Bike Ride almost 300kms!

Starting at Blois after catching an ultra smooth train from Paris, did not disappoint... Our first hotel was probably16C and most of town and of course castle date back even further, being first mentioned in 6C!...OLD!
We managed to get away after bike fitting the next morning with a clutch of maps... Not necessarily matching any sort of signposting we are used to... The French way!
Arrived at Amboise in the rain after 45 ks of fascinating little villages, sunflower fields, vineyards and chateaux popping up here and there. The hot shower and delightful hotel De L'Abrelles set in woodland was very welcome. We spent the afternoon wandering around Leonardo's last dwelling, a beautiful small chateau called Clos de Luce and magnificent gardens, the whole experience memorable.

Tricky communications

My blog hasn't been as successful as thought so apologies for not posting as planned. Internet signal and strength have been very erratic in places like Nth Devon, Paris, Loire & Carcassonne, making it impossible to send much at all. Here in Provence at a charming hotel much better signal and a little time before we head home. Photos taken in a Paris 'passage' .... A fabric shop which felt like turn of the century, with gorgeous silks and a wall of buttons all in beige suede boxes.. A little slice of heaven.