One thing I love about Andy is that he always offers to carry my bags when we stay in a Chateau.
So far our choice of places to stay has been determined by what is actually open at this time of year. As we pedalled into Saumur on a misty Friday morning (Day 10) we didn’t know what to expect. Over a hearty English breakfast (a welcome change from croissants) we were surprised to find a nearby chateau at a knock down bargain price.
It turned out we were the only guests, so here is our own private chateau:
It was 19th century with an air of faded grandeur enhanced by the managers passion for antiques. Creaking floorboards, huge mirrors in dimly lit hallway, large family portraits, an aviary, a waterwheel and a conservatory with a ten metre high palm tree.
Back view
Conservatory
Aviary
Palm tree
Dining room
Water wheel
Are you allowed to use safety pins when dining in a chateau? Janet B
Wine tasting and mushrooms are a happy combination in this part of the Loire.
Saumur sparkling wines are arguably better than Champagne so tasting them was a pleasure! Food has become so much better and Champignons appear in dishes in a variety of ways. This is not surprising as the 800km of tunnels in the area don’t only store wine, they are also used to grow some strange looking mushrooms.
We really enjoyed our two day stay in our own chateau but it was now time to discover what the Loire is famous for – much bigger, proper chateaus!
When Andy was 11 he went on a French exchange. It was a disaster – with only one year of French at school, he could barely say anything to anybody. The family made a huge effort by taking him on a grand tour of France in their tiny caravan and to make him feel more at home they occasionally tuned to Radio 2 on the long car journeys. As a result ‘Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree’ can still bring back memories of that summer.
His tour included 15 Chateaus of the Loire in 6 days, all with French guides. It scarred him for life and he has never visited since.
Until now. Over the past few days we have seen 7, each one very different and much more interesting now we are older and wiser. Cycling upstream (Angers to Amboise) the chateaux have got more impressive each day.
“One’s destination is never a place but a new way of seeing things.” Henry Miller
It’s been a real pleasure to visit these from the ‘Loire en Velo’ – a cycle track that meanders along the river. Beautifully signposted, on dedicated tracks and small roads it is rightly one of the most popular in the country.
Things can be incredibly organised in France. Here’s one example – an amusing but very useful vending machine found outside a local pharmacy. Have you ever seen anything like this before? Everything a girl could want in an emergency!
In a restaurant nearby, we came across a dessert made by French grandmothers across the country for their grandchildren. The recipe for Pain Perdue (Lost Bread) is simple but delicious – like French Toast but much, much better:
Soak bread in milk mixed with eggs and sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Lightly fry in butter. Sautée thinly sliced apples or pears and place on top. Embellish with anything you like – in our case vanilla ice cream drizzled with salted caramel sauce.
It’s now Tuesday (Day 15) and two weeks since we left Bath. Time for a long cycle ride southwest to La Rochelle – at least it’s now roughly in the right direction and getting warmer!
Sounds absolutely idyllic. I think you’ve also been pretty lucky with the weather, we’re enjoying fine autumn days back here in Blighty! Interesting comments on the chateaus, I think the French need their own National Trust. By the way, the whole of Bath is exercised by the safety pin crisis and wondered whether Andy had considered staples as an alternative?
You are making it look very appealing as I sit at my desk in grey Bristol. I can’t believe I could ever find weeks on end of cycling appealing, but you are making it happen. Keep it up. X
We are loving your amusing blogs with lovely pics too. I am so envious…..my 20 mile ride yesterday ( skipping off school early ) just doesn’t compare! I think we went through Saumur last year, but sadly no time to stop and enjoy it. Let us know if you want us to post a bundle of safety pins onto a forwarding address!
Loving the blog, very inspiring! Look forward to each instalment whilst trying to keep the green-eyed monster at bay. Sounds like a wonderful adventure and the private chateau sounds just perfect.
We Love reading your blog and I’m glad you are both having a nice time, we spent a week on il de re this summer and had an great time, you should try and visit the island if you can. Whilst staying in the Dordogne this summer we also experienced the distinct lack of people everywhere, very strange especially in the height of summer!! Very jealous of the beautiful rivers you are cycling past they look great for fishing! Look forward to your next blog, Tom x
I was only thinking last night that we hadn’t heard from you for quite a few days and hoped you were both OK. Now I know why, you have been busy Chateauing! It all looks amazing. Loving your blog. X
I want to hear about how its raining and windy and hard work with lots of punctures so I won’t be so jealous
Looking forward to a pain perdue tasting when you get back
Avoiding Potholes 
Enjoy La Rochelle!
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We’re looking forward to reading the book and seeing the film! Keep pedalling!
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Beautifully written and great photos ! Loved the 5 word summaries if the chateaux – I’m thinking there’s a book in the making ….
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Sounds absolutely idyllic. I think you’ve also been pretty lucky with the weather, we’re enjoying fine autumn days back here in Blighty! Interesting comments on the chateaus, I think the French need their own National Trust. By the way, the whole of Bath is exercised by the safety pin crisis and wondered whether Andy had considered staples as an alternative?
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I promise an update on the shorts and safety pins saga soon Bob.
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It’s wonderful travelling through France with the two of you.
Memoirs for ever.
Keep going. We are hooked.
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You are making it look very appealing as I sit at my desk in grey Bristol. I can’t believe I could ever find weeks on end of cycling appealing, but you are making it happen. Keep it up. X
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You should give cycling in France a go Ginny.you might love it!
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Come on Mr Martland, if the highest accolade that Clare give you is your bag carrying ability, you have some work to do 🙂
Sounds great!
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Mmm – at least I know my place!
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We are loving your amusing blogs with lovely pics too. I am so envious…..my 20 mile ride yesterday ( skipping off school early ) just doesn’t compare! I think we went through Saumur last year, but sadly no time to stop and enjoy it. Let us know if you want us to post a bundle of safety pins onto a forwarding address!
Nicola
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Will do Nicola. Thankfully we now have a big stash …
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Loving the blog, very inspiring! Look forward to each instalment whilst trying to keep the green-eyed monster at bay. Sounds like a wonderful adventure and the private chateau sounds just perfect.
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Thanks Neil. Perhaps you should try a cycling holiday for you next trip?
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We Love reading your blog and I’m glad you are both having a nice time, we spent a week on il de re this summer and had an great time, you should try and visit the island if you can. Whilst staying in the Dordogne this summer we also experienced the distinct lack of people everywhere, very strange especially in the height of summer!! Very jealous of the beautiful rivers you are cycling past they look great for fishing! Look forward to your next blog, Tom x
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Thanks Tom. We’re pushing on at the moment to try and create enough time for a few days in the Il de Re. Here’s hoping…
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I was only thinking last night that we hadn’t heard from you for quite a few days and hoped you were both OK. Now I know why, you have been busy Chateauing! It all looks amazing. Loving your blog. X
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I want to hear about how its raining and windy and hard work with lots of punctures so I won’t be so jealous
Looking forward to a pain perdue tasting when you get back
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It is cold this morning if that helps. We’ve been cycling in our fleeces!
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