0 2026/04/21 14:33:23
0 2026/04/21 14:33:11
0 2026/04/21 14:32:48
0 2026/04/21 14:32:25
About the only sound by the river was the bees. Then a group of LOUD Mallard ducks arrived. A local mom and her toddler daughter arrived to view the ducks then walked away. We caught up with them to hand over the doll that the kid had dropped.
About the only sound by the river was the bees. Then a group of LOUD Mallard ducks arrived. A local mom and her toddler daughter arrived to view the ducks then walked away. We caught up with them to hand over the doll that the kid had dropped.
0 2026/04/21 07:48:42
...much to offer.
...much to offer.
0 2026/04/21 07:48:17
By the City Hall.
By the City Hall.
0 2026/04/21 07:45:20
The village is known for its collection of traditional 'gabarre' sailboats, the kind seen elsewhere in France (i.e. Dordogne). They were found at the Promenade sur la Cher and its Batelier Barrage Port. At the nearby actual barrage/dam, Mrs Z had a chat with a local dad and his adult son. The three of them were right next to an odd trio of sculpted skeletal dogs. The latter 'art' was painted a ghostly white and the canines were posed beside a watermark chart.
The village is known for its collection of traditional 'gabarre' sailboats, the kind seen elsewhere in France (i.e. Dordogne). They were found at the Promenade sur la Cher and its Batelier Barrage Port. At the nearby actual barrage/dam, Mrs Z had a chat with a local dad and his adult son. The three of them were right next to an odd trio of sculpted skeletal dogs. The latter 'art' was painted a ghostly white and the canines were posed beside a watermark chart.
0 2026/04/21 07:45:09
History majors could tell you the tale of the doomed young medieval lovers Tristan and Iseult. This book sat beside a private library including old Asterix books plus Tin Tin and more.
History majors could tell you the tale of the doomed young medieval lovers Tristan and Iseult. This book sat beside a private library including old Asterix books plus Tin Tin and more.
0 2026/04/21 07:44:56
One boat reminded us of the cover on a children's book back at our Tours rental.
One boat reminded us of the cover on a children's book back at our Tours rental.
0 2026/04/21 07:44:35
One could conceivably do a 2-fer by combining Savonnierres with the rose champion village Chedigny. It is also located quite close to Villandry, Azay Chinon and Sache. On the advice of my old boss and his Nice-born partner, we had intended to dine at the latter's esteemed Auberge du XXIIieme Siecle, but that restaurant turned out to be the sole place on our list that closed down for the Toussaint break. The Greeks have saying: 'The donkey has one set of plans. And God has another.'
One could conceivably do a 2-fer by combining Savonnierres with the rose champion village Chedigny. It is also located quite close to Villandry, Azay Chinon and Sache. On the advice of my old boss and his Nice-born partner, we had intended to dine at the latter's esteemed Auberge du XXIIieme Siecle, but that restaurant turned out to be the sole place on our list that closed down for the Toussaint break. The Greeks have saying: 'The donkey has one set of plans. And God has another.'
0 2026/04/21 07:44:14
Later on, we dined at 'Maison Tourangelle' restaurant, as recommended by our Tours landlords. Chevre goat cheese gelato was just one of the tasty things we ordered.
Later on, we dined at 'Maison Tourangelle' restaurant, as recommended by our Tours landlords. Chevre goat cheese gelato was just one of the tasty things we ordered.
0 2026/04/21 07:43:54
Impasse (blind alley) de Nicolas Potocki with St. Roch church behind. *Shutterbugs DO NOT miss this corner up on the trail leading to the chateau. The views there are 360 degree excellent. In all directions. Our third image at the very start of this TR (i.e. vertical view with red vine and old buildings) was taken immediately to the right here. *Next: The Senses--ways of knowing the Loire.
Impasse (blind alley) de Nicolas Potocki with St. Roch church behind. *Shutterbugs DO NOT miss this corner up on the trail leading to the chateau. The views there are 360 degree excellent. In all directions. Our third image at the very start of this TR (i.e. vertical view with red vine and old buildings) was taken immediately to the right here. *Next: The Senses--ways of knowing the Loire.
