Montsoreau,Loire Valley, France, June 2017
We could not have asked for anything better! This was our first rally and first foray abroad in our van. Marilyn made everything so easy for us with excellent instructions for overnight stops and more importantly which bridges to avoid. The debris of other motor homes could be seen on the nearest bridge to the site!
What a beautiful site beside the River Loire. We were given such a warm welcome by Marilyn and David on our arrival on Thursday 15th June. David gave us some top tips on where to pitch and we settled down with our table and chairs overlooking the Loire. Oh!! And a glass of wine…it’s what the French do.
On Thursday evening we met our fellow SMOC members and enjoyed a champagne reception and meal and a warm welcome from Clement, our host. Any feelings of inadequacy were soon dispelled by the friendliness and empathy shown by the group.
On Friday we had a day getting to know the site and the village. In the evening we were joined by Jackie and had an evening of quizzes and jokes.
We could not have asked for anything better! This was our first rally and first foray abroad in our van. Marilyn made everything so easy for us with excellent instructions for overnight stops and more importantly which bridges to avoid. The debris of other motor homes could be seen on the nearest bridge to the site!
What a beautiful site beside the River Loire. We were given such a warm welcome by Marilyn and David on our arrival on Thursday 15th June. David gave us some top tips on where to pitch and we settled down with our table and chairs overlooking the Loire. Oh!! And a glass of wine…it’s what the French do.
On Thursday evening we met our fellow SMOC members and enjoyed a champagne reception and meal and a warm welcome from Clement, our host. Any feelings of inadequacy were soon dispelled by the friendliness and empathy shown by the group.
On Friday we had a day getting to know the site and the village. In the evening we were joined by Jackie and had an evening of quizzes and jokes.
On Saturday there was a large and lively market in Saumur about 14 km away. We cycled there and bought some meat for a BBQ hosted by Marilyn and David.
On Sunday there was a colourful market in the village. The weather was getting very warm (over 30 degrees) and we enjoyed the pool facilities on the site.
On Monday morning, Marilyn led a walk through the local lanes up to a view point overlooking the confluence of the rivers Loire and Vienne. Well worth the climb on a very hot day. We also visited the church at Candes St Martin. On the walk back cold refreshments were welcome at the local bar.
On Tuesday we welcomed Ray and Carol and the group got together for an evening meal in the site restaurant.
Wednesday dawned and the temperature was now almost 40 degrees (we had the hottest June temperatures for 40 years. This did not deter us and Clement guided us on a walk up to the houses built into the rock which overlook our camp site.
These troglodyte houses were the result of mining the limestone (toffeau) and it was fascinating to be able to visit them and see the work that goes into restoring them. We then climbed up through the vineyards and were surprised by Oliver who was waiting for us with chilled wine. A welcome refreshment! Again it’s what the French do and we did not want to offend!!
Wednesday dawned and the temperature was now almost 40 degrees (we had the hottest June temperatures for 40 years. This did not deter us and Clement guided us on a walk up to the houses built into the rock which overlook our camp site.
These troglodyte houses were the result of mining the limestone (toffeau) and it was fascinating to be able to visit them and see the work that goes into restoring them. We then climbed up through the vineyards and were surprised by Oliver who was waiting for us with chilled wine. A welcome refreshment! Again it’s what the French do and we did not want to offend!!
Our walk ended in a very cool wine cave. A wine-tasting followed (of 10 different wines from the region) and we noticed very little found its way into the spitoon!
We were treated to another delicious buffet meal and, thankfully, a mini bus ride back to the campsite. A great experience.
On Thursday the temperature soared again into the 40s! We took a mini bus to Poitiers to Futuroscope. This theme park has some amazing buildings which house 3D & 4D cinemas along with rides and other attractions. What an amazing experience from being on the beaches on D Day to flying a plane. What a great day out.
On Friday morning we walked into the village to enjoy Boules de Forte. This game first appeared in 1715 it has uncertain origins but probably invented by sailors by playing boules in the hold of their ship. This would explain why the floor of the court is curved. We all took part in the game. Some were more successful than others! Janice seemed to get the technique about right as quite a gentle bowl was required to help the ball along the side of the court.
There was a bonfire on the beach at night to celebrate Feu de la St Jean with music and good food and finally at night fall, a bonfire.
