August 15, 2017
Amboise: Up among the vines
Today is Aout 15 Assumption Day which is a public holiday in France. A couple of times previously we have been caught out by this but not today. We left reasonably late for us as we had such a short distance to cycle. Tours was all but disserted with nearly everything closed. We dawdled along looking at the very impressive Hotel de Ville and then calling into the Cathedral which was open. On this rather gloomy morning it was dark inside but the stained glass windows shone like jewels. It is a suprisingly narrow building with two organs one in the choir and the other in the trancept
The route out of Tours is very well marked leading us first through the town and various sights then on to the river bank. There were very few people around just a few devoted runners taking the opertunity of a holiday to get in a long run. Even the dog walkers were few and far between - the dogs must have been taking the opportunity to have a lie in. At Mountlouis we stopped for a coffee and sat watching the world go around. Mountlouis is a very neat little village with everything sparkling.
After this we were up the hill into the vineyards These were really working vineyards and the viticulturalist in Ken was having a lovely time examining them all. It appears to him that the major varieties were Chenin, Cabernet Franc and some Gamay. The vines to our eyes look very short and are not much over a meter in height. The care of the vines varied considerably and some were very meticulously tended including quite extensive leave plucking of some of the reds.
When we reached Amboise there was an explosion of people. There were tour buses letting off hoards who were trudging their way up towards the Chateau, to Leonardo's last home and no doubt to eat at one of the many restaurants along the way. We were early for our check in so we too pushed our way up the little street along the walls of the Chateau enjoying the colourful site of the little market and the many, many restaurants eventually deciding to park the bikes and have another coffee and watch the world go by.
Our hotel is right down in the action, it is only a two star one but seems as if it will suit us well and we will have plenty of choice where we eat tonight. We spotted a couple of Creperies so may be that is what we will do.
Today's ride: 31 km (19 miles)
Total: 549 km (341 miles)
| Rate this entry's writing | Heart | 1 |
| Comment on this entry | Comment | 0 |