0 2026/04/21 07:43:31
We arrived early in sleepy Savonierres, so out came the sketchbook, out came the walking trail map and the ipod was cued to play relaxing music including Nick Drake's 'River Man'. The lazy Cher river parallels the Loire just south. Good views of Soulas hamlet were had from the bridge. A local tourist family arrived, mom and the kids driving while dad lay back on his recumbent bicycle. We were asked to take their group photo.
We arrived early in sleepy Savonierres, so out came the sketchbook, out came the walking trail map and the ipod was cued to play relaxing music including Nick Drake's 'River Man'. The lazy Cher river parallels the Loire just south. Good views of Soulas hamlet were had from the bridge. A local tourist family arrived, mom and the kids driving while dad lay back on his recumbent bicycle. We were asked to take their group photo.
0 2026/04/21 07:42:51
Cutesy jardin decor by the boulangerie that claims to have once invented macarons. The nearby village of Cormery takes issue with that claim as it purports to have once been the real inventors.
Cutesy jardin decor by the boulangerie that claims to have once invented macarons. The nearby village of Cormery takes issue with that claim as it purports to have once been the real inventors.
0 2026/04/21 07:42:29
The bucolic meadows here were once the site of the 1923 Agricultural Fair. At that event, hero explorer Maurice Billy re-enacted his recent Sahara crossing with his big, caterpillar-tracked Citroen vehicle. Earlier at the 1911 equivalent fair, pilot Janor tried to demonstrate his Beriot-style monoplane but it would not function til the following day, after the crowds had gone home.
The bucolic meadows here were once the site of the 1923 Agricultural Fair. At that event, hero explorer Maurice Billy re-enacted his recent Sahara crossing with his big, caterpillar-tracked Citroen vehicle. Earlier at the 1911 equivalent fair, pilot Janor tried to demonstrate his Beriot-style monoplane but it would not function til the following day, after the crowds had gone home.
0 2026/04/21 07:42:06
Some of those gabarre craft displayed elaborate flags and/or intricately carved attachments.
Some of those gabarre craft displayed elaborate flags and/or intricately carved attachments.
0 2026/04/21 07:41:45
For ever-changing views, visitors should walk all the way to the Gardener's Bridge. Montresor has preserved its historic past well and there were some dreamy waterside residences. i don't mean the monied kind. instead the appeal is more location-based and I dunno, 'folksy'.
For ever-changing views, visitors should walk all the way to the Gardener's Bridge. Montresor has preserved its historic past well and there were some dreamy waterside residences. i don't mean the monied kind. instead the appeal is more location-based and I dunno, 'folksy'.
0 2026/04/21 07:41:18
The French hinterland has...
The French hinterland has...
0 2026/04/21 07:41:00
The view from the tiny bridge and the Belier 'ram' hydraulic dam close to that restaurant. The only other sit-down place to eat in Montresor is the Cafe de la Ville, run by a young man. The poor guy visits Rebecca at the local Tourism Office at the start of each week to report on which days/hours he may be able to open. The post-covid era had decimated businesses like his as they struggle to keep staff.
The view from the tiny bridge and the Belier 'ram' hydraulic dam close to that restaurant. The only other sit-down place to eat in Montresor is the Cafe de la Ville, run by a young man. The poor guy visits Rebecca at the local Tourism Office at the start of each week to report on which days/hours he may be able to open. The post-covid era had decimated businesses like his as they struggle to keep staff.
0 2026/04/21 07:40:27
Montresor punches above its weight for compelling views.
Montresor punches above its weight for compelling views.
0 2026/04/21 07:40:10
But the following day when we returned--nous sommes du soleil! The must-must-must-do activity here is to stroll the Balcons de l'Indrois riverside trail. Bring your sketchbook. Not for nothing is one of the bridges called Pont Peinture. There are a couple benches. This is why we fly across oceans. The wonderful trail leads one directly to the aforementioned restaurant Ecole Gourmande.
