👻 Explore the Haunted Châteaux of the Loire Valley 👻
As autumn settles over the Loire Valley in France and Halloween draws near, a chilling mist seems to hover around the region’s magnificent châteaux. These iconic castles, rich in beauty and history, hold dark secrets and haunted legends that have captivated visitors for centuries. From eerie apparitions and vengeful spirits to the restless souls of knights and nobles, the Loire’s châteaux are as famous for their ghostly inhabitants as for their stunning architecture.
I’ve spent the last few months compiling mountains of interviews, enhanced video, and ancient audio, poring over articles in the dank, dusty libraries of French universities. I interrogated local drunks in shanty pubs below the castles and interviewed reclusive aristocrats in dark, wood-paneled offices high in castle towers. Surprisingly, the stories were nearly all the same!
Tales of love spurned, jealousy turned to rage, and betrayal ending in revenge echo across these châteaux. Ghostly themes of family feuds, loyal servants, and betrayed lovers endlessly repeating their tragic ends in hidden rooms or underground tunnels. Here’s a spine-tingling tour of the haunted histories waiting inside the valley’s most mysterious castles. Each castle has been rated based on the data I painstakingly gathered and then fed into a South Korean A.I.-based quantum supercomputer. If you’re brave enough to read on, prepare to uncover tales of love, betrayal, and political intrigue that linger within these haunted walls.
1. Château de Brissac – Home of La Dame Verte
Château de Brissac is not only the tallest castle in the Loire but also one of the most haunted. Known for the legend of La Dame Verte, or The Green Lady, the château is said to be haunted by Charlotte de Brézé, the illegitimate daughter of King Charles VII. Caught in an affair, Charlotte and her lover met a tragic end at the hands of her husband, Jacques de Brézé.
Since
Wandering through ancient history on a cloudy, dramatic day. This city, founded in 47 BC, is a living museum with its centuries-old walls revealing the remnants of Roman bricks—a quiet and powerful reminder of its ancient roots. These walls have seen empires rise and fall, sheltered generations, and withstood the test of time. Imagine the lives, the dreams, and the mysteries that have moved through here. This is more than just history; it’s a journey through time.
#AncientCity #HistoricWanderlust 🌌 #JourneyThroughHistory
#RomanHistory #HistoricalJourney #CityOfStories #TravelThroughTime #FrenchArchitecture #OldWorldCharm #ExploreAncientCities #RomanWalls #TravelFrance #FranceTourisme #HistoryAndHeritage #DiscoverFrance #TimelessPlaces #ExploreWithPurpose #WanderHistory #ArchitecturalDetails #CulturalHeritage #UNESCOWorldHeritage #FranceOfALifetime
Bottlle service at an exclusive St Tropez beach club enjoyed by one of our guests, as her 7 best friends cheered her on. While the party season is over for this year, it's the perfect time to start planning for Summer 2025! If the French Riviera party scene is on your bucketlist, we've got you covered with local knowledge and access to the best venues.
If you'd rather explore picturesque villages, vineyards and vintage shops, we've got you there too. Anything is possiblle with a custom-curated trip of your dreams!
What's next on your bucketlist?
#sainttropez #sttropez #cotedazur #frenchriviera #partytime #bottleservice #perfectvacation #celebratelife #franceofalifetimetours #franceofalifetime
Nestled on the border of Normandy and Brittany, like a fairy tale castle rising from the sea, stands the enchanting Mont-Saint-Michel. This timeless tidal island has beckoned travelers for centuries, luring pilgrims, history enthusiasts, and thoughtful travelers alike to its shores.
As you ascend the 350 ancient steps that wind their way up to the Abbey, you’ll not only be treated to breathtaking views but also find yourself transported through time.
Mont-Saint-Michel is more than just a picturesque postcard. It’s a living testament to the resilience of human ambition and architectural ingenuity. To truly appreciate the magic of this UNESCO World Heritage site, let’s embark on a journey through time and explore the captivating history that has shaped this iconic marvel. So, whether you’re planning a visit or simply seeking to enrich your knowledge, join us as we unveil the captivating history of Mont-Saint-Michel.
Legend has it that, in the year 708, the Bishop of Avranches was visited by Archangel Michael himself. The celestial being implored the bishop to construct an oratory, a sacred chapel, atop a rugged granite outcrop jutting from the sea. However, the bishop, initially skeptical, hesitated for two full days and nights.
It wasn’t until the third night, when Archangel Michael returned, that faith overcame his doubt. As the divine messenger touched the bishop’s forehead, some say leaving an enigmatic mark, the decision was made. The very next year, the first chapel was consecrated, marking the birth of what we now know as Mont-Saint-Michel.
In Catholic theology, Saint Michael is primarily responsible for weighing human souls to determine where they should go after death and guiding the “good” souls to heaven. Pilgrims from far and wide flocked to Mont Saint Michel in the hopes Michael would give them divine favor and a place in heaven.
