We were awoken about 06:00 French time and just had time for a quick cafe creme and a croissant before heading below decks to find our car.
Disembarking was very efficient and we were soon on our way south to the Loire Valley. Having two bikes on the back we had opted for the easy option of using the autoroutes for most of the journey. Alencon and Le Mans were quickly passed by and we then chose D roads to cut across country towards Blois. The LLW decreed that a coffee stop was required but sadly the chosen stopping off point Saint-Calais was remarkably devoid of suitable coffee shops. However, there was the most wonderful patisserie and having marvelled at the displays we settled on two pain au chocolat which were quite simply the best we have ever tasted. The LLW quickly got over her lack of coffee and waxed lyrical about aforementioned pastries.
We had plenty of time to spare so decided upon a second stop at Vendome. We had driven past Vendome on many occasions and apart from associating it with the Place in Paris, we knew little about the town. What a revelation! It was certainly a Ville Fleury, there were numerous lovely medieval buildings and there was a real buzz about the place. Luckily an acceptable coffee place was found and two grande cremes ordered.
On our way again and very shortly we arrived at our chalet on the outskirts of Bracieux. We knew that we were too early to check in so unloaded the bikes and off we cycled to explore the area to the west of Bracieux. We cycled along close to the northern ban of the Beuvron river and soon passed by the very grand Chateau de Villesavin and across the river to Tour-en-Sologne. The track turned south and we encountered the first of the Etanges which are strewn across the area known as the Sologne. At one junction we found a sign explaining that in the Middle Ages this track was used to drive cattle from Poitiers to Paris; not many people know that!
Through the first area and back to Bracieux we cycled through the town spotting boulangeries and restaurants before returning to Huttopia des Chateau the site of our chalet. All was ready now and we were soon settled in and sort of organised! The weather is currently mixed and not warm but better is forecast for tomorrow.
After a rest we headed into town for an evening meal and decided upon the Cafe du Commerce where we were greeted warmly by the owner and were offered an eat as much as you like buffet for €17 each. This buffet consisted of hors douvres, main course, cheese and two deserts. It was very good but we skipped the cheese as there was too much and the LLW was a bit grumpy because she was not offered any of my excellent chocolate moussse. All in all it cost us the princely sum of €45 including wine.
Now very tired we retired to our chalet and knew nothing more until 07:30 the next morning. Photos will be added later once the wi-fi is sorted out.
Disembarking was very efficient and we were soon on our way south to the Loire Valley. Having two bikes on the back we had opted for the easy option of using the autoroutes for most of the journey. Alencon and Le Mans were quickly passed by and we then chose D roads to cut across country towards Blois. The LLW decreed that a coffee stop was required but sadly the chosen stopping off point Saint-Calais was remarkably devoid of suitable coffee shops. However, there was the most wonderful patisserie and having marvelled at the displays we settled on two pain au chocolat which were quite simply the best we have ever tasted. The LLW quickly got over her lack of coffee and waxed lyrical about aforementioned pastries.
We had plenty of time to spare so decided upon a second stop at Vendome. We had driven past Vendome on many occasions and apart from associating it with the Place in Paris, we knew little about the town. What a revelation! It was certainly a Ville Fleury, there were numerous lovely medieval buildings and there was a real buzz about the place. Luckily an acceptable coffee place was found and two grande cremes ordered.
On our way again and very shortly we arrived at our chalet on the outskirts of Bracieux. We knew that we were too early to check in so unloaded the bikes and off we cycled to explore the area to the west of Bracieux. We cycled along close to the northern ban of the Beuvron river and soon passed by the very grand Chateau de Villesavin and across the river to Tour-en-Sologne. The track turned south and we encountered the first of the Etanges which are strewn across the area known as the Sologne. At one junction we found a sign explaining that in the Middle Ages this track was used to drive cattle from Poitiers to Paris; not many people know that!
Through the first area and back to Bracieux we cycled through the town spotting boulangeries and restaurants before returning to Huttopia des Chateau the site of our chalet. All was ready now and we were soon settled in and sort of organised! The weather is currently mixed and not warm but better is forecast for tomorrow.
After a rest we headed into town for an evening meal and decided upon the Cafe du Commerce where we were greeted warmly by the owner and were offered an eat as much as you like buffet for €17 each. This buffet consisted of hors douvres, main course, cheese and two deserts. It was very good but we skipped the cheese as there was too much and the LLW was a bit grumpy because she was not offered any of my excellent chocolate moussse. All in all it cost us the princely sum of €45 including wine.
Now very tired we retired to our chalet and knew nothing more until 07:30 the next morning. Photos will be added later once the wi-fi is sorted out.
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