Saint-Martin-De-La-Place - 03 May 2022

Tuesday, 3 May 2022 - St Martin de la Place (Loire)

Update on dog, a woman in a car picked her up about 7.30pm. Whether someone called and it was a dog charity, or just the owner - no idea! She didn’t have to put it on a lead to go into the car. One less thing to worry about!

About 11pm, a big moho parked right in front of us, glad it left 9am today before we wanted to go!

Tintin flew Dean the drone for the third successive night. Trouble is, he then checks out what solar power other mohos have!

He had an inkling before we came away that we might need two new leisure batteries. Next week we will have had Dave for five years, and apparently he wasn’t supplied with good quality batteries. Hoping that it can wait until we’re home, rather than a spur of the moment, we need them now kind of purchase.

Last night was a quick avocado salad, followed by some smelly cheese and biscuits. The cheese is wrapped, and then sealed in a plastic zipped bag, yet still smells.  Strangely, it doesn’t taste that strong!

Peaceful sleep, about best yet - Tintin stayed up to finish his book, so late to bed.

Having looked at Park4night, found a place called St-Martin-de-la-Place, so seemed a good place to go! The reviews said there was only parking space for two mohos, and no 4G - but we’re the only moho here, and space for lots of cars - and our data works!

In hindsight, was a lovely 40 minute drive. However, you never know that until you arrive safely! Tintin didn’t make the entrance in one go yesterday, so I was a bit concerned about that, but was fine. Also thought the space here might be too small for us, but it’s not!

Moral really is to stop worrying until I need to!

Bikes out and on our way by 10.30 for our ride along the cycle path into Saumur on the left bank of the Loire. Rode another 14 miles today. The path wasn’t that pleasant in comparison with other bike rides. In parts was a really narrow path, and bumpy - certainly couldn’t take in the views - too busy concentrating!

We found the Tourist Information and a very helpful young man gave me an assortment of maps. We walked past the Hotel de la Ville - up to the 13th century Château de Saumur. It was lovely - we could walk all around for free. Some stunning views over the Loire in both directions. Inside is a museum, rather than rooms decorated from the period.

For those interested in the history see below from Francethisway - or else skip this bit!

History of the Chateau de Saumur

The Château de Saumur was originally constructed as a fortified stronghold in 962 close to a benedictine abbey. The castle was rebuilt by the English King Kenry II in 1068 after the original fortress, along with the abbey, had burned down.

In the early 13th century Saumur returned to the hands of the French, under King Philippe II, and it was his son King Louis IX (Saint Louis) who was responsible for the castle's rebirth - among other major works he added defensive walls and four round towers around the castle.

The castle was home to the Dukes of Anjou during much of the 14th and 15th centuries, with major works to convert the castle into a luxury home in the 14th century. The original towers were replaced by the current octagonal towers in the 14th century, and the 15th century saw a significant improvement in the living quarters in the castle.

A significant amount of fortifications were added around 1589 after the Protestant King Henri IV (of France and Navarre) gave the castle as a gift to Duplessis-Mornay, then just 32 years later the castle was converted into an army barracks.

Under the rule of Napoleon Bonaparte, from 1808 until 1814 the castle was used as a prison then for most of the remainder of the 19th century the Chateau de Saumur was used as a storage depot for weapons. Since that time the castle has been used as a museum, with an interruption from 2001-2008 after a major part of the ramparts collapsed.

We both decided we fancied a pizza. Fate (or Brexit or Covid!) had lots of restaurants closed on a Google search, until we found one with no one else eating there. Usually we’d avoid, but we’re glad we didn’t! Proper wood fired oven - and delicious, thin and very tasty pizzas - plus half a litre of rosé. (€45) If that wasn’t enough, we then had an Italian style Mr Whippy - strawberry and vanilla. (€5). The strawberry wasn’t insipid at all - tasted like cherries.

Back on our bikes for a quick look at the abbey - Royal Chapel Our Lady of Ardilliers (1628 - 1693), with the huge dome, before cycling back to Dave.

Delighted to finally take a photo of an elusive frog! And then, spoke to a young lady, who said her very friendly dog was a wolf - maybe something lost in translation?!

Had the best of the weather, cloudy now. Has been hot in the sun, but chilly in the breeze. A lovely day out! Last time we were in this region on a cycling holiday, I remember feeling cheated as we didn’t see Saumur, as we crossed the bridge and went off to find the troglodyte dwellings in nearby Turquant.

Yay, no cooking tonight!