Saturday 5th July, Beaugency to Blois via Chambord

It rained overnight and we stayed dry in the tent. We were able to pack it up during a break in the weather. As we set off it started to rain again. The route took us along the right bank of the Loire passing a few small villages and another nuclear power plant. (the third we have seen so far on the Loire). As it was raining and all the snails were out and we had to dodge them on the path. Just after passing the power plant we came across a couple of people collecting snails. Here is one trying to make a run for it. The photo doesn't show how big it is though.

The route has two options here, one heading directly to Blois on the right bank, the other crossing over and heading to Chambord. We took the later and stopped in St-Dyé-sur-Loire to go to the information centre and buy a snack at the patisserie. After fuelling up we set off for Chambord full of excitement. The path wound it's way through the forest as Château de Chambord is set on a 5440ha estate. After purchasing our tickets we rode our bikes around to the entrance where the bike racks were, locked them up and took a few pictures before heading inside. 

We hired an audio guide and took three hours to wander through the 4 floors of this 'hunting lodge' of Francis I, with its 77 staircases, 282 fireplaces and 426 rooms. Amazing. While we were there the weather cleared and the sun came out. 

After the Château we set off for Blois not following our route map. We ended up riding through St-Claude-de-Diray which was a very historic village dating back to the 10th century. Many buildings had plaques detailing the history of the building. They called it an open air museum. So amazing that we found it by accident. Great day 50km travelled today, mostly into a headwind!