Beaugency

Big day today making the most of the wind swinging round to the south and later the west- heralding a change in weather to come... so "make hay whilst the sun shines" they say...
Each impossibly quaint village is a mixture of finely manicured (second ?)homes and bombed out old farm buildings- all presided over by the big mansion/ chateau. Inbetween flat wheat fields with the occasional shallow valley. All very nice but immediately forgettable- until you come upon the chateau at Chenonceaux: wow! Built over the Cher river with elaborate gardens. In 1560, Francis II and Mary Queen of Scots were married at the castle, and that same year, when he was proclaimed King of France, the first fireworks in France were witnessed at the castle, during the celebration.
Onward and I dropped down to the Loire at Chaumont-another ridiculous pile!! Decided to save my 20 euros this time, and cycled on. The Loire supposedly divides France into north and south, so when I arrived at Blois and crossed the river I am now essentially in Northern Europe!! . The wind was blowing straight up the valley, so with no accomodation booked, and knowing there's rain forecast for tomorrow, I added on a cheeky 30k. Biggest day yet, but with the wind assist and lack of significant climbing it didn't feel like it.Read more