On our day off in Amboise we pedal without the bags on a circular route of 30 miles to the west, taking in a couple of minor Chateaux and lots of vineyards. It is not easy to see the Loire as it is behind dykes and walls to resist flooding, but we get views as we cross it and climb onto the high banks. It is very wide but the water level is low, with sandbanks exposed. One village, Chancay, backs onto a limestone cliff so every house has a cave as a garage store or rooms. Back in Amboise, for a stroll around the sights in the afternoon, we discover back streets the same here, and also whole small cave houses still occupied.
The other sights of Amboise include the best Chateau yet, which grandly dominates the river, and the final home of Leonardi da Vinci, Clos Luce. This is an enormous stone manor house set in grand gardens. He spent the last 3 years of his life here. Back at camp some of our fellow cyclists have pedalled on and been replaced by two sets of English couples on tandems (one a Thorn), three young French ladies in one tent, and a French retired couple (with a tent each!)
Miles to date:- 2324
Location:Amboise and the Loire