In 966, the Duke of Normandy dispatched a group of Benedictine monks to settle on the Mont and further d
Imagine you’re traveling to the French Riviera with a group of your best friends and favorite family members. Half of you hop in a Superhawk 48 with a top speed of 50 knots, while the other half boards a helicopter. Your adrenaline gets really going as you race each other around the Mediterranean coast!
You’ll then slow down for a panoramic view of the gorgeous turquoise waters and adorable French villages along the coastline.
Then you’ll switch! Those on the boat get a turn in the air! Who will win the race this time? All your loved ones on the boat will toast to another dream vacation in a stunningly beautiful part of the world.
You want exclusive experiences tailored just for you and your group, but you’re not sure what’s out there. You don’t have time to research and plan – you just want to show up and have an incredible adventure. That’s where we come in.
Liven Up is just one of many fantastic partners we have throughout France. We are a French destination tour company run by Americans who understand the importance of keeping high standards. Don’t be treated like just another number. Let us create your dream France of a Lifetime vacation!
Guest Feedback!
Judy gives her thoughts on the first experience together with the Joyful French Escape tour!
Definitely a fabulous way to begin! 🤩🥂
Linda Beach Travel Passionistas
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Incredible Experience in Normandy France!
Ben and I had an amazing experience riding Sulkies along the beautiful beach in Cabourg to celebrate his birthday! One of the highlights of our Normandy trip and such a joyful contrast with all the WWII landing sites and museums we visited. I couldn't stop giggling!
The photographer also did an incredible job with stills and drone footage which allowed us to be fully present in the moment. Will be posting the photos soon along with details on how you can have this unforgettable experience on your own Normandy adventure!
Lowering of the flag at the American Cemetery in Normandy (Turn sound on to hear Taps too.)
There are two flags flying over the graves of the American men who died on D-Day and the days that followed. They are each lowered in a solemn ceremony every day at 4pm.
It was incredibly emotional and I cried the entire time as both were slowly lowered and folded up. I especially loved how the gentleman in the video took off his hat and placed it over his heart. 🥹
Thank you to every soldier who lost their lives in order to secure the freedom of others. We are all forever grateful for your sacrifice.
It was early January when we reached out to Susan Walter, of Loire Valley Time Travel Tours, a local day trip tour operator, to arrange a tour of Loches in the Loire Valley. We were particularly interested in visiting this cute town and chateau, as its donjon/keep is one of the oldest stone structures in France. We're creating a tour highlighting France's oldest buildings, so this promised to be both an enjoyable and educational excursion.
Setting out just after daybreak, Mallory's video captures the cold, crisp morning air, with the late-rising sun casting a serene ambiance as we headed east down the A10 autoroute. Our tour promptly commenced upon meeting Susan in town after parking at the train station. As we ascended uphill towards the city wall and gatehouse, Susan expertly narrated the evolving history of different sections of the town over time. Below is a brief overview of Loches through time.
Located in the picturesque Loire Valley of France, Loches boasts a rich history dating back over two millennia. This charming town has witnessed numerous significant events throughout the centuries. With its origins tracing back to Gallo-Roman times, Loches grew in importance during the Middle Ages, serving as a strategic stronghold. This imposing castle complex features a massive donjon/keep, medieval walls, gatehouses, and the Agnès Sorel Tower, which stand as a testament to its medieval prominence.
Loches played a pivotal role in the Hundred Years' War and was a favored residence of French royalty. Notably, it was here that Joan of Arc met with Charles VII in 1429, a meeting that played a crucial role in her mission to liberate France from English rule. Over time, Loches transitioned into a bustling market town and a center for arts and culture. Today, it retains its medieval charm, attracting visitors with its well-preserved historic sites, large weekly market and vibrant atmosphere.
Susan was able to explain all of this history in a concise and meaningful w
The transition from one year to the next happens just like any other day: the clock strikes midnight. But New Year’s Eve holds a special energy of contemplating the past and envisioning the future. 2023 was a weird year for me, both magical and a year of newness, like being a toddler stumbling around trying to get your bearings in the world. The first few years of living overseas are always like that, I imagine.
Looking back, I didn’t accomplish most of what I wanted too, but I did achieve my main goal: feeling joyous most of the time. Part of purposely choosing to be happy is trying to only focus on what is working in life rather than what isn’t. With that in mind, I’m very pleased with the number of new connections and partnerships we built this year, from our amazing clients and tour guides to new hotels, experiences and restaurants. We have also been honored to work with other tourism professionals to bring guests to France in 2023 and 2024. Thank you all for trusting us!
I love the community we’ve built here with all of you and am looking forward to deepening that connection with even more interesting content and conversations. I love the Tourpreneur community that hosted us on a retreat last February, where we learned so much about our industry and began to really build the foundations of France of a Lifetime. I love all the fabulous adventures we created in 2023 and have in mind for the future.
We mostly work with private clients wanting a completely custom experience exclusively designed for them, but I had so much fun working with Linda Beach to create France of a Lifetime’s first small group tour in May! Ben and I are thinking of putting more of these together so that like-minded travelers can experience the ease of having everything taken care of AND the opportunity to deeply connect with others and build new life-long friendships. Any kind of travel holds the potential of expanding your perceptions and beliefs but there’s something esp