2023 - La Loire à Vélo: 06/27/23

13-26 degC, hazy all day, with some patches of nice sunshine

Walk: 2km; total: 262km

We knew we didn’t have far to ride today so we were in no hurry to have breakfast nor leave. We eventually left the hotel at 9:30am, our latest departure yet. We were quickly on the EuroVelo 6 route which we are now following. The path was smooth, along the side of the Lateral Canal to the Loire for most of the way today. The 42km included side trips we did to little villages to chew up some time, but there weren’t that many options. We arrived at our hotel, Le Port de Decize at 2:30pm. We passed through a lot more beef cattle and sheep country today, with the odd crop of cereal and sunflower. The cattle were mainly white, with one herd of brown cows (for Glen!)

Our first stop was at Chevenon only because we had seen it had a church and a chateau. Needless to say, there was a rather large rise to conquer before we could see either. The church was closed and not much to look at from the outside. The chateau is now a private residence and you cannot really see it from the road. Oh well, we tried.

There was nowhere to have mornos at Chevenon, so we continued along the path and found a couple of picnic tables with a bike parking area. We set up shop there and spent a good 30 minutes watching cyclists ride by and a boat negotiate the lock. The boat only had two people on board and although we don’t speak French, we got the impression there were a few tense moments stopping before the lock, so the boat captain could speak to the lock master. They eventually sorted it all out and navigated through the lock without incident.

Onwards to our next stop at Fleury-sir-Loire, to see another church. This one was closed as well. As we crossed the Canal we noticed a canal boat stop with a restaurant on the side of the canal. How very civilised, tie up your boat and have a meal. As we just had mornos, we weren’t in the need of food, but we had a good look around.

Lunch was had at Avril-sur-Loire beside an old church. Again, it was closed, but the cemetery attached was open and Greg had a gander. After eating our lunch, Greg had a little snooze while Wendy read her book. We spent 45 minutes or so there.

The last 9km into Decize were completed a little slower than the previous km, just to kill some time. It didn’t work very well as we were still 30 minutes too early to check in. Normal check-in time here is 4pm; Wendy had asked, when booking, for a 3pm check-in and approval was given. We waited in the shade and a few minutes after 3pm, Wendy went to check in. On asking the lady “parlez-vous francais” she asked “Pourquoi?” “Because I want to check in, Mon chamber pour Wendy Walker.” The lady found our booking and although didn’t speak a lot of English, she managed to convey the necessary information to Wendy. She was very pleased when Wendy indicated she understood. We took our panniers up to our room, #10, overlooking the port, then secured the bikes in a special bike garage.

After unpacking and having a little rest, we went for a wander to the Supermarche, another Woolies/BIGW combo store for some pre-dinner drinks. We even found some zero beer for Greg, bonus. At 7pm, we ventured downstairs and ordered the three course menu for €19 ea. Greg had seafood salad, faux fillet (sirloin steak) and vanilla panna cotta, and Wendy had a Caesar salad, faux fillet, and crème brûlée. The salad would have been enough for Wendy, but she soldiered-on through the steak that came with chips and ‘salad’, and then had to have dessert as well. Oh well, it’s not too often that happens. Greg said he was full, but not too full. We had a little wander around the port before calling it a night.

The aircon had been set by the administration at 25 deg+ for the lowest temperature. Wendy managed to circumvent that and reduce it to 20 degC.

Blogging, teeth, shower and bed, in anticipation of another fun day tomorrow.