Day 68. Blois to Vouvray. 69km, 4h10.
After the high carb French breakfast at the characterful Hôtel De France Et De Guise, we were pleased to cycle in cool still conditions after our drenching yesterday. Small lanes took us through the farming villages of Chailles and Cande-sur-Beuvron, and then back down to Chaumont-sur-Loire, with its chateau high up on the steep hill above the Loire.
We then headed up into the vineyards of the Touraine, which are planted on the flat plateau above the Loire flood plain. We had a steep descent into the attractive, but touristy, town of Amboise. The attractions here are the chateau and the Leonardo da Vinci museum. Da Vinci spent the last few years of his life working in Amboise, which was a favourite royal residence in the late 15th century. King Charles VIII died there after hitting his head on a door lintel!
Then it was back up onto the plateau for a ride through the vineyards of Montlouis, some of which looked really old. We crossed the river via a very long and busy bridge to Vouvray, well-known for its superb Chenin Blancs. We arrived unannounced at Chateau Moncontour, one of the larger producers in the area, where we were given an extensive tasting of their sparkling and still Chenins. We particularly enjoyed the Cuvée Prédilection Grande Réserve 2010 Brut 2010, which had 3 years on the lees, the dry 2010 Les Chapelles (both WWS 7) and an excellent 2003 dessert wine (WWS 8). The delicious effect of Botrytis was evident in the sweet wines.
Our Chambre d'Hote (La Tonelle) is set against the hillside and the lower back wall is a cave. We are on the top floor up a precipitous spiral staircase, and our large attic room leads onto a small garden. It is a very relaxed place, and as we are staying here for two nights there is space and time to do washing and clean the bikes. The weather moved our picnic supper back indoors.
Loire countryside showing off.
The traditional Loire river boats
Chateau at Amboise.
Sunny side up.
Bubbles at Chateau Moncontour.
Ah, it is so nice to see the family cycling together. Good company always makes the journey more enjoyable!
ReplyDeleteGlad the rain has let up - it's taken its toll on the Tour de France! Must be so nice having Gilly and Mitch in the party.
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