Terrible news. We always get back to those folks whose businesses to which we've given a shout-out ('bonne addresses' in French culture). In our effort today to inform masseuse Estelle Refray of 'Parenthese' in Tours, we learned that she had died of a ruptured aneurysm a month ago. She was only 51. Her portrait is pictured above and her ambient music compile is referenced in our 'Senses' section. Seen here is some of her lobby's interior decor. Carpe diem friends--life is too short.
Terrible news. We always get back to those folks whose businesses to which we've given a shout-out ('bonne addresses' in French culture). In our effort today to inform masseuse Estelle Refray of 'Parenthese' in Tours, we learned that she had died of a ruptured aneurysm a month ago. She was only 51. Her portrait is pictured above and her ambient music compile is referenced in our 'Senses' section. Seen here is some of her lobby's interior decor. Carpe diem friends--life is too short.
0 2026/04/27 21:09:02
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
View from Porte des Cordeliers.
View from Porte des Cordeliers.
0 2026/04/15 15:42:53
Shields and pageantry.
Shields and pageantry.
0 2026/04/15 15:33:49
These craft were located along the 'Promenade sur la Cher', but other could be seen further up the 'Chantiers' section of the waterfront seen upper left. There, we returned a lost doll to a toddler and her mom. She'd dropped it along that waterfront path, probably distracted by the LOUD mallard ducks.
These craft were located along the 'Promenade sur la Cher', but other could be seen further up the 'Chantiers' section of the waterfront seen upper left. There, we returned a lost doll to a toddler and her mom. She'd dropped it along that waterfront path, probably distracted by the LOUD mallard ducks.
0 2026/04/20 09:51:01
Chef Frederic Arnault does it right. An unusual sight unfolded during our meal, when a trio of local swans on the close-by Cher suddenly flew the length of that river right in front of our window table! Never seen swans fly before.
Chef Frederic Arnault does it right. An unusual sight unfolded during our meal, when a trio of local swans on the close-by Cher suddenly flew the length of that river right in front of our window table! Never seen swans fly before.
0 2026/04/15 20:48:24
Savonniere is also known for its 'gabarre', the historic wooden sailboats seen elsewhere in France. The riverine smell was evident, not a bad thing.
Savonniere is also known for its 'gabarre', the historic wooden sailboats seen elsewhere in France. The riverine smell was evident, not a bad thing.
0 2026/04/20 09:47:12
0 2026/04/15 15:36:41
A seafood dish at that same animated market.
A seafood dish at that same animated market.
0 2026/04/15 20:49:27
As is normally the case in most countries, the voyager has itinerary decisions to make regarding city-versus-hinterland.
As is normally the case in most countries, the voyager has itinerary decisions to make regarding city-versus-hinterland.
0 2026/04/20 10:23:47
Houses reflected on the Loire.
Houses reflected on the Loire.
0 2026/04/17 16:15:29
Cormorants staging a sit-in on the Loire.
Cormorants staging a sit-in on the Loire.
0 2026/04/17 16:15:46
She says: 'AN ENDLESS VISUAL FEAST BOTH THREADS, YEAH?! now gimmee some sardines...'
She says: 'AN ENDLESS VISUAL FEAST BOTH THREADS, YEAH?! now gimmee some sardines...'
0 2026/03/25 19:01:25
Le Chateau.
Le Chateau.
0 2026/04/15 15:35:24
Once again Schmerl-of-the-schmerling, *TW-of-the-pink-sand and KW-on-the-wing, we thank you three folks for taking the time to view and also comment. Time to wrap up now. Some more Tours (silent 's' btw), the underrated Château Gaillard and finally that tiny pinch of Paris. *an in-joke
Once again Schmerl-of-the-schmerling, *TW-of-the-pink-sand and KW-on-the-wing, we thank you three folks for taking the time to view and also comment. Time to wrap up now. Some more Tours (silent 's' btw), the underrated Château Gaillard and finally that tiny pinch of Paris. *an in-joke
0 2026/04/25 09:35:17
Please walk this way for some more Loches.
Please walk this way for some more Loches.
0 2026/04/15 15:18:04
The undisputed main focus of Vieux Tours just next door is Place Plumereau (aka 'Plum' or ploom). This is where the highest concentration of historic buildings are clustered. They were the result of the city's once-lucrative silk industry. Je propose an early morning coffee at the Vieux Murier cafe shown here @ #9 place Plum. Cafes abound here. Sitting outdoors, taking the air and just chillin' will be memorable. *Attached: Mrs Z bought such a silk scarf nearby @Les Pipelettes Chaussures.
