Ride: 1.5km; total: 42.5km
Walk: 4km; total: 49km
After breakfast we went for a walk to the Tabac shop to purchase some more data; not sure the company we’re with offers very good value for money. It was then back to the hotel to do a final pack. Waited until 8:45am to retrieve the bikes from storage, load them up and leave for the station, all of 250m away. Another 20 mins for a platform to be allocated and as soon as it was up on the board we set off to platform 23. Thankfully, we did not have to use elevators to get there and it took us about 30 seconds.
The train was 11 minutes late, which is unusual, however, we managed to make up the 11 minutes and arrived in Nantes, on time. We had a bit of a hiccup this morning when we arrived at the first stop; the train only had space for three bikes and our bikes were occupying two. Another couple boarded to find our bikes there. We were summoned and asked if we had tickets for the bikes. Of course we didn’t because the man at the ticket office told us we did not need tickets for them. Anyway, it was all resolved, we paid an extra Euro20 so us and the bikes could remain on the train. ‘Velo sans reservation’, all sweet. Whilst Wendy read her book, Greg did some Sudoku and watched the scenery flash by. The Loire Valley is not only a great tourist attraction but it has some of the best agricultural areas in France. The variety of crops are impressive with everything in a growth spurt currently. The cereal crops at the moment are spectacular. A very pleasant six or so hours.
Upon arrival at Nantes, luckily there was a lift to get people with mobility issues and bicycles up two storeys. However there was a sign saying ‘no velo’. We ignored this as did the other couple, (who were locals) as we had to get the bikes up somehow. We didn’t fancy carrying them up two flights of stairs. Once on ground level, Greg got us oriented and off we went. 1.5km later we were checking in at the hotel, Ibis Styles Nantes Centre Place Royals, room 402. It is a fairly large room as European hotel rooms go, however, we soon found the air con and wi-fi were not working. Reception staff fixed the wi-fi, but it is still very slow, and they said they had rung the aircon man, but he had not yet arrived (read, he won’t be here tonight and we will have to wait for tomorrow to have air con. It is reminding us of that horrible night we had at Mannheim in Germany in 2015. At least this time the temp is supposed to drop to a very pleasant 13 DegC overnight. And we can always open the window; after the revellers have gone home.
We went out for dinner tonight - Pitaya Thai Street Food. Both meals, although not that authentic, were tasty and fed the worms. Our post-dinner stroll was very enjoyable and it offered up some photo opportunities. Once back in our room we opened the windows and it quickly cooled down.
We only have tomorrow here in Nantes, so have to make the most of it. The tour starts for real on Thu.
On the train, Nantes bound
A portrait done by the lady sitting opposite Wendy; Wendy was reading her iPad
Early morning Lyon
Bikes on board
Nantes Royal Palace
St Nicolas Church, Nantes
Place Royale, next to our hotel; the French doing what they do well - eating and drinking
Rolling out the environment
Le Lieu unique (the unique place)
Le Passage Pommeraye
Street view
Used to be the Law Courts, now a flash hotel
Nantes Opera House
Our room, forgot to take pictures on entry, excuse the mess
