Backpackering 7 - Day 10

Waiting for the train to Nantes, the 11th so far on this trip.

Someone is enjoying the 1st class seat on the upper level of this high-speed transport. Adjustable seat, a foot rest, all the plugs ins you might need and even a mirror to check your makeup before detraining. 

Opposite La Gare Nord de Nantes, the botanical gardens first opened in the mid 18th century, again the design influenced by the parks in England. .

Can you make out the sleeping bear?

Every plant has a label, including  this 200 year old magnolia.

A pose to set the size of the bench. Quirky art is a Nantes thing.

A bendy, three selection electric bus, more like a tram without rails or over head cables. 

Back to the past.

Backpackering 7 - Day 9

 

Today we returned to Angers for a nights stay and follow the blue line.

First up, La Cathedrale Saint-Maurice, built between the 11th and 13th centuries, still with a stained glass window dating from 1165.

The fortress was built in 1230 with 17 impressive towers

which were cropped in 16th century to accommodate the new invention, canons. 

 

Moving on to pass La Maison d'Adam, an intricately decorated 15th century house. 

Just one of many on its walls.

Then,  La Grand Theatre

in the Place du Ralliement, packed with locals in the evening. 

Hotel de Pince from the Renaissance period.

Passing through foodie streets, still on the Blue  Line,

back up to the La Place R

to be greeted by the happy dinners.

Last, be not least, La Maison Bleue, the facade being decorated in the Art Deco style of the early 20th Century. 

And so ends our evening amble

Backpackering 7 - Day 8

 

On the last day in Tours, passing Palais de Justice

to visit Les Halles, a very posh market selling everything from fresh fish 

to delicious looking chocolate.

Now to find our place for lunch in the Rue Colbert.

We settled for the Smoking Rabit

and were not disappointed, fish and quinoa for Gek, chicken and rice for David.

A walk back down the Rue Nationalle which is just for trams and pedestrians. 

Backpackering 7 - Day 7

Detraining at Chenonceaux station, we made our way

to the Ladies Chateau. 

Between 1550 and 1972 there have been eight powerful Ladies managing it, both practically and politically, including Catherine de Medici from Florence. 

After a mandatory pose,

a stroll around the formal garden

and a walk on the wild side, lunch.

OK, we gave the planet our crazy language,  but fish and chips? In a French Chateau restaurant? 

I MUST BE DREAMING!

Having recovered from the shock,

and walking through the long gallery

we took a peaceful walk along the opposite bank 

returning for afternoon tea in the L'Orangerie.  Now, that's more like it!

Backpackering 7 - Day 6

Tram and mini bus

our transport for the day to the Villandry Chateau. 

After a walk around the interior

with some, but not all, gory art,

we took a walk around in spectacular gardens,

including this 'veggie patch' ready for a spring harvest. 

Boy have these guys got thier work cut out! 

After a photo pose

and rest to cool off, we said our goodbyes

Backpackering 7 - Day 5

 

All aboard

for Amboise

to revisit its Chateau after 20+ years.

La Loire from the wall.

Leonardo da Vinci died here on 2nd of May 1519

He moved from Italy in 1516 to live here at the Clos Luce.

His study.

The house and grounds are devoted to examples of his foresight to the things we take for granted these days.

On the way back to the station, we noticed these less posh abodes hidden behind more recent builds