La Loire à Vélo day 11 - 43km from Saumur to La Daguenière

Today was significantly more riding than planned! I had planned to stay in La Daguennière, but I ended up finding a B&B on the opposite side of the river near Blaison St Sulpice. Unfortunately, I missed a turning, which led to me riding all the way to Les Ponts de Cé, and then back to La Daguennière. And no - I didn’t realise that I wasn’t supposed to finish at La Daguennière until I got there and tried to find my accommodation.

Which meant I had to ride onwards until I got to a bridge that would let me cross the river again and ride to the B&B. Instead of 43km, I ended up riding closer to 80!

But it was a lovely day. It started with a little stop at a medieval church at Gennes Val-de-Loire. When I went inside, I found a singing group practicing. In the empty church, it was magical. I sat there for a little while, watching and listening.

A little further on, I came across a little café that had a stew going as a lunch special. I took the opportunity to grab that and it was delicious. And it was fortuitous, because at that point I didn’t realise how much further I would need to be riding. I was lucky to have a break and take on some tasty calories.

Eventually I arrived my B&B called Le Mouton near Blaison St Sulpice. It wasn’t too late. Maybe 5pm, but I could have been an hour earlier. Fortunately, the couple who run it are incredibly welcoming. I was immediately given a glass of rosé and nibbles to welcome me. The owners told me that as I was their only guest that night, they could cook dinner for me. I had looked at eating options nearby and there was nothing near, so I jumped at the chance.

I was sent to have a swim in the cool pool and then sit in the hot tub. In the hot tub, monsieur came over and gave me a glass of sparking crémant de Loire. I headed to my room to get changed and came down again. I was then sat at a table looking across the yard, and madame brought me a bottle of wine and served a three course meal. All excellent. If you’re cycling through the area, I have to recommend that you stop here. You won’t regret it.