La Chapelle-Saint-Mesmin - 13 May 2022

Friday, 13 May 2022 - La Chapellé-Saint-Mesmin

Last night sautéed leeks, garlic and mushrooms, and then scrambled in some eggs and chives - quick and tasty! Watched the final part of The Split - will there be another series? I think Nicola Walker is a brilliant actress, or maybe I need to call her an actor?!

Always surprising at how quickly the general noise of lots of mohos dies down to silence.

Today we cycled to Beaugency and back, along the cycle path. It’s a recommended detour destination. About 11.5 miles and 7k steps today.

We picked up a map from the Tourist Information as usual. The château was closed today - we weren’t too disappointed!

The most important event in the turbulent history of the town was the Battle of Beaugency, a series of battles led by Joan of Arc in 1429 in which the region was recaptured from the English (!). The tower in the town - Tour Cesar - dates from the 11th century and played an important role in the battle. This was an important victory because at that time Beaugency controlled the only river crossing in the region.

A second Battle of Beaugency took place during the Prussian invasion of France in 1870, when much of the French army was defeated near the town.

The first foundations of the bridge were build during the 11th century. It is the oldest and longest (435m) stone bridge on the Loire River with 26 stone arches. Originally the wealth of Beaugency developed around the bridge, because the town charged a toll to those who crossed the river here, overseen by the large square Caesar Tower, dating from the 11th century. One of the highest (36m) in France. The roof was burnt in 1586, and by 1840 the whole of the interior collapsed.

There is a statue of Joan of Arc, commemorating the role she played in the historical battles.

Another impressive renaissance building is the 16th century town hall, with its ornately decorated facade.

The Saint-Firmin Bell Tower is in better condition than the one from yesterday!

We went inside the Norte-Dame Abbey Church - it’s absolutely huge inside! Again, masses of stained glass windows, not all depicting a religious theme - and a huge organ at the back.

The council at which the marriage of King Louis VII of France and Eleanor of Acquitaine was annulled took place here. She later married the future King of England, Henry Plantagenet - Henry II, who was King from 1154 until his death in 1189. King Louis VII of France made him Duke of Normandy in 1150.

We crossed over the bridge to the ‘nature’ part as recommended by Alice at Tourist Information in order to eat our lunch we’d bought at the boulangerie. Couldn’t cope with all the flying midgey things - masses of them!

Back on the other side, we saw swans with their cygnets, and masses of terns.

Had lunch in the sunshine, and cycled back.

Serviced Dave as it was just nearby, and set off to where we are now, only a 20 minute drive for Tintin.

Distracted on the way by a moho dealer! I’d seen a Frankia, and thought maybe they’d be more - but mainly Pilot, Chausson and Burstner. Happy to say we weren’t impressed with any of them - Dave still very much safe!

We’re parked up fairly close to the Loire, but have to walk to see it. We sat reading for a while, but it’s frustrating that it’s too chilly in the shade and too hot in the sun. I feel like the three bears - but haven’t got it right today. Has been about 23 - 25°.

Happy wedding anniversary Peter and Susie 😊