This has been a cycling trip through this beautiful and lush part of France. The Loire is the longest river in France and the valley produces lovely wines, fruit, and especially artichokes and asparagus. The artichokes in particular seem to grow like weeds. In 2000 the central section of the valley was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Many immaculate and well kept farms, the plaster and wood construction, slate or ceramic tiled roofs. Roses everywhere, continuous forests, and fields full of scarecrows.
Endless bales of hay and surprise to us, Giant Sequoias brought to France 300 years ago. All of the chateaux we visited had them and we thought they looked familiar but not until we saw one at our hotel and it was confirmed did we believe they would be here. It's a small world after all.
Very old buildings or small chateaux converted to hotels. A challenge to plumb or electrify a stone, plaster, and wood building from the 16th century.
Slate for roofing material as well as siding. The old buildings stand out, as much of the town's old buildings were destroyed during World War II.
Much of the trip was away from the river, through vineyards, fields, and tiny villages. It was a pleasure to ride without cars on mostly paved paths or small roads. It was wonderful to return to the river and see the fishing boats. The river is quite wide and quite beautiful.
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