Loire Valley Concierge

01/01/2026

Wishing you a beautiful 2026 filled with love, laughter, good health, prosperity, magical moments, and awesome adventures! 🇫🇷🏰✨💫🌟

02/12/2025

Sharing my latest Substack — enjoy & thank you for reading!

Slowing down and noticing the magic in everyday French life

30/07/2025

A wonderful day guiding Laura & Mike in the Loire Valley with visits to and ! We explored the rich history, stunning architecture, and royal intrigues of these iconic châteaux, while also sharing stories of daily life and culture in France through the ages.

I had the pleasure of planning their full Loire Valley itinerary—from château visits to hidden gems—and it was a joy to bring it all to life. A perfect day from start to finish!

➡️ Dreaming of your own Loire Valley getaway? Let’s make it happen! 🏰✨🇫🇷

📩 DM me or visit loirevalleyconcierge.com to start planning.

06/05/2025

This morning in !
These two lovely couples from Florida reserved a 3-hour discovery visit of one of the Loire Valley’s most enchanting towns. We explored , walked in the footsteps of Leonardo da Vinci (where we met François Saint Bris, whose family owns the château!). They learned the rich history here and enjoyed strolling the old town, discovering troglodyte homes, hidden gems, wine tasting spots, great shopping, and more.

Come discover Amboise—or any of the Loire Valley’s charming villages—with . From behind-the-scenes castle visits to warm welcomes from locals - winemakers, chefs & more! makes sure your experience is truly unforgettable.

DM to book your private tour & trip planning services!
🇫🇷🏰⚜️🍷 🥂🍾

02/04/2025

Amazing lunch & delicious first asparagus of the season ! 😋

13/03/2025

✨ A Walk Through Time in Tours & Amboise ✨

Some journeys are more than just places—they’re about memories, connections, and rediscovery. 💙

This week, welcomed Christine 🇺🇸 at the train station for a special adventure. We found the house where she once lived with a French host family while studying in Tours—renowned for its pure French, still attracting students from around the world.

As the city slowly awakened in the soft morning light, we wandered through its quiet, cobbled streets. Place Plumereau’s timber-framed charm, the Basilica of St. Martin, and the towering Tour Charlemagne reminded us of Tours’ deep historical roots.

✨ Retracing Christine’s steps, we reached the magnificent Cathédrale St-Gatien, where a friend of joined us in awe before its stunning Gothic façade. 🇫🇷

With the sun shining gloriously, we continued to Amboise for a delightful lunch before Christine requested to follow Leonardo da Vinci’s footsteps . Fascinated by da Vinci’s legacy, Christine chose a book to buy in the gift shop—written by a dear friend of mine, author Pamela Shields! That evening, I arranged for them to meet over dinner at Chez Bruno Amboise along with Pamela’s husband, Mark Playle of Photograph France, where conversation flowed as beautifully as the Loire.

🌿 After an overnight stay, I delivered Christine back to the train station, bringing our 24-hour journey full circle. From cherished memories to new discoveries, this was travel at its most personal—a Loire Valley experience designed just for her.

12/03/2025

An Insider’s Sunday in Amboise! ☀️🍷🧀

With , the Sunday market in Amboise isn’t just a visit—it’s a chance to meet the locals, connect with my friends, and experience the town like an insider. Thanks to the trusted relationships I’ve built, guests enjoy exclusive tastings, warm welcomes, and behind-the-scenes access you won’t find on your own.

Last Sunday, I took Sally & Jim to experience the market like true insiders. We sampled the best local flavors, then, when the rain arrived, we were invited to enjoy our market picnic inside a local wine shop while savoring a personalized wine tasting. A sweet stop followed for legendary hot chocolate and pastries, before visiting a friend, a talented artist who welcomed us into her studio. We ended the day stepping into history , walking in the footsteps of Leonardo da Vinci.

These moments aren’t in the guidebooks—they happen when you explore the Loire Valley like an insider with . Ready for your own exclusive experience? 🇫🇷⚜️🏰🎨🍾🥂

09/03/2025

What a joy to share my beloved France with Sally & Jim from Texas! We started our adventure in Paris, spent a magical day at Versailles, and then arrived in the beautiful Loire Valley. From hidden gems to exclusive local connections, it’s all about creating unforgettable moments! 🏰🍾🥂🐐⚜️🇫🇷

03/03/2025

March is here, and the celebrations have begun! 🎉🥂

An early happy birthday to Vero of France with Véro! (Mark your calendars for March 12th! 😉) We squeezed in a birthday lunch in sunny Amboise before the touring season kicks into high gear.

Véro is a fantastic ambassador for the Loire Valley, a valued friend, and an Loire Valley Concierge partner who connects me with wonderful travelers—many of whom follow the great content she shares on her website, Patreon, and Substack. Be sure to check it out!

A big thank you for all that you do, chère Véro—here’s to another great year ahead! 🥂🎂

02/02/2025

M***e 💩!

Today, I walked up and down the Maison de la Pagé path in 14 times in an hour—because why not suffer a little? This steep route runs behind in the Loire Valley, leading down to the Loire River. I usually take the 157-step staircase near the castle, but it’s currently closed due to recent landslides (don’t worry, the castle itself is open and safe to visit!).

Halfway up, panting and questioning my life choices, I spotted a message carved into the rock: “M***e.”

In French, this little word literally means 💩, but it also has another meaning—it’s what you say to an actor before they step on stage, like the French version of Break a leg! or Good luck! Considering my struggle on this climb, I took it as both a sign of encouragement and a shared moment of suffering with whoever left it there.

I pushed through and finished my 14 climbs, but my friend —a little piece of 💩—did 25. Showoff. 🤣

Would you take on this challenge, or would you just watch from a café with a glass of wine? Be honest. 🍷😅

P.S. I rewarded myself with a coffee and two glasses of Vouvray sparkling with my friend Gina, after a visit to the Amboise Sunday morning market—THE place to see, be seen, and catch up with friends. No guilt after that workout! Vive la France! 🇫🇷

28/01/2025

Thank you, Sacha.

Hi Summer—what a poignant and bittersweet post. I’m so heartbroken for LA—one of my favorite US cities. Thank you for sharing your memories and reflecting on the fragility of life. Wishing you a happy, healthy and safe new year!