We arrived in Saumur just before midday. Today Daniel would be the lead rider and do the navigation. He immediately headed south, away from Saumur and the Loire, following a Komoot cycle route which involved a 35km circuit. His plan was to take us to an attractive chateau.
Things didn't go quite to plan. After several wrong turns and an additional 10km we arrived at Château de Montreuil-Bellay in the walled town of the same name.
The chateau was constructed on a important medieval crossroad on the order of the Count of Angers in the mid 12th century. It has been extended and remodelled numerous times.
The castle was occupied by supporters of the French King during the 100 Year Wars and defended. The English under the command of the Black Prince made an unsuccessful attempt to capture it and eventually withdrew after burning the wooden building outside the walls.
After the French Revolution the chateau was sold to a wealthy local merchant. Ownership remains with the family.
By 3pm it was starting to get very hot and whilst we both had camelback water bags a cold drink was appealing. With dry tongues we came across a canoe and bike rental business beside a small stream. The small shop had cold refreshments!
The owner of the business was English having moved to the Loire 11 years previously.
It didn't appear that his bike rentals were doing well. however all but one of his canoes were being used.
the business appeared to be based in a former water powered mill. This photo below shows the weir across the stream and spillway.
The owner explained during the winter there is sufficient water flow to power a turbine and provide all the electricity needed to heat and run his home and business.
We carried on cycling reaching Saumur around 5pm.
Tomorrow we plan on cycling east on the south bank of the Loire.
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