Pair of glass portraits in the Loches Chateau.
Pair of glass portraits in the Loches Chateau.
0 2026/04/15 15:45:08
See our Montresor village section further down the report here for more stained glass involving Cezanne and Picasso.
See our Montresor village section further down the report here for more stained glass involving Cezanne and Picasso.
0 2026/04/15 15:45:21
One of her sketch paintings.
One of her sketch paintings.
0 2026/04/15 15:48:58
Loches sunrise. It is a great village for walking.
Loches sunrise. It is a great village for walking.
0 2026/04/15 15:54:50
There a number of compelling viewpoints throughout Loches, both up in the medieval Cite and also below in the main residential neighborhoods. The one shown here comes from the Collegiale/cathedral's back garden. Immediately next to that exists a cafe with the exact same vista.
There a number of compelling viewpoints throughout Loches, both up in the medieval Cite and also below in the main residential neighborhoods. The one shown here comes from the Collegiale/cathedral's back garden. Immediately next to that exists a cafe with the exact same vista.
0 2026/04/15 15:54:10
My unshy friend Steve was once our band's soundman extraordinaire, hired to handle our soundboard for special occasions and never letting us down. In the decades since, he has learned to play a mean Fender Stratocaster which he uses while playing in his own band 'Modern Voodoo'. That's me wearing his band's t-shirt. No, I was not paid. *Next: Cafe de la Ville: food & drink
My unshy friend Steve was once our band's soundman extraordinaire, hired to handle our soundboard for special occasions and never letting us down. In the decades since, he has learned to play a mean Fender Stratocaster which he uses while playing in his own band 'Modern Voodoo'. That's me wearing his band's t-shirt. No, I was not paid. *Next: Cafe de la Ville: food & drink
0 2026/04/15 16:06:18
Let's try this shot again. Bien sur, another 'before & after' pairing.
Let's try this shot again. Bien sur, another 'before & after' pairing.
0 2026/04/15 16:05:11
Do you know this quirky traveler?
Do you know this quirky traveler?
0 2026/04/15 16:34:45
Produce aplenty.
Produce aplenty.
0 2026/04/15 20:45:38
After that, do seek out the friendly fishmongers Sylvie and Vincent Arnault. They are from the Ciran part of Tours city.
After that, do seek out the friendly fishmongers Sylvie and Vincent Arnault. They are from the Ciran part of Tours city.
0 2026/04/15 20:45:09
Two words: Chateau Gaillard. We pity the fools who come to Amboise and miss it. It is a lesser-known Chateau and Emma seen above runs its sympa troglodyte cafe.
Two words: Chateau Gaillard. We pity the fools who come to Amboise and miss it. It is a lesser-known Chateau and Emma seen above runs its sympa troglodyte cafe.
0 2026/04/15 20:45:28
By the coffee stand at that same market, an unusual occurrence. The friendly fellow in yellow insisted on offering me a free shoulder massage. he was a tech expert with an interest in bodywork.
By the coffee stand at that same market, an unusual occurrence. The friendly fellow in yellow insisted on offering me a free shoulder massage. he was a tech expert with an interest in bodywork.
0 2026/04/15 20:46:37
Paris' famed Marche des Rouge Enfants. We hadn't been for a while but wanted to sneak it in on our final day of the trip. Our age showed when while dining there, it suddenly struck us that we were almost old enough to be grandparents to the youthful demographic. Sweet Jayzus was it ever LOUD for a Sunday afternoon. One butcher/vendor drew a curious young (i.e. 30ish) crowd as he macheted a massive beef carcass into pieces right there on a table.
Paris' famed Marche des Rouge Enfants. We hadn't been for a while but wanted to sneak it in on our final day of the trip. Our age showed when while dining there, it suddenly struck us that we were almost old enough to be grandparents to the youthful demographic. Sweet Jayzus was it ever LOUD for a Sunday afternoon. One butcher/vendor drew a curious young (i.e. 30ish) crowd as he macheted a massive beef carcass into pieces right there on a table.
0 2026/04/15 20:46:00
This is Frederic, the chef-owner of l'ecole Gourmande restaurant in Montresor. He also writes cookbooks. He was a one-person show the day that we had lunch there in that old schoolroom. His beetrave appetizer was one of the best ever--bravo! Great porc Provencal and rhubarb crumble dessert. *Funny coincidence : we did not realize it during the meal, but the engaging Brit-born Tourism Office rep (Rebecca) whom we hoped to later meet for the first time, turned out to be dining right next to us!
This is Frederic, the chef-owner of l'ecole Gourmande restaurant in Montresor. He also writes cookbooks. He was a one-person show the day that we had lunch there in that old schoolroom. His beetrave appetizer was one of the best ever--bravo! Great porc Provencal and rhubarb crumble dessert. *Funny coincidence : we did not realize it during the meal, but the engaging Brit-born Tourism Office rep (Rebecca) whom we hoped to later meet for the first time, turned out to be dining right next to us!
