Tours and Chateau Cheverny

Saint Gatien Cathedral

We planned to spend the morning looking around Tours but the list of interesting sites kept growing and we ended up staying until 3, including lunch.  This turns out to be quite an attractive city with two fine churches, an old town, several ornate public buildings and gardens. We walked through the gardens of the Musee de Beaux Arts, housed in the former bishops residence, and headed for the nearby Saint Gatien Cathedral, constructed over the long period of 1160 to 1547 is famous for its stained glass windows of the 13th to 15th centuries.  A "tour group" near the alter turned out to be a German choir who produced a song or two for our pleasure.The attached La Psalette cloisters include two levels with a famous library (dispersed in 1802 after the revolution) where many illuminated manuscripts were produced and others collected.

tomb of St. Martin of Tours

The Basilica of St. Martin was built between 1886 and 1924, and contains the remains of St. Martin of Tours (316-397), one of the best known Christian saints.  Having walked a good 4 kilometers and viewed two churches, we were ready for lunch.  Rob had noticed a sign for merguez and couscous, which determined our eating location. I opted for fish and rice.  We finally returned to the hotel at 3:30 and departed (quite a bit later than planned) for a ride along the Loire.  

Having time to see only one chateau, we selected Cheverny.  We have visited most of the Loire chateaux during previous visits, but this one was unseen.  It turned out to be an excellent choice.  The Chateau was built between 1624 and 1640 and has lovely furnished rooms.  The Hurault family has owned the property for 6 centuries and currently lives here.  The extensive park and gardens and kennels for apparently famous hunting dogs, and an exhibition (sadly closed when we found it) on this location as the inspiration, for Tintin fans, of Herve's Castle of Moulinsart, added to the visit.

Chateau Cheverny

Our return ride took us past the chateaux of Chambord, Blois, and Amboise.  It was a lovely ride along the Loire.  We have been lucky in both weather and lack of tourists this week.  We hope it continues and we head to Normandy tomorrow.

I think I've fixed the defective link to photos June 24+.  There are lots of photos there.