Loches

Tuesday 29 July

The best laid plans of mice and men are often ambushed.  In this case my plans have been impacted by the French rail system.  For some reason that I am yet to understand, some lines do not operate in the am, yet have plenty of pm trains.  This fact, and someone's discovery that the Tours market is on a Wednesday have caused some itinerary revision.

So today it was off to Loches (planned for Friday), a citadel town from the middle ages - and where the citadel is well preserved.   Loches is not on the main tourist trail and therefore a lot quieter.  We very much enjoyed it with its meandering streets and local community.  Much of the citadel remains and of course there are plenty of steps - up to the keep and down to the dungeon.  Its origins go back to the eleventh and twelfth centuries and there is graffiti there from the thirteenth century as well as some of the earliest hand made cannons..

We were fortunate to see an extensive and very impressive exhibition of medieval costumes that were made for, and worn in, major film productions, including Romeo & Juliet and Camelot.

Travel today was by buses (on the train system) - but later in the day trains run!  Somewhat cooler, with an early afternoon shower.  Chance to put the feet up in the late afternoon - and did they need it.

Back to  La Peche aux Moulles for another feed of mussels,  probably our last chance with our program for the next two days - and then a walk along the river and streets we had not previously walked.