Visiting the Troglodytes 

May 24th

The bike ride today was 22 miles roundtrip north through the troglodyte villages from Saumur along the Loire to Chateau Montsoreau.  The trail was a little muddy along the river so once we could head up to the high ground we did.  The troglodyte villages are so fun to ride through with scenic views of the river below, the houses themselves and the rows of poppies to brighten up the path.  

 

The restaurant overlooking the river at the Chateau Montsoreau was just too hard to resist.  I ordered the salade chèvre chaud, my first one this year, and Jay ordered the cannelloni which turned out to be goat cheese wrapped in prosciutto. He said it was good but very rich.

Chateau Montsoreau

An "amuse bouche"

A little friend joined us for lunch

The route meandered through vineyards as well and ended up back at the Chateau in Saumur.  

Riding into Saumur past the Chateau 

Chateau Saumur above the Loire

Once showered we walked around town and stopped into Jeff de Bruges for chocolates.  These are some of the best I've ever found!  

Our wonderful hosts met us in the lobby and Christian led the way down to his wine cellar which was stacked with cases and cases of wonderful wines.  We were having so much fun chatting with him and the other guests that I forgot to take pictures. Oh well, next time.

We had a simple dinner at Bistrot les Tontons in the Plaza.  We remembered their burgers from several years ago so couldn't resist.  They were as tasty this time as the last.

On to Langon tomorrow in the southwest of France near Bordeaux for more biking and exploration.