It was a leisurely ride today although 'the rolling green hills' just out of Saumur put a bit of a strain on the legs. Fortunately, the hills weren't too steep and we were soon back to the flat path alongside the river Loire.
The sun was out this morning but the breeze was a little cool so scarves and jackets were required early on, discarded later.
The ride was a short one today, just 25kms and took us through some lovely little villages. A single row of houses in le Mimmorelle, some of which were built into the cliffs behind, had their private gardens and car parking space across the road and leading down to the river.
A little further along at Chenehutte, we stopped at a boulanger/patissier for coffee and cakes, a citron tart and an almond/honey biscuit which we consumed in the little garden opposite the shop.
Spotting a cherry tree next door to the garden, Mike couldn't resist sampling a few cherries and pronounced them to be 'tres excellent'.
We stopped at the very pretty village of Treves, site of St Aubin's Church which was constructed between the 11th and 13th centuries,
and of the tower which is the only part remaining of the castle built in the 15th century.
The church was not open so we took outside photos and rode on to the next village, Cunault where the Priory Church "Notre Dame De Cunault" was open so we were able to go inside. It's a very large building with few of the adornments most churches have and the wall paintings have faded to be barely visible, but it does boast an unusual organ.
From Cunault we headed uphill again, briefly, then onto the path which led to the lake, Etang de Jorreau,
then it was downhill all the way to Gennes where we stopped for cold drinks before crossing the river to nearby les Rosiers sur Loire.
Our accommodation is a small apartment above a family residence and has a kitchenette so we are able to eat in tonight, having purchased a few supplies from a nearby supermarket.
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