each one with a particular and moving story to tell. One such is in the middle of nowhere, and just looks like an empty field surrounded by forest. And it is, and that's why it was chosen as a parachute drop site. Nearby is the village where the local headmaster was a brave and resourceful Resistance fighter, who ultimately paid with his life. In the other direction, hidden deep in the forest, is the remains of a camp, where Resistance fighters lived in secret for months at a time. This simple memorial, and the sites it is linked to are remarkably evocative. If you are interested in visiting some of these forgotten places, let us know and we can design a tour for you, either chauffeured in one of our Citroens that date from this period or a 'follow the leader' style convoy where you drive your own car and follow us.

Lunching in a Village in the Loire Valley

Imagine coming around a corner to a view like this and finding out that the building on the right is where you will be having lunch, prepared by a keen young chef who has recently taken up the concession on the converted barn in this charming historic priory. He's worked in some big name restaurants and now he's ready to branch out for himself. The village is one of thousands in the Loire Valley, with similar precincts of old buildings, and similar restaurants that usually serve lunch only, using local seasonal ingredients. The Loire Valley is popular with up and coming young chefs because good produce is right at their doorstep, and real estate is affordable.

Why not spend your day like a French local, and eat in a restaurant inspired by local traditions, using the best local produce. We make sure we are always up to date on where the best lunch spots are. To enquire about our private guided tours of chateaux, wineries, markets and more email us or use our contact form. More tour ideas can be found on the Loire Valley Time Travel website.

Masks Must Be Worn Inside the Loire Valley Chateaux

To help keep everyone safe it is a requirement of entry that you bring your own mask with you and you must wear it at all times when inside a historic chateaux. Masks are not provided at the door, but hand sanitizer is. You will also be reminded to keep your distance from other visitors. All the chateaux are limiting entry numbers to enable people to stay safe whilst Covid19 is still a threat. This can sometimes result in the disappointment of being turned away at busy times.

Visitors wearing masks inside Chenonceau.

Freelance guides are not always allowed to work inside the chateaux at present either. Because the current circumstances make it impossible to offer the level of service that our travellers have expected in the past, we have decided to take a break. We think that next year it will be clearer what can and can't be done on one of our personalised tours, and everyone will have become more used to the need for individuals to take public health seriously. Travellers will have had time to develop new good habits, and expectations will have shifted accordingly. We hope that you are planning your dream trip to France for next year or the year after and will turn to us for assistance in achieving it.

To enquire about our private guided tours of chateaux, wineries, markets and more email us or use our contact form. More tour ideas can be found on the Loire Valley Time Travel website.

Christmas at the Loire Valley Chateaux

Many of the Loire Valley chateaux are open throughout the winter and in December they put on the most extraordinary displays of Christmas decoration. Of course, the Chateau of Chenonceau is a particular master of this, with creative and unusual displays in every room. Their regular floral arrangements are stunning enough, but at Christmas time they really take it up a level. If you are wondering whether you should come during the winter, let us persuade you that it is a good decision.

To enquire about our private guided tours of chateaux, wineries, markets and more email us or use our contact form. More tour ideas can be found on the Loire Valley Time Travel website.

Striking a Chord in the Loire Valley

If you are musically inclined then one of the most remarkable artefacts on display in the Loire Valley is the house organ in the library at the Chateau of Candé. You've probably never heard of the Chateau of Candé, or its remarkable past occupants, so you might miss out on a real treat. We are happy to include this little known gem in one of our tours going to the west of Tours, so let us know if you are interested.

To enquire about our private guided tours of chateaux, wineries, markets and more email us or use our contact form. More tour ideas can be found on the Loire Valley Time Travel website.

Never Crowded in the Loire Valley

You would think that an amazing looking place like this would be a major heritage tourist attraction. But in fact it is always eerily quiet and empty. We have never encountered anyone else on the site when we've been there. We pass this impressive medieval priory often when we are touring with travellers. If you want somewhere safe and quiet where you can appreciate some little known history and architectural styles ranging from the medieval to the modern, let us know and we will include a stop here in your itinerary. And to make it even more enticing, there is a great new restaurant just been taken over by a talented young chef in the complex.

To enquire about our private guided tours of chateaux, wineries, markets and more email us or use our contact form. More tour ideas can be found on the Loire Valley Time Travel website.

Learn About Black Lives at the Chateau of Chenonceau

One of the most interesting displays at the Chateau of Chenonceau is also one of the most unexpected. During World War One the Chateau was a hospital, and it is clear from the photographic archive that black soldiers were treated here. We have also been told that black soldiers were also here during World War Two, and that the Chateau played a significant part in them gaining safe haven. We don't know their names usually, nor what happened to them afterwards, but there is a surprising and virtually unknown history of young African men passing through the Chateau in wartime. Their stories will be included in your tour of the Chateau of Chenonceau with us.

French and African soldiers in the hospital at Chenonceau. The nurse is a member of the Menier family, who still own the chateau today.

To enquire about our private guided tours of chateaux, wineries, markets and more email us or use our contact form. More tour ideas can be found on the Loire Valley Time Travel website.