Where the seed was sown

It was a beautiful cloudless sky last night, full of stars, a freight train hooting loudly somewhere in the distance. We leave Villandry and cycle along very familiar territory: Brehemont, then chateau Usse and then the cycle route to Avoine, just after Chinon. This is where, a couple of years ago whilst staying in Chinon with the family, that we first came across the Loire a Velo route maps which led us to discover the Euro Velo 6 route and thought about the possibility of doing this long cycle ride. We linger for a long picnic lunch by the confluence of the Vienne and Loire at Candes Sur Martin, then on through the troglodytic villages of Parnay and Souzay Champigny. Nice temperature today and pleasantly sunny, not the oppressive humidity of yesterday, though strong head wind along the levee road. We stay in Saumur, and take a walk though its mediaeval centre, and up to the chateau and the panoramic view point. Great supper on the terrace of a fish restaurant as recommended by the owner of our Hotel. (Villandry to Saumur - 40 miles)