Fabulous Medieval Fortresses in the Anglin Valley

 ‘Castles’ in France fall into three broad categories: Medieval fortresses ie proper defensive castles; Renaissance luxury country houses built by the aristocracy, and what most people call ‘chateaux’; and 19C luxury country houses, often closely mimicking their Renaissance forebears, but built by wealthy industrialists.

Chateau de Forges.

Most of the attention in the Loire Valley focuses on the 16th century Renaissance chateaux, but if you step just a little outside the UNESCO World Heritage area you could encounter some entirely different chateaux.If you would like to see some chateaux that are fine examples of surviving medieval fortresses let us know when you book your tour with us.

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.

Truffles in the Loire Valley

Black Truffle Tuber melanosporum (Fr. Truffe noire) is native to the Loire Valley, but has long since disappeared from the wild. According to my expert botanist friend François the best place to find truffles was under isolated oak trees in the middle of wheat fields, but fifty years of modern farming practices and fungicides sprayed on wheat crops have destroyed the habitat for truffles. Nowadays they are cultivated, in orchards planted with inoculated oak trees. Black Truffles fruit in the winter, and over winter there is a series of specialist markets in the otherwise undistinguished village of Marigny-Marmande.

Me buying a truffle at the market.

If you would like to learn more about truffles how truffles are cultivated, and maybe even experience the pungent savoury atmosphere at the truffle market, let us know when you book your tour with us.

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.

Joan of Arc in the Loire Valley -- The Chateau of Rivau and the War Stallions

 
The chateau of Rivau, near Chinon, was built in 1420 so when Joan saw it would have been quite shiny and new. She came here after her meeting with Charles VII, as the Chateau supplied the war stallions she had been granted. The existing stables at the chateau are several centuries later though, so she definitely would not recognise those. Nevertheless, it is a lovely place to visit, with a fairytale 15th century castle in a charming blend of decorative and defensive styles, and an extensive and beautiful garden. 

 

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.