Tour de France: Days 6 & 7

Day 6 the day before our first rest day

There was apprehension in the air as we headed out today because we had been told that there was a bit of climbing. As per usual the roads were smooth the skies clear as we headed to Dinan. There were hills and a bit of climbing but this was interspersed with a stop at Saint Launeuc to visit another medieval castle. Very cool (see the photo). The trip was 130 kms and we got to our destination in good time.

Dinan is another medieval town but it boasts a bike shop the first open one we have seen in France. It did a reasonable trade with us as Ross has a wheel needing attention and others need some supplies. We walked around the narrow cobbled streets visiting the confectionery shops and the odd shop that sold cold amber fluid to replace the week’s sweat. Rest Day Tomorrow!

Day 7

Sabina has kindly arranged for transport to San Michelle an ex prison come monastery which sits in a tidal bay. It’s one of the most visited places in France. We were picked up at 8 and were off. The castle is impressive and it is an amazing piece of engineering. They basically dismantled anything that was stone (island, houses) that could be used for building. It has been sacked a number of times and some of the castle has had to be replaced because of collapses. It was well worth the visit 40E for the taxi and 9E to get into the abbey.

In the afternoon we went for a walk through the town centre and then went our separate ways. I watched replays of the rugby on TV (ABs vs England) and rested by the pool. A great place for a rest day – magic.