Saumur
Mavis started first time with her new battery and positively skipped down the Routes Nationale to an overnight stop at Montreuil-Bellay which is a historic little town on the Thouet, a tributary of the Loire. We passed Saumur, about 10 miles north of our destination, and remembered a good wine tasting session there with Keith and Jane two years ago….they have a wine festival every Autumn.
Aire at Montreuil-Bellay
This is the aire…close to the river, good walking, close to the town and free. The approach is a bit scary….single track road and very narrow bridge. Luckily Nia was driving….”Are you sure this is the right way????”
Ancient Priory
The remnants of a very old priory are opposite the aire.
Steps to the town
There is a lovely flower bedecked old stairway, close to the aire, which leads up to the town centre and castle.
The Chateau
This is the old Chateau, overlooking the Thouet. Chiens not admitted so that saved us a few bob in admission fees (€10 per adult).
Montreuil-Bellay
Impressive hanging baskets abound.
Posing with the Krays.
We walked down to the Thouet with Joy and Alan and then walked back alongside the river, through the archway in the Boille tower, the south end of the old bridge, now deceased.
Boille Tower
This is the other way to get to the aire. We weren’t brave enough to ignore the no camping car signs and go under the arch.
Rambling about Europe with the Kray Twins (Colin and Penny).
Travels with Mavis 
The lovely picture of you and Nia looks like a painting. I am sure you are enjoying the sunny weather.
The Thouet and Chateau make a lovely backdrop.
We are parked amongst the vineyards on Ile D’Oleron today..the grapes look just about ready to pick….
P and N
xx
Look like lovely weather there, Marc wants to go to the Tank Musuem in Saumur.
Hot today. Get those panzers blogged.