Sunday was a real treat as the vintage cyclists converged on Montsoreau (best viewed from the local bar). We were treated to the delights of penny farthings, colourful vintage costumes and an array of vintage cycles…some of us could even remember owning one of them.
On Sunday evening it was our farewell meal with wine flowing and great conversation. We were sad to leave and go our separate ways but we have lots of happy memories of the rally and most importantly the people.
It filled us with confidence as we headed down to the Pyrenees for 4 weeks of cycling. On our return to the ferry we visited Oradour Sur Glane near Limoges, a WW2 memorial village (thanks to Janet and Jim for the suggestion). Well worth a visit.
Overall it was a fantastic rally. Plenty to do and lots of choice. We felt sad for the people that couldn’t make it. A big thank you to all our fellow SMOCkers (is that a word?), we enjoyed your company immensely. Especially Marilyn and David for your hard work organizing it.
Graham & Chris Duguid
On Sunday there was a colourful market in the village. The weather was getting very warm (over 30 degrees) and we enjoyed the pool facilities on the site.
On Monday morning, Marilyn led a walk through the local lanes up to a view point overlooking the confluence of the rivers Loire and Vienne. Well worth the climb on a very hot day. We also visited the church at Candes St Martin. On the walk back cold refreshments were welcome at the local bar.
On Tuesday we welcomed Ray and Carol and the group got together for an evening meal in the site restaurant.
Wednesday dawned and the temperature was now almost 40 degrees (we had the hottest June temperatures for 40 years. This did not deter us and Clement guided us on a walk up to the houses built into the rock which overlook our camp site.
These troglodyte houses were the result of mining the limestone (toffeau) and it was fascinating to be able to visit them and see the work that goes into restoring them. We then climbed up through the vineyards and were surprised by Oliver who was waiting for us with chilled wine. A welcome refreshment! Again it’s what the French do and we did not want to offend!!
Wednesday dawned and the temperature was now almost 40 degrees (we had the hottest June temperatures for 40 years. This did not deter us and Clement guided us on a walk up to the houses built into the rock which overlook our camp site.
These troglodyte houses were the result of mining the limestone (toffeau) and it was fascinating to be able to visit them and see the work that goes into restoring them. We then climbed up through the vineyards and were surprised by Oliver who was waiting for us with chilled wine. A welcome refreshment! Again it’s what the French do and we did not want to offend!!
Our walk ended in a very cool wine cave. A wine-tasting followed (of 10 different wines from the region) and we noticed very little found its way into the spitoon!
We were treated to another delicious buffet meal and, thankfully, a mini bus ride back to the campsite. A great experience.
On Thursday the temperature soared again into the 40s! We took a mini bus to Poitiers to Futuroscope. This theme park has some amazing buildings which house 3D & 4D cinemas along with rides and other attractions. What an amazing experience from being on the beaches on D Day to flying a plane. What a great day out.
On Friday morning we walked into the village to enjoy Boules de Forte. This game first appeared in 1715 it has uncertain origins but probably invented by sailors by playing boules in the hold of their ship. This would explain why the floor of the court is curved. We all took part in the game. Some were more successful than others! Janice seemed to get the technique about right as quite a gentle bowl was required to help the ball along the side of the court.
There was a bonfire on the beach at night to celebrate Feu de la St Jean with music and good food and finally at night fall, a bonfire.
Sunday was a real treat as the vintage cyclists converged on Montsoreau (best viewed from the local bar). We were treated to the delights of penny farthings, colourful vintage costumes and an array of vintage cycles…some of us could even remember owning one of them.
On Sunday evening it was our farewell meal with wine flowing and great conversation. We were sad to leave and go our separate ways but we have lots of happy memories of the rally and most importantly the people.
It filled us with confidence as we headed down to the Pyrenees for 4 weeks of cycling. On our return to the ferry we visited Oradour Sur Glane near Limoges, a WW2 memorial village (thanks to Janet and Jim for the suggestion). Well worth a visit.
Overall it was a fantastic rally. Plenty to do and lots of choice. We felt sad for the people that couldn’t make it. A big thank you to all our fellow SMOCkers (is that a word?), we enjoyed your company immensely. Especially Marilyn and David for your hard work organizing it.
Graham & Chris Duguid