Wandering around Lavardin, Centre-Loire Valley, France. One of the most beautiful villages of France

We visited Lavardin (Centre-Loire Valley, France) in September 2023. Lavardin is officially classified as a "Les Plus Beaux Villages de France", one of the 'most beautiful villages of France'. It is richly deserved and a delightful village to spend a few hours exploring with an exceptional church, lovely medieval bridge and a ruined chateau. Highly recommended. Lavardin is situated 20 kilometres south-west of Vendome and 40 kilometres north of Tours, towards the north of the the Centre (Loire Valley) region of France and although it is a small village with only approximately 260 inhabitants, and slightly remote from the main sights in the Loire Valley, Lavardin is very picturesque and in a lovely setting on the Loir river with the ruins of a medieval castle poised dramatically above the village so a visit is very enjoyable. Start your visit on the ancient gothic style eight arched stone bridge across the Loir river. From here you get a good view up across the village and the castle on the hill. Cross to the other side of the bridge to take a photo of the bridge and river with the castle and village behind and to see the ancient lavoir. The houses in the village are both pretty and interesting, with some fascinating period features (16th century) - such as colombage, ornate windows and slate rooves to discover. The current town hall for Lavardin, called the Priory Saint-Genest, was once a presbytery. Among the highlights are the Maison Perrault on Rue de la Barriere, a gothic style house dating from the 13th century that you might almost think is a church when you see the stone windows; and the Maison Florent Tissard, a substantial medieval house with a tower and raised balcony. The principal attraction in Lavardin is perhaps the roman style Church of Saint Geneste, in the 11th century part of a priory that dominated the centre of the village. The understated exterior gives little clue to the impressive frescoes, carvings and decorations to be found inside the church, of which there are a great number. It is true that some of the frescoes are in poor condition, but many still retain their vibrant colours and represent Christ and the saints and other biblical scenes such as the crucifixion of Saint-Peter and the baptism of Christ by Saint-John. The frescoes were painted over a long period, from the 12th century to the 15th century, before being plastered over in the 16th century. They were rediscovered in the 20th century: this three centuries of protection no doubt has helped preserve the quality of the frescoes. The medieval village is dominated by the ruined chateau towering above it, atop a rocky cliff. Dating originally from the 11th-14th centuries the castle was rebuilt in the 15th century but has been a ruin since long ago, when the troops of Henry 4th were ordered to destroy it in the 16th century. The castle still has its donjon (keep) and the remains of some defensive walls including the entrance through an imposing gateway with towers either side. You should also walk up to the castle to enjoy a lovely view across the church and the medieval houses in the centre of Lavardin. Lavardin is also remarkable for its cave houses, which give it a unique charm. Some of them are still inhabited and every year at the end of September, the owners open their caves to the public during the Troglos Days. A picturesque visitor experience that is not to be missed under any circumstances! We also recommend taking the Rotte aux Biques path, which will take you to a superb viewpoint over the village, castle and Loir Valley. Watch out, it's steep but it's well worth the effort! Music: South Bathing Blues written, performed and recorded by youngest son Harry Hayes