Meung-sur-Loire: The lovely suprise that Orleans was

September 3, 2016

It was easy, we crossed the bridge then joined the levee on the left bank and followed it all the way to Orleans with only a brief stop at Jargeau on the way. Arriving into Orleans there is about 6km of pathway between the river and the lake through what is the Charlemagne Island leisure base it seemed to us on this lovely fine Saturday that all the inhabitants of Orleans were out on that serious business of getting fit.

It was then over the George 5 Bidge to the Quaysides on the right bank. We had a coffee and debated whether it was worth climbing up the cobbled streets to the Cathedral. Our guide book had been rather luke warm about Orleans and its reconstruction after the bombing of 1940 which destroyed 17ha of the old centre. We were certainly glad we did. The Cathedral Sainte-Croix stands magnificently in the centre and inside it is not only its magnificent architecture that impresses but also the myriads of colourful banners decorating the interior of the church. It was in 1429 that Joan of Arc came here to pray. Orleans is a city devoted to Joan of Arc. The Rue Joan d'Arc runs from the West Front of the Cathedral. Place de Martrol the nerve centre of the city has her statue at its centre. To us Orleans seemed a beautiful and spacious city which is both pedestrian and bike friendly, there were trams in the centre but cars had been kept to a minimum.

From here it was only about 20km to Meung with its Chateau which was formally the residence of the Bishops of Orlean. It is an attractive little town but our hotel was around 2 km out at an exit of the motorway. When we arrived we were suprised to see lots of people from this Ibis Budget Hotel leaving obviously dressed for a very fancy wedding. The men were in tails. A number of them were English and apart from our room I think that the whole hotel had been booked out by the wedding party. They assured us we would be welcome!! Ken's lack of tails would be a problem but I am sure I would be particularly elegant in my smelling cycling gear

Crossing the George 5 Bridge into Orleans

For the 1st time since Switzerland we are beginning to see fruit trees being cultivated

The church at Meung, you can just see the chateau at the side

Today's ride: 53 km (33 miles)
Total: 1,509 km (937 miles)

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