Tuffeau Stone

Tuffeau is a type of limestone used throughout the Loire Valley, both in the construction of Chateaux and more modest dwellings.

The Loire region was once an ancient sea bed of the Paris Basin where the gradual compression of fossilised marine organisms over millennia formed Tuffeau.

Chateau de Saumur

It is attractive and strong but also porous and prone to degradation.

Above: Evident deterioration of the stone surrounding the Chateau de Saumur.

The Saumur City Hall

The wine industry of the Loire Valley utilises vast networks of Tuffeau tunnels and caves for vinification as the stone helps to maintain optimal year-round temperature and humidity.

The stone is often brownish-green when extracted…..

….whitening as it dries.

Below (images courtesy of www.ot-saumur.fr): Ancient troglodyte caves cut into cliff faces surround Saumur. They are now often used for growing mushrooms to be sold at markets or supplied to restaurants in Paris. 

Photos - October 2022

I am currently in the Loire Valley after a fairly arduous day and a half of travel from North Devon. I took a total of nine trains, two busses and a taxi to get to this part of France. The photos above were taken on my first train, south-east through Devon from Barnstaple to Exeter.

The aftermath of a short but torrential downpour while on my way to Bristol.

London bound.

After staying at my sister’s place in Deptford overnight I caught a 4am night bus and the first tube of the day from Great Portland Street Station to St. Pancras.

Barnstaple - London - Paris

12 hours / 7 Trains / 2 Buses

I got to Paris, Gare du Nord at around 9.30am then on to Montparnasse. From there, south-west to Saumur and the Loire Valley.

The Chateau de Saumur overlooking the Loire River. The Chateau (like most buildings in this area of France) was built using Tuffeau; a type of limestone mined here in the Loire Valley.

The Loire River from the south.

Sunset over my accommodation near Saumur, 31/10.

Line Drawings