Visit the Loire Valley in the Shoulder Season

 Of course most people visit the Loire Valley in the summer when the weather is glorious and gardens are looking their best. But if you don't like the crowds and don't mind having grey skies, late September can be rewarding. The days are still long enough, the temperature is cool but not cold, and the light has that autumnal quality that can make your photographs quite special. This photo shows the Chateau de Chenonceau reflected in the River Cher in late September. I took it on the hoof, so it's not a carefully considered artistic shot, just a snapshot. Imagine how much better you could do!

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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. 

A Forgotten Medieval Treasure in the Loire Valley

 Nouans Les Fontaines is a tiny village in the middle of nowhere. And yet it holds a great medieval treasure. In the church, behind the altar, in the space it was created for, is a large 15th century painting. The church is open to all who know of the painting's existence and who want to see it. 

 

Jean Fouquet, the artist, was a native of Tours. He was a painter, illuminator, miniaturist and highly regarded portraitist. Today, in art historian circles, he is recognised as one of the greatest creatives of his age. Outside of art history though he is forgotten.

If you are interested in medieval art or enjoy discovering treasures that are well off the beaten track, then book a tour with us so you can make use of our extensive local knowledge of more than just the famous chateaux in the  Loire Valley.

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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.