Discover here all the subjects that Monsieur de France proposes concerning the Centre Region, the castles of the Loire, the cities of Tours, Orleans, Chartres, Bourges... The departments of Loiret, Loir-et-cher, Indre, Indre-et-Loire, Eure-et-Loir, go through Touraine or Berry...
Monsieur de France gives you, each time, the name of the historical region, and the name of the administrative region.
Illustration photo: the castle of Azay le rideau / Photo by AXP Photography on Unsplash
Tourism
Région Centre Val de Loire / Loire Valley
Visit the Château de Chambord: a royal masterpiece
Jérôme Prod'homme
Château de Chambord, in the heart of the Sologne region, is one of France's most fascinating jewels. Built for François I in 1519, it epitomizes the French Renaissance in all its splendor: a double-helix staircase inspired by Leonardo da Vinci, sculpted roofs, formal gardens and an immense forest estate. To visit Chambord is to step back in time to five centuries of art and power.
Tourism
Région Centre Val de Loire / Loire Valley
Cheverny: the French château "par excellence"
Jérôme Prod'homme
It's the French private château par excellence. Here, you'll discover everything that went to make up the art of living of the great families. From gardens to family portraits, from ceremonial rooms to more intimate chambers... Cheverny is a compendium of the art of beauty and good living. And it's the château that inspired Hergé to create "Moulinsart" for the adventures of Tintin... Take a tour with Monsieur de France.
Destinations
Région Centre Val de Loire / Loire Valley
Valençay: a princely chateau and extraordinary destinies
Jérôme Prod'homme
This is probably one of the most beautiful châteaux in France. Located in the Berry region of France, it's often counted alongside the châteaux of the Loire Valley, which are only 1 hour's drive away, and that's understandable, given its beauty, size and princely allure. Valençay is a château that has witnessed the passing of two great destinies: that of the Prince de Talleyrand-Périgord, politician and one of the greatest diplomats in French history, and Antonin Carême, his cook, so gifted that he was called "cook of kings and king of cooks". Here's the tour with Monsieur de France.
Tourism
Région Centre Val de Loire / Loire Valley
Azay le rideau what to see? Azay le rideau what to know?
Jérôme Prod'homme
This is surely the most poetic of French châteaux. A sublime moment of poetry where human genius and the beauty of nature come together to give their very best. To discover Azay le Rideau is to rub your eyes to make sure you're not in the middle of a dream. It's also an introduction to the art of living during an exciting period: the Renaissance. Come and join Monsieur de France as he explores the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau.
Chenonceau. Rising above the Cher, it is a fairytale castle. You expect Prince Charming to appear at any moment and you wouldn't even be surprised if the owner told you her name was Cinderella. Chenonceau is the castle of the ladies because they made it the marvel that continues to move us today.
French cooking
Région Centre Val de Loire / Loire Valley
Tarte Tatin: the upside-down French apple tart recipe
Jérôme Prod'homme
Created by accident in France, the Tarte Tatin became a legend of French pastry. This caramelized apple tart, baked upside-down, is easy to make and deliciously comforting. Here’s how to bake it at home — and the real story behind its sweet origin.
