Walk: 5km; total: 106km
The start of week 3.
We were on the road a tad after 8am. Our estimated distance was 30km, however, some of the route must have been in a sad state, so we took a few detours, adding an extra 8km. This was not an issue today, as it was a short distance anyway and the profile was flat’ish, with a few lumps. We stopped once for mornos (from the breakfast buffet) and a few other stops for photos. We arrived at our hotel, Ibis Styles Chinon about 11:30am, and again there was no one at reception. As we knew check-in was from 12pm, we took our lunch down onto the grass in the shade, ate and waited until midday. At 12:10, Wendy tried again, and despite having checked-in online this morning, was told that our room was not yet ready. So, we parked the bikes in a locked shed and waited in the lobby with a cup of gratis coffee. We were in the room (212) about 12:30pm and set about unpacking, having a quick wash, then a nana nap.
The route today took us along some minor roads and the Loire route. One of the most unusual sights for the day were three emu in a paddock! Two churches caught our attention and Greg went in both whilst Wendy guarded the bikes. The amazing thing about the churches in Europe is that they’re always open during the day. Greg never gets tired of visiting them as he says each one is different and you never know what’s inside until you open the door.
After our nana nap we walked into the city centre to have a look around and purchase some ready made salads and drinks for dinner. On first inspection, there didn’t seem to be much to do in Chinon, apart from visiting the Royal Fortress high up on the hill overlooking the town centre. However, after visiting the Tourist Info Centre, we found there is a lot more we can do to fill our day tomorrow.
A slow’ish day today, but an enjoyable one. Looking forward to exploring Chinon in the morning.
From our hotel window this morning
Champignonniere du sautaux Loups near Turquant, another mushroom farm in an old mine
Near Montsoreau more underground houses
Montsoreau
Montsoreau - built in 397, now that’s seriously old
St Martin de Candes from a bridge on the way to Chinon
Savigny-en-Veron (mornos stop)
The flower pot men
One of the route surfaces today
Not what you expect to see in the French countryside
A novel (pun intended) re-use of an old wine barrel - street library
Royal Fortress, Chinon overlooking the Vienne River
Bridge over the River Vienne at Chinon
Our home for the next two nights, our room is in the red circle
Our room and balcony
