Although Jean Perreal (1450-1530) was born in Lyon, for some unknown reason he called himself Jean de Paris. Best known as a portrait painter to the royal Court, what he should be famous for is showing his painting technique to none other than Leonardo da Vinci.

Thomas Paine, author of The Rights of Man, wrote the first drafts of both the American and French constitutions. He coined the phrase The United States of America; was a Founding Father of the American and the French Republics and his concept of human rights is in The American Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights. Despite all of his achievements it’s doubtful many remember him. Many have never heard of him.

Jean Bourdichon (1459–1521) was apprenticed to the Court painter, Jean Fouquet. Like his master, he was born, lived and died in Tours. Unlike his master, he has no statue, although his house (3 rue de la Serpe) is a protected monument.

Jean Fouquet c.1420 – 1481 was born, lived and died in Tours. No artist is more French. A gifted landscape painter, he set scenes from the Bible in his beloved Touraine giving many people their first glimpse of the beautiful French countryside.

6 January is when the French traditionally share a dessert, la galette des rois, with friends and neighbours. It’s usually filled with frangipani, said to be named after after Frangipani, Marshal of France under Louis XIII, although the facts do not bear this out.

The Christmas Candle may be a little dimmer in 2020, but thanks to the heroic efforts of the Mairie, Royal Château Amboise and the musicians of Nazelles-Negron it has not been extinguished.

In December 2020 archaeologists found two skeletons in the collegiate church of Saint-Ours de Loches. One is thought to be that of the Duke of Milan, Ludovic Sforza.

When Francois asked Estienne to print a series of books in Greek for his library, Estienne consulted Claude Garamont (pseudonym garamondus). Paris born and bred, Garamond, a pioneer type designer and punch cutter was one of the most respected and influential men in typographic history. His skill was in demand by all the finest printers in France.