Vallée de la Loire.
Averil, Ross and Nora left Den Haag on Wednesday to travel to Montreuil-Bellay. We stayed overnight at Lille to break the journey and spent most of Thursday driving. Arriving late in the afternoon at our destination, Averil quickly read the extensive rule book/accommodation guide of the apartment which Nora studiously avoided. After breaking one of the golden rules: "Don't throw the ball for the labradors (both black) even if they ask-and they will-because they have arthritis"-she thought better and quickly crammed for future faux pas avoidance.
Friday's main attraction was Fontevraud Abbey famous for being the burial site of Richard Coeur de Lion.
On Saturday we began with a visit to Chateau de Breze which had an amazing Colombier (pigeon house - more like pigeon city) near the main entrance.
We then had an extensive (free) tour of the Cave des Vignerons de Saumur - the underground caves are in excess of 10 kms and in the cool, dank humidity lurking in the fog hung dollops of spongy mould hanging from the ceiling, ready to drop on unsuspecting visitors.
The open air market at Saumur was beginning to wind down as we spent a few pleasant moments people-watching over quiche, eclairs and iced tea. Wandered up to the chateau for a cool beer and a wonderful view of the Loire.
Sightseeing continued on Sunday. The first was the troglodyte village museum which provided an interesting insight into the shadowy world of cave dwelling.
Then the zoo at Doue where we spent ages mesmerised by two snow leopard cubs (born in May) bouncing each other like two giant, frisky kittens.
The final attraction was the Mushroom museum caves where more troglodyte rooms were on display as well as the mushrooms -champignons and exotics - in various stages of growth, emerging at a constant 14C.