Wobbling Winos: Day 67- Orleans to Blois

Day 67: Orleans to Blois. 68km, 4:08.

We set off in the rain this morning, which was not ideal for Gill and Mitch's first day of cycling. To start it rained lightly but it increased steadily as the day progressed. Fortunately it was not too cold and there wasn't much wind.

We stopped at the gorgeous little town of Meung-sur-Loire where the weekly market was in full swing. We spent some time absorbing the wonderful atmosphere that one encounters at these markets. People chatting about the various items of produce as well as catching up on some news. There were some excellent Brioches, cheeses, pates, fish, cherries and fresh chanterelle mushrooms. We were sorry we did not have self catering accommodation for the night as we would have cooked up a storm with all those delicious ingredients. After a warm cup of coffee, we set off again.

It was a pity that the weather was so crummy as we passed through some interesting places. When it rains one tends to put one's head down and keep going!

At Beugency we needed some warming up so we stopped for lunch. We could not find a restaurant that served a Plat de Jour on a Sunday and had to settle for a gourmet Black Angus burger which was delicious, warmed us up and gave us the courage to face the elements. We still had 45 km to go and the rain did not let up the whole way.

We arrived at our accommodation in Blois, Hotel de France Et De Guise, looking like drowned rats. Amazingly the rain stopped the minute we pulled in at Blois - Murphy's Law! When we walked in Ian and I realized that we had stayed in the same hotel 10 years ago. After a hot shower we felt refreshed and ready for some sightseeing.

Blois is a delightful city, and it is particularly special to me as my ancestors on my Mum's side, the Bruwers, originally came from here.

The Chateau de Blois is impressive and was built by the Counts de Blois. Joan of Arc visited the Chateau in 1429 to receive a blessing from the Archbishop of Reims before setting off with her army to drive the English from Orleans.

The House of Magic that is closely connected to Robert Houdin, the famous magician,who was born in Blois has a Polychrome facade and large figures of dragons and a dragon's tail that pop out of the windows every hour. It houses a small museum of the history of magic.

There is a beautiful garden just below the the St Nicholas Church in the old quarter of Blois - the Archbishop's garden. Unfortunately the roses were passed their best, but there was a lovely view of the city and the Loire.

We ended the day having a picnic supper in the park across the road from the hotel, in the warm evening sunshine.