Sunday, 26 February 2023

Be the Centre of Attention in the Loire Valley

Our chauffeured tours are conducted in classic Citroen cars. French people all know these cars and have fond memories of them. They attract a lot of attention. You will find yourself being waved at, smiled at, given the thumbs up and photographed, everywhere we go.

Citroen Traction Avant parked in Amboise, Indre et Loire, France. Photo by Loire Valley Time Travel.
The couple on the right are our clients, from Texas. The man on the left is a French tourist and he circumnavigated the car, excitedly filming. Goodness only knows how many FB and Insta accounts we feature on. Claudette, one of our classic Citroen Traction Avants, is parked just outside the exit to the Chateau Royal d'Amboise.


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. If you would like an idea of how your tour might look and sound, please check out our YouTube channel.

Sunday, 19 February 2023

A Review From John and Deborah

John and Deborah, from the USA, and their friends did a three hour walking tour of Amboise with me in October 2022 and left a lovely review of their time with me.

The chateau and town of Amboise, seen from the island in the Loire, Indre et Loire, France. Photo by Loire Valley Time Travel.
The chateau and town of Amboise, seen from an island in the Loire.

A wonderful day with Susan in Amboise. She was extremely informative, and a perfect way to start our time in Lorie Valley. Our trip was wonderful, thanks to a great guide. We would recommend her to anyone that will be coming to visit the Château's. 

Sunday, 12 February 2023

Learn About Heritage Building Conservation in the Loire Valley

Recently a client asked me if the limestone of the famous Loire Valley had discoloured over time as he had visited many years ago and remembered the Chateau of Chenonceau being pure white, not cream. I was able to tell him that his memory may not be so wrong. Over the years the stone has discoloured and deteriorated, and nowadays, when stone has to be replaced it is not the same. All the beautiful white stone has been quarried out, and now the stone comes from quarries further away, and has a slightly different colour cast. It's a problem that buildings conservators are aware of, but have been unable to find a solution for. The soft limestone of the Loire Valley was extensively damaged in the 19th century, by acid rain produced when everyone burnt coal as their main source of heating, so a lot of stone is having to be replaced now.

Different coloured limestone reflects a series of repairs on the Chateau of Chenonceau, Indre et Loire, France. Photo by Loire Valley Time Travel.
At least three different coloured stones are visible near the front door of the Chateau of Chenonceau.


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. If you would like an idea of how your tour might look and sound, please check out our YouTube channel.

Sunday, 5 February 2023

A Review From Mary Jane

Mary Jane, from the USA, spent two days in the Loire Valley touring with us in September 2022. Here is her very kind review of her time with us.

Cheese truck at a market, Indre et Loire, France. Photo by Loire Valley Time Travel.
The cheese truck at Loches market, which we visited with Mary Jane.
 

Susan and driver, Simon, were a delightful couple and great tour guides. Susan is especially knowledgeable about French history - we learned a lot! We also enjoyed the market visits and wineries. Susan was able to shift itineraries to accommodate our schedule, market days and winery hours. This tour was a highlight of our 4 weeks in France.