Day 29 - Amboise - Da Vinci

Today we were more tourists and less cyclists.

We had a good little ride to Tours, crossed a cool bike and pedestrian only bridge, and stopped to see the magnificent buildings and Cathedral, and a second breakfast 😁 at a cafe across from the Opera House. 

Good start!

And then we went back to bike touring for the next 30 kms to Amboise. 

We got here early enough to set up the tent in the blazing sun (strategically placed for evening shade), unload the panniers and take our light weight bikes for a spin around Amboise. 

The real tourist event was a tour of Leonardo Da Vinci's place here. He spent the last few years of his life here, as a gust of Francois I. It was fascinating. So well done. You forget how smart a man he was. So much more than just an artist, and yet also an incredible artist. 

The gardens are beautiful to walk around with replicas of his invented bridges, water wheels and other mechanical devices all around the grounds. 

The house is beautiful from a distance and close up. 

The walking tour of the house shows the rooms and some interesting (very) old stuff. 

And then a full floor dedicated to his amazing drawings and math and inventions - tools, bridges, machines, boats, so amazingly smart. So much to thank him for! 

It was very interesting and we really enjoyed the change in mindset. Thanks P-M for the recommendation. 

Camping tonight on L'ile D'Or at the Municipal Campground. Very big. Very nice. Looking across the river at the old town. 

I had a bit of phone trouble today so my Strava is not quite right. Yikes, if it not on Strava, did it really happen? Good thing I have photos!!

Stay well everyone!

Tomorrow is June! 

Thanks for your comments, and your names ☺️