Amboise

We are currently in Amboise, in the Loire Valley.  A favourite place, having been here on a number of occasions.  Amboise is situated between Tours and Blois, and home to one of the chateaux of the Loire Valley.   It is also the resting place of Leonardo da Vinci, who spent the last years of his life in Amboise.   He is buried in the chapel in the chateau.  Cave dwellings amass in this area, and were once inhabited by people of a 'modest background'.   Now I think many are used to store wine.  

We are not certain how we ended up in Amboise, because we certainly did not plan to be here.  It sort of just happened.  

After we slowly chewed our very stale wholemeal baguette, we set off on the free motorway, the A20, towards Limoges.  We had thought at that stage we might stay in Orleans.  Or maybe even Chartres, having sped past both places on a few occasions. 

We stopped at the services after Limoges in order to make a decision about our destination, but the coffee was so good, we forgot about looking at the map.  We also indulged in a pain au raisin, half each as there was only one, to make up for the meagre breakfast.

As we came near Chateauroux we decided to take the next exit, and drive to Blois, in order to drive along the Loire River and take in the atmosphere of the lovely towns and villages, plus the distant views of the various chateaux.  But once we arrived in Blois we realised that the stretch of river we wanted to see was before Blois.  So we drove along the flood bank until we arrived in Amboise.  

Amboise has an Ibis Budget hotel, which did sway our decision somewhat late in the afternoon.  And a bit more expensive at €56 per night.  We are very taken with these hotels; large rooms, separate shower and toilet cubicles, comfortable beds, and excellent wifi.   Much better than Premiere Classe, our usual budget hotel.

The main shopping street in the photo below, with mostly closed shops as it was a Monday.

A view of the side of the chateau, on Victor Hugo Street.  Leonardo da Vinci lived in the Castle of the "Clos-Luce" which is at the end of this street.

The restaurant, in the photo below, where we ate yet another delicious meal.  The last visit was two years ago, when we were here with Brian and Susanne.  My birthday dinner.  On that occasion and when we were here with Jackie, we stayed at the local camping ground.  In our motorhome.  Which of course is currently out of action.

Now what is this, a replica of the Tour de France, in Amboise.  Yes a local event, a small circuit, but quite a long race all the same.  There were quite a few people who dropped out of the race, through sheer exhaustion.

And tomorrow we will have a pain au raisin for breakfast, one each, already purchased from the patisserie.  Looking forward to it.  Not so healthy though. And probably a little stale.  But much better than a wholemeal baguette.