The undisputed main focus of Vieux Tours just next door is Place Plumereau (aka 'Plum' or ploom). This is where the highest concentration of historic buildings are clustered. They were the result of the city's once-lucrative silk industry. Je propose an early morning coffee at the Vieux Murier cafe shown here @ #9 place Plum. Cafes abound here. Sitting outdoors, taking the air and just chillin' will be memorable. *Attached: Mrs Z bought such a silk scarf nearby @Les Pipelettes Chaussures.
0 2026/04/25 09:48:44
The walk north out of town towards Clos de Luce and Chateau Gaillard is wonderful. Work crews were working on that road on the day we visited.
The walk north out of town towards Clos de Luce and Chateau Gaillard is wonderful. Work crews were working on that road on the day we visited.
0 2026/04/17 16:16:11
St. Gatien Cathedral had a funeral the day that we went by it.
St. Gatien Cathedral had a funeral the day that we went by it.
0 2026/04/25 16:04:22
Farewell Azay too. *Next: Chateau Gaillard in Amboise, then our conclusion with that tiny pinch of Paris.
Farewell Azay too. *Next: Chateau Gaillard in Amboise, then our conclusion with that tiny pinch of Paris.
0 2026/04/25 16:02:22
0 2026/04/21 14:32:48
0 2026/04/15 12:53:53
Same. Note the automatic digital dispenser on the left. The juxtaposition: the old chateau looming above the very new.
Same. Note the automatic digital dispenser on the left. The juxtaposition: the old chateau looming above the very new.
0 2026/04/15 15:42:42
Speaking of which, the silk scarf that Mrs Z bought there at Les Pipelettes Chaussures shop @pl. de la Resistance.
Speaking of which, the silk scarf that Mrs Z bought there at Les Pipelettes Chaussures shop @pl. de la Resistance.
0 2026/04/25 16:02:56
0 2026/04/25 16:01:38
Those in seeking solace and peace could do a lot worse than the Tours Botanical garden. It is best described as equal parts jardin and public park.
Those in seeking solace and peace could do a lot worse than the Tours Botanical garden. It is best described as equal parts jardin and public park.
0 2026/04/25 16:01:23
The undisputed heart of Vieux Tours (silent 's' btw) is famous Place Plumereau (aka Plum i.e. ploom). Try breakfast here at #9, the Vieux Murier cafe shown here. Just chillin' out there with a coffee and croissant is very relaxing.
The undisputed heart of Vieux Tours (silent 's' btw) is famous Place Plumereau (aka Plum i.e. ploom). Try breakfast here at #9, the Vieux Murier cafe shown here. Just chillin' out there with a coffee and croissant is very relaxing.
0 2026/04/25 15:59:44
0 2026/04/25 15:57:20
0 2026/04/25 11:22:32
0 2026/04/25 11:19:32
0 2026/04/25 11:19:00
0 2026/04/25 11:15:05
Paris nocturne. Merci tous. Bisou til next time (*our Cote d'Azur/snowbirding in Antibes TR will appear later this summer)
Paris nocturne. Merci tous. Bisou til next time (*our Cote d'Azur/snowbirding in Antibes TR will appear later this summer)
0 2026/04/25 11:04:33
When history has been left so intact, the visitor benefits from atmosphere not available back home.
When history has been left so intact, the visitor benefits from atmosphere not available back home.
0 2026/04/15 15:34:23
Bring your sketchbook or camera. This is a very picturesque location. From the half-timbered 'pan de bois' facades shown here (#s 1-7) to the stone bust on display at #12, the visual draw is both strong and authentic. The tightly packed cluster of 15C buildings speaks to the wealth from the Middle Ages silk trade.
Bring your sketchbook or camera. This is a very picturesque location. From the half-timbered 'pan de bois' facades shown here (#s 1-7) to the stone bust on display at #12, the visual draw is both strong and authentic. The tightly packed cluster of 15C buildings speaks to the wealth from the Middle Ages silk trade.
0 2026/04/25 15:59:10
Note how they are depicted as standing atop the poor every day shmuck. A similar carving there of St. Martin shows him holding a staff (representing the church) while doing the same.
Note how they are depicted as standing atop the poor every day shmuck. A similar carving there of St. Martin shows him holding a staff (representing the church) while doing the same.
0 2026/04/25 15:58:29
0 2026/04/25 15:54:10
0 2026/04/25 11:23:15
0 2026/04/25 11:23:02
0 2026/04/25 11:19:48
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