We leave St Maure le Touraine at 11:00

North then west along the north bank of the Rhone towards Chinon. It's much prettier than our last few journeys through the Loire which have been grey or rainy. We pass lots of vineyards, some with pickers at work. Nearing Chinon we are alongside the river for a while before heading through the outskirts of the town and crossing the river again to the south side.

From here there are fewer vines but more trees and rolling pale earth fields.

At 13:00 we arrive at the aire in Montreul Bellay and met Chris and Paul who arrived only minutes before us.

Together we follow the steep hill up into town to the chateau entrance. Nick trundles around the grounds while the others join the guides tour, the only way to visit the interior.

Parts are still lived in and it is very ostentatious. In one room a chandelier over a games table was said to give those in the know a way of checking other players' card hands in the reflections. Another story was of the duchess who, for a bet, rode a horse up the grand staircase but the terrified animal had to be blindfolded to be led down again.

The chateau produces its own wines and we try a few of them. Whilst they weren't unpalatable, let's just say we've tasted better.

We wander back to the aire, via a quick look in the park and sit out with tea and tart and discuss ideas for tomorrow.

Ali makes lasagne for supper.