0 2026/04/15 20:45:20
At the smaller but still worthy Rabelais weekly market in Tours, we found the friendly gal who ran the Domaine Chatenay strawb stall. Our Tours landlady Fanny had recommended this booth.
At the smaller but still worthy Rabelais weekly market in Tours, we found the friendly gal who ran the Domaine Chatenay strawb stall. Our Tours landlady Fanny had recommended this booth.
0 2026/04/15 20:46:13
At the Loches Wednesday and Saturday market, hungry shoppers can buy delicious deli dishes from Traiteur Gilles & Valerie Deschamps from the nearby rose-champion village of Chedigny.
At the Loches Wednesday and Saturday market, hungry shoppers can buy delicious deli dishes from Traiteur Gilles & Valerie Deschamps from the nearby rose-champion village of Chedigny.
0 2026/04/15 20:44:52
Our landlords Fanny and Jean-Michel also recommended the restaurant 'La Maison Tourangelle' in sleepy Savonierres. It was located inside a historical girls' school on the Cher river. Our experience both in the town and also at the restaurant was very nice. great food and service.
Our landlords Fanny and Jean-Michel also recommended the restaurant 'La Maison Tourangelle' in sleepy Savonierres. It was located inside a historical girls' school on the Cher river. Our experience both in the town and also at the restaurant was very nice. great food and service.
0 2026/04/15 20:47:55
Mandy was originally from Beijing but now worked for Tik Tok in Seattle. We three dined together and had a great time under a full moon. Even the desserts were old school, poire William custard and all that. The young waitress also had an interesting background. Jamaican dad. Lived for years in San Sebastian. Went to high school in upstate NY.
Mandy was originally from Beijing but now worked for Tik Tok in Seattle. We three dined together and had a great time under a full moon. Even the desserts were old school, poire William custard and all that. The young waitress also had an interesting background. Jamaican dad. Lived for years in San Sebastian. Went to high school in upstate NY.
0 2026/04/15 20:48:52
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
Mrs Z: "I liked most of it. They combined three tastes together per tiny dish." We rarely eat at Michelin restaurants so this was new territory for us. But when in France c'mon on...
Mrs Z: "I liked most of it. They combined three tastes together per tiny dish." We rarely eat at Michelin restaurants so this was new territory for us. But when in France c'mon on...
0 2026/04/15 20:47:43
This Montresor horse heard some terrible rumours and was trying to hide in disguise.
This Montresor horse heard some terrible rumours and was trying to hide in disguise.
0 2026/04/15 20:47:06
We opted for tajine. One of the market cats opted for our leftovers.
We opted for tajine. One of the market cats opted for our leftovers.
0 2026/04/15 20:49:03
Also in Paris, we reserved supper at the old-school restaurant 'Chez Nenesse'. It was a one-minute walk from our hotel in le Marais. Traditional dishes are the thing here, such as the above sweetmeats (brain). We met a delightful young lady there named Mandy. She was in town for business.
Also in Paris, we reserved supper at the old-school restaurant 'Chez Nenesse'. It was a one-minute walk from our hotel in le Marais. Traditional dishes are the thing here, such as the above sweetmeats (brain). We met a delightful young lady there named Mandy. She was in town for business.
0 2026/04/15 20:48:38
Baguettes in tours (Talemeir bakery).
Baguettes in tours (Talemeir bakery).
0 2026/04/15 20:50:00
A seafood dish at that same animated market.
A seafood dish at that same animated market.
0 2026/04/15 20:49:27
*If you remember just one thing from this TR, please make it the name of this jam company: 'La Trinquelinette'. Celine DuBreil runs her business out of Saint-Leger-Vauban. Her specialty is flavours that have long been out of fashion, grandma's recipes etc. We discovered her excellent product deacdes ago but have only been able to find it here and there. The Reine Claude flavour here on the right was actually made from an Italian greengage plum invented at the above-mentioned Chateau Gaillard. Mo
*If you remember just one thing from this TR, please make it the name of this jam company: 'La Trinquelinette'. Celine DuBreil runs her business out of Saint-Leger-Vauban. Her specialty is flavours that have long been out of fashion, grandma's recipes etc. We discovered her excellent product deacdes ago but have only been able to find it here and there. The Reine Claude flavour here on the right was actually made from an Italian greengage plum invented at the above-mentioned Chateau Gaillard. Mo
0 2026/04/15 20:50:30
She will serve you VG tuna nicoise salad plus freshly-squeezed citrus (three flavours) from the estate's famed grove. DO NOT MISS BUYING SOME OF THEIR OWN RARE CITRUS JAMS!! World-class. Superb gift ideas. We'll show a jar later.
