We set off before dawn as usual, following the river towards the Loire. The battery on Neils front light was empty so he could barely see a thing cycling along dirt tracks in the dark. The connection to my back light had broken, so my front light led the way with Neils back light served us both. Anyway it wasn’t long before daylight crept up on us and we were safe again. We became rather wonderfully chilly as we cycled through the mist floating across the river and fields. It all became rather mystical.
Angers had fantastic cycle lanes throughout, with mown grass under the tram tracks. It’s reputedly the greenest city in France and certainly felt that way. Having cycled through it before we skipped the city centre this time and stopped for our coffee and croissant breakfast as a roadside cafe, greeted by jovial chaps enjoying themselves. Cycling along the Loire brought back fond memories of a previous trip, spotting familiar cafes etc. As we headed south enjoying mile upon mile of vineyards, the day was heating up reaching 34, so we stopped in the shade of a church yard for our picnic and a rest. Every cemetery is full of beautiful graves adorned with flowers and the ever important running water. We’re constantly filling our water bottles …. no more urinal fillups for me thank you!
Finally we arrived at Montreuil-Bellay. What a beautiful place! I’d booked a 15th century hotel run by the lovely Nathalie. She recommended a restaurant but all were closed Sunday-Wednesday. That’s something we need to consider as we travel. We walked over the old stone bridge past the huge castle walls with the sun setting over the river. It was stunning. Eventually we came across a hotel serving food which ended up the best meal on our trip! Fantastic mushrooms! Then home to a very welcome bed.
Ceri and Neil's blogs (including Ceri's oesophagectomy) 