August 13, 2017
Chinon: A short easy day
Things were very loud last night. There seemed as if there was a country and western concert outside our window and everyone having a lot of fun. It didnt bother us much as we seem to be having lots of sleep. This was a great hotel and had the best breakfast we have had so far - all the usual things but they seemed better and fresher. The homemade fruit salad was absolutely delicious.
Being Sunday the road was very quiet so we decided to take it along the Loire to where we crossed the river at Candes to get onto the Vienne which is the river that goes through Chinon. This part of the route is wonderful it is going along between the river and the cliffs where the troglodyte dwellings are and there are many vineyards and their caves. Troglodyte dwellings really fascinate me some of them are built flat against the cliff and the entire house is inside the cave with just windows and doors on the outside. They must be very dark inside though they do have mirrors to help reflect light into the interior. Othere are built outt much further and certainly are much elaborate. I really dont think that there are many people actually living in them now. Of course a lot of them are used for wine storage as the temperatures are so stable.
All this time we were riding through charming little villages and when we came to Montsoreau it was alive with people. Cars were parked for miles and miles along the road and what was happening was that a massive brocante was on- probably much of the same stuff we had seen a couple of days ago! The French certainly seem to love them and they are always surrounded by an atmosphere highly charged with excitement. I didnt dare to look to closely What ever would have happened if I saw something I wanted, It might be a bit hard to do carry on the bike
Shortly after we reached Candes and sat on the terrace drinking our coffee. We crossed the bridge and were now following the Vienne to Chinon. The travel had changed dramatically and we were on a tiny narrow road with heaps of cyclists many of them family groups having what must be a wonderful family holiday, it always amazes me how the tiny little cyclists are battling along, some of them with heavy looking loads. The soil here is fertile looking alluvial soil and it seems as if it is impossible not to have a good garden and it seems to be a place where the art of a creating a fine scarecrow is Important
Arriving in Chinon the ruins of the massive Chateau look over the town. It was here in the Chateau at Chinon that Joan of Arc in 1429 gave the king her assurance that she would get rid of the English. Chinon is very proud her as they are of Francoise Rabelais the early novelist who was born here. Both are comemorated by fine statues
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Today's ride: 36 km (22 miles)
Total: 450 km (279 miles)
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