Day 73: Rocherfort-sur-Loire to Mauve-sur-Loire

Day 73: Rocherfort-sur-Loire to Mauve-sur-Loire 72km 4:23

We set off in misty conditions after spending a wonderful evening at Moulin Geant - it was wonderfully quiet and the hostess went out of her way to make our stay memorable. She gave us an alternate route to the La Loire a Velo which took us along the La Louet River for 11 km. The route alternated between a jeep track and single track that wound through the forests and farmlands. It was quite rough in places but our trusty steeds handled it quite well. She promised that it would be quiet and she was right, we saw three other people walking their dogs.

We joined the La Loire a Velo in Challones-sur-Loire which took us along a long straight section before winding through the maize and wheat fields. This is dairy farming country with herds of cattle grazing peacefully along the way. 

The mild climate of the Anjou is ideal for the propagation of plants and seeds.  It is the top producer of lillies, hydrangeas, potted plants, bedding and ornamental plants.Fields of many different kinds of flowers are also grown here for the production of essential oils.

Just after St Florient le Vieil, in the quaint town of Le Marillais we found a Creperie for lunch, Gallettes were the order of the day. They were absolutely delicious quite amazing how they can fit a whole meal on a pancake.Oefs, jammon and frommage, accompanied by a large salad, yum.

We stopped at Ancenis a quaint town with a beautiful chateau. Unfortunately we couldn't visit the castle as it was being renovated. There are no restaurants close to our accommodation, fortunately there is a kitchen so we can stock up before we get there. what a job to find a Supermarket. We eventually found one in Oudon where we bought some chicken and vegetables for supper. 

The last 10 km from  Oudon to Mauve-sur-Loire was along a narrow gravel path sandwiched between the Loire and the railway line. It was not marked on our map - it is most probably a new section. Our map has a route that crosses the river three times but the new route took us all the way to Mauve-sur-Loire on the same side which was brilliant as the old route makes use of roads shared with vehicles.

There was a 15% hill to climb to get to Chateau Bel Air, but it was well worth it. A gorgeous small Chateau set in large, well kept gardens was at the end of the driveway to meet us. It has been beautifully renovated and the rooms tastefully furnished and spacious. There is a beautiful view of the Loire from the garden. I highly recommend this if you are looking for accommodation in the area. It was not easy to find accommodation for one night for 4 people during the Bastille long weekend - this was a great find.

We so enjoyed eating home cooked food for a change and the Les Vieux Clos 2012 from Nicolas Joly's vineyard was one of the best wines we have tasted to date. (WWW 10).

A damp track in the forests alongside la Louet river,

A moody Loire as we approach Challones-sur-Loire.

There were many sculptures along the river at St Florient le Vieil.

Le Coq at St Florient le Vieil.

A nervous bride with an interesting colour-scheme.

The Loire is wide now as we near Ancenis.

A rest at the castle in Ancenis.

The railway was above and the river below us.

The view from Bel Air.

The small chateau, Bel Air, where we found excellent and very reasonable lodging for the night.