Day 8 - Chateauneuf-sur- Loire to Beaugency

This was our view as we rode out of our campground at Chateauneuf-sur-Loire this morning. A nippy 36°, but not as windy as yesterday. We were wearing all of our layers, which reminded me of winter-clad Peanuts® characters, but with 5 miles under our belts, the layers started coming off. 

More tranquil fields of rape seed welcomed us to a truly wonderful day.  The path was paved and smooth, until it stopped abruptly.

We had to detour around this!  But we were soon on our way again. 

We are in the land of bicycles (vëlos)!  It makes my heart go pitter-patter.

We made a small deviation from our route to go through the Ile de Loire, a giant recreational area with play areas, serene spaces along the waterfronyt, and oodles of park benches, some raised 3 or 4 steps up like a mini-lifeguard's chair to afford visitors a better view of the scenery and, thoughtfully, lots of "lounge chair" park benches. 

Although signs of a wet Spring abound, it is most definitely Spring as trees are in bud and flowers around. 

We rode across this lovely bridge to Orléans. 

Orléans was beautiful -- making the most of its riverfront location, including a little practice area for boating skills. 

We had a delightful lunch at this cherry spot in Orléans. 

Then it was on to Meung-sur-Loire where we found our first camel of the trip:

He was visiting the area as part of the "Europe Circus."

This is also the home of the Chateau de Meung-sur-Loire, which dates back to the 4th Century, and has more history than I could hope to recount here!

As you probably already know, we are fond of boulangeries and patisseries. Meung-sur-Loire did not disappoint.

We bought croissants and cold beverages at this second one, a darling which dates back to 1872, and then rode the last bit to Beaugency.