The Loire Valley & Blois
The Loire Valley is a place where history, culture and art de vivre come together. Shaped by the River Loire, the region is renowned for its magnificent châteaux, historic gardens, vineyards, local markets and rich gastronomic traditions. It is a landscape made for wandering, discovering and savouring from beautiful historic estates and gardens to long lunches, local wines and seasonal produce.
At the heart of the valley lies Blois, a charming and compact historic city with a character all of its own. Its cobbled streets, beautiful architecture, cafés, restaurants and independent shops invite you to explore at your own pace. The River Loire runs alongside the city, while landmarks such as the Château Royal de Blois and the iconic Denis Papin staircase offer glimpses into its rich cultural and royal heritage.
Bringing the 200th anniversary celebration of Au Ver à Soie to Blois is about more than its beauty and history. For Nathalie, this is home. Growing up in the Loire Valley, the region has always held a special place in her heart and has shaped her connection to French culture, craftsmanship and art de vivre.
As we celebrate 200 years of Au Ver à Soie, it feels especially meaningful to bring this story back to where part of Nathalie's own story began inviting our guests to experience the place, the culture and the traditions that make this region so special.
From the banks of the Loire to the streets of Blois, this landscape holds many of the threads that have shaped the story we are here to celebrate.
Blois and the Loire Valley
Architecture, Culture, and Terroir
Stitching at the Château Royal de Blois
The Château Royal de Blois will become the principal stitching venue for the Au Ver à Soie 200th anniversary celebration.
Steeped in more than a thousand years of history, the château is one of the most remarkable architectural landmarks of the Loire Valley. Its distinctive façade brings together medieval, Gothic, Renaissance and classical architecture, reflecting the many chapters of its history and its close association with the French royal court.
Against this remarkable backdrop, our guests will gather to stitch, learn and create together.
Working within rooms shaped by centuries of history will make this far more than a traditional workshop it will be a rare opportunity to practise a timeless craft in a place where French art, heritage and craftsmanship have long been part of the story.
