So seeing as I saw everything in the town of Chatellerault yesterday, today I decided I would hire a bike and explore the countryside. It seemed like a great idea, until I woke up this morning and it was tipping down with rain!
Upon checking the weather on my phone, it seemed the rain would stop about 10-11am so I decided to still go. I walked to the station in the rain, and found the bike hire place. Once again I was faced with the language barrier, but the girl running the office and I eventually both understood that I was hiring a bike all day. So cheap for youths, 3 euros!
So off I went on my bike, which for a hire one was pretty good. At this point it was still raining and the wind was cold, but I was determined. I had found a bike route to do on the internet so set off following the river South of the town.
For the first 20 minutes or so I passed through the outskirts of town, and it really was not pleasant. The rain kept blowing in my face!!
I passed some cute bridges and trees and the buildings began to become few and far between. I crossed a highway and ended up in the town of Cenon-Sur-Vienne (Cenon on the Vienne River) which was where the bike route I researched started. It FINALLY stopped raining after riding for an hour and getting soaked.
The town was quite cute, I found the start of the path which was really narrow and lined with lovely trees and a cute stone wall. Then once I rode out of the town I had an hour or so of lovely countryside (although it was still quite grey) including chateaus, cottages and farmland. It really was beautiful, and a really chilled out way to spend a day.
The only scary part was when a huge German shepherd ran out of a house barking at me. I screamed so loud that when it left me alone I burst into a fit of laughter. I think the people back in Chatellerault heard me! It was massive though!
I rode until I reached the next town, Vouneuil-Sur-Vienne. It was much smaller than the first, with the town consisting of about two blocks. It was perfect though. The church bells rang as I rode through, and I found a cute little bakery. Had a baguette and a yummy chocolate cake for lunch. I sat outside and ate it. Everyone in this town was really friendly, three people walked past and all said "Bon appetit!" to me. So far in Chatellerault when I say "bonjour!" to a passing stranger they shoot me a murderous glare. To which I loudly reply "or not!" and laugh. They're probably thinking "bloody English speakers!".
I passed through town and then started my way back. By this time the wind had become so strong I literally just about got blown off my bike! But I kept going and rode the whole way back to Chatellerault. I got back about 2.30pm, but the hike office didn't reopen until 4 so I had some time to kill. I locked up my bike, but this annoying French man kept talking to me. I kept saying "Australie, no Francais" but he wouldn't leave me alone. So I just decided to pretend he wasn't there while he prattled on. My bag was locked and I was in a big open space so all ok.
I walked around the shops (and didn't buy anything!) and then sat for a while in the main square before returning the bike chain key and getting my deposit back.
Headed back to the hotel and now I'm having another bread and cheese night and night in! Tomorrow my train leaves about 2pm to Chenonceaux - excited !!!!
Have really enjoyed this unexpected town, but glad I'm off somewhere else tomorrow because I've well and truly done everything here haha!!
Love to all
Claire
Xoxox
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