A fairly grey morning greeted us on Tuesday and the LLW had some more work to do before we headed off to our next stop of Fontevraud L'Abbaye where we have stayed once before. The plan was to visit a garden en route but sadly the LLW has mislaid the name and location of said garden which is a bit of a problem! I will report back on this issue later.
Yesterday evening we enjoyed a very good dinner at Le Rendez-vous des Gourmets in the centre of Bracieux. It was not our original intention to eat here but being Monday evening, much of Bracieux was ferme. However, it proved to be very enjoyable, busy and good value.
We are not in a hurry to reach Fontevraud so will probably take the scenic route relying upon the WWN to direct us via Tours-en-Sologne, Cheverny, along the banks of the Loire, skirting Tours and then via Chinon to Fontevraud
Once we arrive we plan a shortish cycle ride although we may have to start outside of Fontevraud since the LLW is very concerned about the closeness of contours around the Abbey. Again I will report on this later.
Coffees and croissants have been consumed in the communal area, shutting down the laptop is imminent and then we are on our way!
We chose a scenic route from Bracieux to Fontevraud and started via Tours-en-Sologne and Celletes towards Chaumont on the Loire. About 15 minutes before reaching Chaumont we were rewarded by the sight of several wild boar running across the road in front of us. Sadly no camera was to hand but there appeared to be two adult females and about fourteen youngsters. They emerged from the field of wilting sunflowers on our right and quickly disappeared into the undergrowth on our left.
At Chaumont we crossed to the north bank of the Loire and had brilliant views of the Chateau at Chaumont and Amboise before crossing the Loire again at Tours to head south towards Chinon. Ray had decided that the area west of Chinon, between the Loire and Vienne rivers, appeared to be prime cycling territory so the management committee agreed to reconnoitre said area before attempting a ride. Well it was perfect; fairly flat with lots of pretty villages surrounded by vineyards and views of the Vienne river to boot! With the weather forecast set fair there was to time to lose in reaching our hotel , checking in and unleashing the bikes.
We parked outside a village called Beaumont-en-Veron which appeared to have several incarnations and rode off on one of many cycle tracks. It was delightful and we rode through villages, vineyards and river banks in fairly warm sunshine. Strangely we saw very few cyclist on the way out but on the return journey they were everywhere. We even met a couple of Kiwis enjoying a cycling holiday in the Loire.
Back then to our hotel for a gourmet dinner and a fairly early night. Sadly the Lost Gardens of Loire were never found but the LLW was reasonably satisfied with a lovely cycle ride and a good dinner.
More about our overnight location in tomorrow's post
Yesterday evening we enjoyed a very good dinner at Le Rendez-vous des Gourmets in the centre of Bracieux. It was not our original intention to eat here but being Monday evening, much of Bracieux was ferme. However, it proved to be very enjoyable, busy and good value.
We are not in a hurry to reach Fontevraud so will probably take the scenic route relying upon the WWN to direct us via Tours-en-Sologne, Cheverny, along the banks of the Loire, skirting Tours and then via Chinon to Fontevraud
Once we arrive we plan a shortish cycle ride although we may have to start outside of Fontevraud since the LLW is very concerned about the closeness of contours around the Abbey. Again I will report on this later.
Coffees and croissants have been consumed in the communal area, shutting down the laptop is imminent and then we are on our way!
We chose a scenic route from Bracieux to Fontevraud and started via Tours-en-Sologne and Celletes towards Chaumont on the Loire. About 15 minutes before reaching Chaumont we were rewarded by the sight of several wild boar running across the road in front of us. Sadly no camera was to hand but there appeared to be two adult females and about fourteen youngsters. They emerged from the field of wilting sunflowers on our right and quickly disappeared into the undergrowth on our left.
At Chaumont we crossed to the north bank of the Loire and had brilliant views of the Chateau at Chaumont and Amboise before crossing the Loire again at Tours to head south towards Chinon. Ray had decided that the area west of Chinon, between the Loire and Vienne rivers, appeared to be prime cycling territory so the management committee agreed to reconnoitre said area before attempting a ride. Well it was perfect; fairly flat with lots of pretty villages surrounded by vineyards and views of the Vienne river to boot! With the weather forecast set fair there was to time to lose in reaching our hotel , checking in and unleashing the bikes.
We parked outside a village called Beaumont-en-Veron which appeared to have several incarnations and rode off on one of many cycle tracks. It was delightful and we rode through villages, vineyards and river banks in fairly warm sunshine. Strangely we saw very few cyclist on the way out but on the return journey they were everywhere. We even met a couple of Kiwis enjoying a cycling holiday in the Loire.
Back then to our hotel for a gourmet dinner and a fairly early night. Sadly the Lost Gardens of Loire were never found but the LLW was reasonably satisfied with a lovely cycle ride and a good dinner.
More about our overnight location in tomorrow's post
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