Fast track to Tours

Wednesday 30th April

We had a deadline to meet Georgie and Graham in Tours on 3 May, so planned a route with four big days of cycling.  

The route out of Angouleme followed a cycle path along the Charente River, and we passed two Kayak slalom courses along the way. 10 kms on we picked up the Voie Verte Coulee D’Oc which followed an old railway line past Marthon, with its old station decorated with bicycles and being converted to a museum.  We stopped for lunch in Montbron, making ourselves comfortable in the shade on the steps of the old chateau.  Leaving the town, we detoured to a supermarket to stock up on provisions for the next day as 1 May is Labour Day in France – and nothing would be open.

It was a very undulating ride, with lots of climbing to our destination of Chateau de la Redotarie, passing a scenic bridge and a lovely lake.  It was a relief to arrive at the Chateau – a very comfortable hotel where we enjoyed a delicious dinner and breakfast.    

Thursday 1st May

We got chatting to an English couple over breakfast – now separated, he lived in England and she lived in France.  It meant we left a little later than planned, and our route took us around Lac du Mas Chaban before finding our way to the Exideuil-sur-Vienne  and a beautiful spot on the Vienne River for morning tea.

We passed through a few villages and towns. Everything was closed and quiet as it was a public holiday and we did wonder where all the people were. Then we found our way blocked at Saint-Germain-de-Confolens due to a fair.  Lots of bric-a-brac stalls lined the Main Street and there were more stalls in the square near the river.  We ate our picnic at a table shared with a lovely couple and enjoyed a lively conversation in French.  

The medieval castle perched high above the village and our route continued along the Vienne River to L’Isle-Jourdain and our bed and breakfast chalet overlooking the river.  

Friday 2nd May

Breakfast was substantial with boiled eggs, yoghurt, cheese and bread. And the English host, Pete certainly enjoyed a chat. The good weather continued as we departed, with another lovely river spot in Gouex for morning tea, and a plat du jour lunch in Chavigny where we sat outside before reaching Chatellaraut in the late afternoon. 

It was an effort to gain access to the airbnb as the key wouldn’t open the door. After a few messages and a phone call, Simon gave the door a good kick and we were in.  A quick change and we headed out again for some beers and provisions for a tuna salad and breakfast. 

Saturday 3rd May

Chatellerault looked to be a lovely town as we crossed the newly restored Henry IV bridge, an example of Renaissance engineering renowned for its perfect symmetry.  The cycle path hugged the Vienne River and we were soon back in the countryside.  

Our morning tea stop was buried amongst tall grass and we had to wade our way through and sit on top of the table to enjoy our coffee and pastries. A few kms on we stopped for a quick drink, and were astonished to see a naked couple walk past just wearing daypacks. 

The route continued along quiet back roads and through farmland until we reached Soirgny at around 60kms.  Georgie messaged to say they were having lunch in the square at Veigne just a few kms down the road.  They were happy to wait there till we could join them an hour or so later.  

It was a quick trip into Tours along the river and past a fairground and we were soon checking in to our apartment for the next two nights, before heading out to the supermarket to stock up on essentials – including beer and wine, and a lasagne and salad for dinner.

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