She will serve you VG tuna nicoise salad plus freshly-squeezed citrus (three flavours) from the estate's famed grove. DO NOT MISS BUYING SOME OF THEIR OWN RARE CITRUS JAMS!! World-class. Superb gift ideas. We'll show a jar later.
0 2026/04/15 20:51:04
The sourcing list from the famed Michelin starred 'Arbor& Sens' restaurant in Loches. Folks drive from all over to dine there. Chef Dumont's food was fantastic and the staff were all excellent. The PA piped in actual forest sounds. There's a gold-striped toilet seat. The arboral theme means that a real live tree is growing in the middle of their dining room!
The sourcing list from the famed Michelin starred 'Arbor& Sens' restaurant in Loches. Folks drive from all over to dine there. Chef Dumont's food was fantastic and the staff were all excellent. The PA piped in actual forest sounds. There's a gold-striped toilet seat. The arboral theme means that a real live tree is growing in the middle of their dining room!
0 2026/04/15 20:49:45
Speaking of that chateau, here is its historical mock-up of a traditional boulangerie.
Speaking of that chateau, here is its historical mock-up of a traditional boulangerie.
0 2026/04/15 20:50:48
The sandwich board in Azay-le-Rideau trumpets rillettes and rillons, both traditional foodic items in the Loire. In Azay, check out Creperie Odette--must reserve ahead.
The sandwich board in Azay-le-Rideau trumpets rillettes and rillons, both traditional foodic items in the Loire. In Azay, check out Creperie Odette--must reserve ahead.
0 2026/04/15 20:51:52
French food is fantastic full stop. So is the wine and so are the desserts. More about those plus other foods in the next bunch of imagery.
French food is fantastic full stop. So is the wine and so are the desserts. More about those plus other foods in the next bunch of imagery.
0 2026/04/15 20:51:35
Mrs Z and I were given a warm welcome both arriving and also departing La Maison Tourangelle. Two discerning cochons we were.
Mrs Z and I were given a warm welcome both arriving and also departing La Maison Tourangelle. Two discerning cochons we were.
0 2026/04/15 21:43:57
Delicious dish at an Azay fest.
Delicious dish at an Azay fest.
0 2026/04/15 22:05:55
The Return of the Son of Food and Drink...on the left is a jar of the aforementioned citrus jam made on site @Chateau Gaillard in Amboise. The palace/castle there is the most Italianate chateau of the Loire.
The Return of the Son of Food and Drink...on the left is a jar of the aforementioned citrus jam made on site @Chateau Gaillard in Amboise. The palace/castle there is the most Italianate chateau of the Loire.
0 2026/04/16 04:25:14
Hugo and his friendly partner run the God-send 'Le P'tit Marche' in Tours. It was a one-minute walk away from our rental. a stroll done through lovely Prenerbes public garden-park. Mrs Z and I took to referring to his bio store by the name of our own city's pre-eminent health food shop--they were so similar. Hugo (a pro photographer on the side) stocked the tasty Gaborit dairy line: the creme cafe was outstanding! His impossibly-pretty wife makes fantastic sandwiches, especially tuna.
Hugo and his friendly partner run the God-send 'Le P'tit Marche' in Tours. It was a one-minute walk away from our rental. a stroll done through lovely Prenerbes public garden-park. Mrs Z and I took to referring to his bio store by the name of our own city's pre-eminent health food shop--they were so similar. Hugo (a pro photographer on the side) stocked the tasty Gaborit dairy line: the creme cafe was outstanding! His impossibly-pretty wife makes fantastic sandwiches, especially tuna.
0 2026/04/16 04:25:59
Spot Mrs Z.
Spot Mrs Z.
0 2026/04/16 04:40:58
Sweets for sale at an Azay fest.
Sweets for sale at an Azay fest.
0 2026/04/16 04:40:17
Tours as a pair of nearby competing chocolate shops in its downtown center.
Tours as a pair of nearby competing chocolate shops in its downtown center.
0 2026/04/16 04:40:33
The Nicolas Leger pastry shop in Tours is located kitty corner to the permanent Les Halles market. Their version of the Paris-Brest pastry (so-named for the inaugural bicycle race linking the two places) shown here is off-the-charts incredible. We fantasized about staging a 3am break-in to steal many more.
The Nicolas Leger pastry shop in Tours is located kitty corner to the permanent Les Halles market. Their version of the Paris-Brest pastry (so-named for the inaugural bicycle race linking the two places) shown here is off-the-charts incredible. We fantasized about staging a 3am break-in to steal many more.
0 2026/04/16 04:40:01
We went twice, research you understand.
We went twice, research you understand.
0 2026/04/16 04:40:44
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