Day 28 - Castles and climbs

Last night's camping was fun, we made some cycling friends and slept well to the symphony of birds and frogs. Our breakfast companions told us we were in for a beautiful ride. 

Our route took us through Turquant and we started to see the "valley" part of the Loire Valley - we actually had a little climbing to do, and the hill sides make for houses cut right into the rock. 

We got some nice views.  But we really did have to climb!

The uphill was tough, but so was the down! 

At least now we can see why they call it the Loire Valley. 

After a few small towns, we went through the Parc naturel regional Loire-Anjou-Touraine.  Many kms of shaded forest, paved and dirt paths. 

Long stretches along quiet roads today too (into a head wind, still singing Bob Seger..."against the wind"), with a picnic on the shore of the river, and many steeples. 

Crossing to the north side we came across a lovely old bridge and found ourselves in Langeais and explored the little town and the big chateau / castle. 

(From google:  The Château de Langeais is a 15th-century Flamboyant Gothic castle in Indre-et-Loire, France, built on a promontory created by the small valley of the Roumer River at the opening to the Loire Valley. Founded in 992 by Fulk Nerra, Count of Anjou, the castle was soon attacked by Odo I, Count of Blois.)

So many Chateaus. So little time ☺️

Tonight we are camping in the shadow of the Bellevue, in Luynes,  as we head to Tours and beyond, tomorrow. 

Marc's quote today "this route is like Disneyland for cyclists".  

Another 70 (exactly!) done. 

And miles to go along this route. 

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