Day 3 - Friday 12th April 2013

Start - Angers
Finish - Chinon
Distance - 92km
Time - 8 hours

Well we didn't quite paint Angers red last night. A couple of beers in a very quiet local bar on the outskirts of the city. The hostel was basic and the beds were very squeaky but on the plus side the room was hot. We had a basic but substantial breakfast and then we were on the road at 9am. The weather was grey and showery all the way and we only got soaked once.

One thing that dawned on me was that my brother, having lived in France is showing signs of Frenchness. Not only did he advocate the two flannel drying method (he has now cut it down to one flannel) but he cuts corners whilst cycling and he has taken to relieving himself in public places!

We also experienced a strange phenomena ... hills! We had about 4 in quick sequence and they coincided with David's bikes gears packing up so that he was stuck in one gear most of the time. Anyway, we saw a Decathlon store on the way into Saumur and they fixed it for nothing.

We had lunch at Saumur and it was probably the best we have had so far. I had a main course of poulet and champignons and David had a steak and frites. For pud I had a meringue floating in creme anglais (custard to you peasants!).

Anyway we carried on and got caught in a deluge and found shelter at a picnic site. Whilst there a group of students from Orleans on cycles came past and stopped and tried to engage me in conversation. So, I quickly passed them on to David and we had a good chat about where we were going and where they had been. The teacher took my blog address as well and I took a photo that you can see below.

We set off again and had a look at the exterior of Montesau Chateau but decided not to bother and we carried on to Chinon. When we got to Chinon we were shocked by glimmers of sunshine, wow I was casting my memory back to the last time I saw the sun but either it was a long time ago or I am starting with dementia.

We had a beer in the square and then went to the hotel Agnes Sorel and enjoyed a shower etc followed by a mini feast of bread, cheese, pate and the local wine. We will have another walk into the town later.

PS. My knees a starting to tell me something. It might be in French but I suspect it means 'what the hell are you doing to me'!