Orleans...getting reacquainted.

Like on our visit to Chambord where we had driven through rain right until we arrived at the parking we arrived in Orleans in the rain but after changing to go out and an aperitif on our balcony watching the heavy rain it stopped and the sky cleared for our walk into the city centre.

The evening sun threw a warm glow onto Rue Jeanne d'Arc leading to the cathedral.

Our destination was Pl. du Martroi and a restaurant for dinner. 

There was plenty of options, we chose 'Le Bistrot' where Pauline and Eileen chose an overgenerous brochette.

After dinner we wandered around the square,which had taken on its nighttime dressing, to suss out other options for our next visit.

We found what looked like a good spot for lunch and another for dinner. Tomorrow would not be all about eating however as we had booked a self guided walking tour of the city.

Sisters at Chambord...

Yesterday we stopped off at Chateau Chambord on our way to Orleans, a return visit for Pauline me and a first visit for Eileen who was, not unexpectedly, wowed by its shear scale.

I even got them to do the double helix staircase which features two distinct spirals that intertwine without ever meeting, allowing them both to climb at the same time without crossing paths. Legend has it that it was designed by Leonardo da Vinci. 

Here they are up on my favourite part of the chateau - the roof with its wonderful views and chimneys.

Yesterday's walk in pictures - first of the new season.

Sisters enjoying a musical evening in Mairé...

On Saturday evening we all headed over to the musical evening at Mairé where the village put on an night of music and Pizzas from their communal oven, all served up in a friendly atmosphere...good fun!

Ups and downs of walking around La Guerche.

Yesterday morning we took Eileen up the hill behind La Petite Guerche, it's quite the climb! Once you get on to the path winding through the woods you still have a bit to do with teasing corners trying to convince you that each has you arriving at the top.

That doesn't actually happen until you catch sight of the mast.  

Then it's pretty much all downhill from there onto the road up to Le Rond du Chêne and back to La Petite Guerche.

 

Two sisters / two Georges...

Yesterday we headed up to Loches with Eileen where we did one of our favourite walks over to Beaulieu-lès-Loches and back then followed this up with lunch at 'Le George', a good day out.