But the following day when we returned--nous sommes du soleil! The must-must-must-do activity here is to stroll the Balcons de l'Indrois riverside trail. Bring your sketchbook. Not for nothing is one of the bridges called Pont Peinture. There are a couple benches. This is why we fly across oceans. The wonderful trail leads one directly to the aforementioned restaurant Ecole Gourmande.
0 2026/04/21 07:39:55
On the first day that we visited Montresor, it was dull and overcast. The Indrois river appeared bored and yawning. The chateau and its ruined fortress neighbor looked tired and unappealing.
On the first day that we visited Montresor, it was dull and overcast. The Indrois river appeared bored and yawning. The chateau and its ruined fortress neighbor looked tired and unappealing.
0 2026/04/21 07:39:33
En route to Montresor village, one passes the 12C Chartreuse du Liget.
En route to Montresor village, one passes the 12C Chartreuse du Liget.
0 2026/04/21 07:39:19
A number of local Loire residents were part of that operation, bravely assisting Jews, downed allied airmen plus the resistance. One could watch the excellent French TV series 'Un Village Francais', one of the best depictions of that war's inconvenient grey areas.
A number of local Loire residents were part of that operation, bravely assisting Jews, downed allied airmen plus the resistance. One could watch the excellent French TV series 'Un Village Francais', one of the best depictions of that war's inconvenient grey areas.
0 2026/04/21 07:38:21
It would be impossible not to mention la guerre in any meaningful TR about this area. There once existed a kind of Underground Railroad organization that at great risk, aided in efforts to defeat the Nazis.
It would be impossible not to mention la guerre in any meaningful TR about this area. There once existed a kind of Underground Railroad organization that at great risk, aided in efforts to defeat the Nazis.
0 2026/04/21 07:38:01
This section is dedicated to those of travelers who have rounded third base and are wondering how much longer they'll be able to travel across oceans.
This section is dedicated to those of travelers who have rounded third base and are wondering how much longer they'll be able to travel across oceans.
0 2026/04/21 07:37:19
Added value can be found at the village's historic Carders hall, the old woolmarket. There underneath the Mansard roof and timber frames, one finds the free exhibit of rare and colorful 'gemmail' art. The creations are like cousins of stained glass except that this kind is backlit to unique effect. Cezanne and also Picasso were but two 20C artists who experiemented in Gemmail.
Added value can be found at the village's historic Carders hall, the old woolmarket. There underneath the Mansard roof and timber frames, one finds the free exhibit of rare and colorful 'gemmail' art. The creations are like cousins of stained glass except that this kind is backlit to unique effect. Cezanne and also Picasso were but two 20C artists who experiemented in Gemmail.
0 2026/04/21 07:36:53
As elsewhere, visitors to France have itinerary decisions to make: how much time spent in big cities versus the countryside?
As elsewhere, visitors to France have itinerary decisions to make: how much time spent in big cities versus the countryside?
0 2026/04/21 07:36:23
In addition to gabarre boats and cute black kittens, we chanced across a woman's incredible tiered garden. It had a wide variety of flora including an ancient thick vine branch spread right across an old stone wall. We wanted to congratulate the lady gardener there by the Impasse de Vaugele, but she seemed in a hurry. This oh-so fragrant rose was the only image we could capture that did justice to her magnificent (but shady) jardin.
In addition to gabarre boats and cute black kittens, we chanced across a woman's incredible tiered garden. It had a wide variety of flora including an ancient thick vine branch spread right across an old stone wall. We wanted to congratulate the lady gardener there by the Impasse de Vaugele, but she seemed in a hurry. This oh-so fragrant rose was the only image we could capture that did justice to her magnificent (but shady) jardin.
0 2026/04/21 07:36:07
I especially admire the maquis and their collaborators. Those interested in seeing just how many 'grey' areas there were during WWII could view the fantastic French TV series 'Un Village Francais'. Next: *Chateau Gaillard, surely one of the best-kept secrets in the Loire valley.
