Tours, Loire Valley, welcomes the Holidays
Join me on November 30 and let's ring in the Holidays together
Bonjour, c’est Véro.
It’s not a secret, at least to those who ask me “Why Tours?” now and then.
I fell in love with my adopted city in December 2020 a few days before Christmas as I strolled around in the grey, damp winter weather in the middle of a lockdown (they called them “confinement” then to make them sound better.) Some businesses had reopened yet cafés and restaurants remained closed to everyone’s dismay. Imagine the famous place Plumereau (the most famous square in Tours) completely empty.
I had taken a walking tour with a local guide earlier that day. The only guest in the group I listened to the stories she spun and realized there was a lot to learn in Tours (once the capital of France) and the Loire Valley at large, a magnificent region no fewer than five French kings once called home.
By the summer of 2021 (in spite of a 3rd lockdown) I had left Paris; purchased and remodeled a two-bedroom condo near Tours’ historic district. I have never looked back.
Over the last 4 years it’s been my pleasure to research and share what I have learned virtually and during in-person guided tours of the city.
As I look back at that introduction to Tours I realize what sealed the deal was the walk I later took at nightfall in the historic centers (we have two.) After a challenging year my eyes opened wide when I saw the Holiday illuminations projected on the façades along the silent streets.
Magic.
The rest is history as they say.
Holiday illuminations return
Here in Tours I embrace local traditions. There is one I wouldn’t miss: the launch of the Holiday season the last weekend in November outside the majestic Hôtel de Ville It was designed by local son Victor Laloux, an award-winning architect who also planned the façade of the former Orsay train station in Paris.
A giant Christmas tree (a donation from local families) has been set up in the center of mighty place Jean-Jaurès and trimmed for Christmas. On opening night the ceremony includes lively performances as hundreds of residents gather around. The event wraps up with a short speech by the mayor. Then the countdown begins. Finally the lights are switched on; the crowds cheer, and the giant tree gets to shine for an entire month. Lights also turn on in other parts of the city, blue and white mostly, understated, elegant.
When you’ve got it, no need to flaunt it.
The largest Christmas market in town is nearby along boulevard Heurteloup. Locals will watch the show while sipping vin or chocolat chaud.
Les traditions, ça compte. Traditions matter.
On Saturday I will be there in the crowd, live-streaming gear in hand for the 4th time since I relocated to Tours.
All the replays of previous celebrations (and over 300 videos) are available on the France with Vero YouTube channel including that very first virtual tour filmed in December 2020 at the end of my visit. The pilot, you might say.
Welcome to the 2024 Holiday celebrations
Most of the stories I publish on Substack are free so everyone may enjoy them. It’s been a good year here, on this platform where many among you have found me and writing has been such a fulfilling experience.
Today I’d like to thank those who have chosen to support my creative endeavors as paid subscribers. I am inviting them and France with Vero patrons to meet me in Tours, Loire Valley, on Saturday as I share the 2024 launch of Holiday celebrations.
Consider joining the fun by becoming a paid subscriber. Today is Black Friday. Terrible name (“le vendredi noir”) but great opportunity. Sign up by 12/2/2024 and save 25% on annual memberships. Offer good for a year. Use the link below to sign up.
If you already are a paid subscriber, keep reading. The YouTube link below will take you to the Loire Valley instantly on Saturday.
Bon weekend à tous et à bientôt.
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