'The Batelier Barrage Port' was an area hard to miss. A family of local tourists came by. The father rode one of those low-rider recumbent bicycles. Over by the village's barrage-dam, Mrs Z had a chat with a father and his adult son. Directly beside those rivermen was a trio of ghostly white hounds-from-hell sculptures posed to be approaching a historic watermark. Seen here is one gabarre that reminded us of the cover to a children's book we'd just seen back at our Tours rental (see below)
'The Batelier Barrage Port' was an area hard to miss. A family of local tourists came by. The father rode one of those low-rider recumbent bicycles. Over by the village's barrage-dam, Mrs Z had a chat with a father and his adult son. Directly beside those rivermen was a trio of ghostly white hounds-from-hell sculptures posed to be approaching a historic watermark. Seen here is one gabarre that reminded us of the cover to a children's book we'd just seen back at our Tours rental (see below)
0 2026/04/20 09:51:35
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
History majors could tell you the famed French medieval tale of these two young lovers.
History majors could tell you the famed French medieval tale of these two young lovers.
0 2026/04/20 09:53:03
How we wish that our Nikons had adequately captured one particular private garden. The owner had landscaped her yard to form an attractive 'L' shape. There were tiered sections, a wide variety of trees and flowers plus a magnificent historic stone wall across which spread the long, thick branch belonging to ancient vine. The owner went for a walk while we were there and we came this close to congratulating her. The sole image we were satisfied with was this rare rose. Oh its fragrance!
How we wish that our Nikons had adequately captured one particular private garden. The owner had landscaped her yard to form an attractive 'L' shape. There were tiered sections, a wide variety of trees and flowers plus a magnificent historic stone wall across which spread the long, thick branch belonging to ancient vine. The owner went for a walk while we were there and we came this close to congratulating her. The sole image we were satisfied with was this rare rose. Oh its fragrance!
0 2026/04/20 09:53:46
By the modest City Hall.
By the modest City Hall.
0 2026/04/20 09:53:35
0 2026/04/20 09:59:27
A short stroll up the Impasse des Verries led past vines and derelict stone buildings. Backlit vines were easy to find there.
A short stroll up the Impasse des Verries led past vines and derelict stone buildings. Backlit vines were easy to find there.
0 2026/04/20 10:19:15
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
Onto Montresor. The French countryside is not to be missed. Fields, farms and birds. One might sight: ash herons, godwits, plovers, cormorants, swans, terns, stonechats, coots plus all manner of songbird. Understand, I would not be able to ID many of those birds but simply want to inform birdwatchers and like that.
Onto Montresor. The French countryside is not to be missed. Fields, farms and birds. One might sight: ash herons, godwits, plovers, cormorants, swans, terns, stonechats, coots plus all manner of songbird. Understand, I would not be able to ID many of those birds but simply want to inform birdwatchers and like that.
0 2026/04/20 10:23:16
Cutesy gardens abound.
Cutesy gardens abound.
0 2026/04/20 10:26:59
But the following day=nous sommes du soleil! The art of flaneur is front-and-center when strolling here. The bucolic 'Balcons de l'Indrois' riverside trails are a must and will take you directly to the tasty food awaiting at the aforementioned Ecole de Gourmande restaurant. Bring your sketchbook. There are a couple of benches. This was where an Agricultural Fair was held in 1923. There, explorer Maurice Billy reenacted his recent Sahara crossing in a caterpillar-tracked Citroen vehicle.
But the following day=nous sommes du soleil! The art of flaneur is front-and-center when strolling here. The bucolic 'Balcons de l'Indrois' riverside trails are a must and will take you directly to the tasty food awaiting at the aforementioned Ecole de Gourmande restaurant. Bring your sketchbook. There are a couple of benches. This was where an Agricultural Fair was held in 1923. There, explorer Maurice Billy reenacted his recent Sahara crossing in a caterpillar-tracked Citroen vehicle.
0 2026/04/20 10:25:47
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
Before and after Montresor. Our first day there was overcast. The chateau and its fortress neighbour both seemed to yawn in boredom. Even the Indre river seemed to be taking the day off.
Before and after Montresor. Our first day there was overcast. The chateau and its fortress neighbour both seemed to yawn in boredom. Even the Indre river seemed to be taking the day off.
0 2026/04/20 10:25:26
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
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
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
Some signs.
Some signs.
0 2026/04/20 10:27:49
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
The French hinterland has...
The French hinterland has...
0 2026/04/21 07:41:00
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
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
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
Montresor punches above its weight for compelling views.
Montresor punches above its weight for compelling views.
0 2026/04/21 07:40:10
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
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
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
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