I especially admire the maquis and their collaborators. Those interested in seeing just how many 'grey' areas there were during WWII could view the fantastic French TV series 'Un Village Francais'. Next: *Chateau Gaillard, surely one of the best-kept secrets in the Loire valley.
0 2026/04/20 11:25:05
Just before we end this latest section, a reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers, nurses, spies and members of the resistance during both wars.
Just before we end this latest section, a reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers, nurses, spies and members of the resistance during both wars.
0 2026/04/20 11:24:50
Unexpected added-value is found in Montresor and who knew? On rue Marche in the former Carders Hall (1750 wool market), one may visit the free 'Gemmail' exhibit. The art is a cousin stained-glass and is illuminated from behind. Both Cézanne and also Picasso once experimented in this rare and colorful art form. *Merci to JP Sala-Malherbe for donating this welcome bit of color underneath timber frames and mansard roof.
Unexpected added-value is found in Montresor and who knew? On rue Marche in the former Carders Hall (1750 wool market), one may visit the free 'Gemmail' exhibit. The art is a cousin stained-glass and is illuminated from behind. Both Cézanne and also Picasso once experimented in this rare and colorful art form. *Merci to JP Sala-Malherbe for donating this welcome bit of color underneath timber frames and mansard roof.
0 2026/04/20 10:33:25
This section is dedicated all of us travelers who have rounded third-base and are wondering whether our final trips abroad are approaching. Not too soon we all hope.
This section is dedicated all of us travelers who have rounded third-base and are wondering whether our final trips abroad are approaching. Not too soon we all hope.
0 2026/04/20 10:28:27
Some signs.
Some signs.
0 2026/04/20 10:27:49
Montresor punches above its weight in terms of being picturesque. Here, we see Impasse/blind alley Nicolas Potocki with La Collegiale church behind. *Shutterbugs DO NOT miss this corner. It has 360 views of France Profonde. For example, our third shot at the very start of this TR (vertical red vine and historic homes) was taken at the immediate right here.
Montresor punches above its weight in terms of being picturesque. Here, we see Impasse/blind alley Nicolas Potocki with La Collegiale church behind. *Shutterbugs DO NOT miss this corner. It has 360 views of France Profonde. For example, our third shot at the very start of this TR (vertical red vine and historic homes) was taken at the immediate right here.
0 2026/04/20 10:27:33
Cutesy gardens abound.
Cutesy gardens abound.
0 2026/04/20 10:26:59
But it seems important to reveal it when a location is calm and relaxed during any shoulder season. Keep walking as far as the Gardeners bridge--you won't regret it. The views keep changing subtly, every one a winning sight.
But it seems important to reveal it when a location is calm and relaxed during any shoulder season. Keep walking as far as the Gardeners bridge--you won't regret it. The views keep changing subtly, every one a winning sight.
0 2026/04/20 10:26:29
Twelve years prior, hero pilot Janor disappointed expectant local crowds gathered in the meadows when his monoplane would not function til the day after they'd all gone home! Across both of our visits, there were less than ten tourists at Montresor. All of them were except one Belgian couple. I'm always a bit leery of reporting such a statistic, almost arrogant in its feel, after all we are bien sur tourists ourselves and are not in the slightest bit anti-social.
Twelve years prior, hero pilot Janor disappointed expectant local crowds gathered in the meadows when his monoplane would not function til the day after they'd all gone home! Across both of our visits, there were less than ten tourists at Montresor. All of them were except one Belgian couple. I'm always a bit leery of reporting such a statistic, almost arrogant in its feel, after all we are bien sur tourists ourselves and are not in the slightest bit anti-social.
0 2026/04/20 10:26:17
We suppose that one could conceivably do a 2-fer with the noted rose village Chedigny.
We suppose that one could conceivably do a 2-fer with the noted rose village Chedigny.
0 2026/04/20 10:26:05
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