Photo of the month: June

Located about 40kms from Blois in Loir-et-Cher, where it nestles alongside the Cher tributary, the Sauldre, Romorantin-Lanthenay’s name is a tongue-twisterr that owes its tricky moniker to the 1961 merger of the two constituent communes. It is one of the hubs of the historic Sologne region that also extends across Cher and Loiret.

First port of call for any first-time visitor ¬ and the ideal place to learn about the region’s history ¬ is the Sologne Museum, housed in the former Moulin du Chapitre. You will discover local agricultural traditions, its history of hunting and intriguing tales of poaching.

Among the town’s claims to fame: in 1912, France’s first aerodrome dedicated to the army was built here, while the Normand brothers textile factory, which now houses the Matra engineering company, employed thousands. There is also is a Chinese pagoda in the grounds of the town hall.

Also not to be missed:

June 2-4

Rendez-vous aux jardins
Make an appointment to explore France’s parks and gardens
In 2017 more than 2,200 of France’s public parks and private gardens laid on some 3,500 events, with gardeners, guides and passionate owners offering guided visits, workshops, gardening demonstrations, treasure hunts and concerts. For keen amateur gardeners it is a must-see annual event to plan into the diary.

June 21
Fête de la Musique
Launched in 1982, this free celebration of music invites anyone who wishes to take part to play music in unison – and it works, with streets full of music across France. Go to any town or village in France and you will hear bands playing and a party happening.