We are met by American professors John Web and John Cassini from University of Angers who take us on a day long tour of the countryside surrounding Angers, the Loire River Valley.
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| Chateau Brissac |
We toured around the Loire River and stopped in a small town, Thoureil. Hiked up a hill above the city to see a rock in the woods, supposedly moved there 5,000 years ago as a place of worship.
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| grapes |
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| 5,000 year old rock |
Touring more around the countryside, we stopped at several cathedrals built around 1100's.
Last stop before returning to Angers- Bouvet Ladubay for wine tasting. Tasted some champagnes as well as red wines from Saumur region. Bought a couple bottles of Saumur Rouge- great value for only 5 euro.
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| Bouvet Ladubay |
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| Saumur wines |
I sat in the front of the van and got to talk with John Webb and John Cassini about their life in France and various historical topics. Very interesting information. One thing that is hard to imagine is that this area was invaded by the Nazis during WWII. Several cities were bombed. You can tell driving through the small towns which ones sustained heavy bombing during the war. There are newer buildings mixed in with the very old ones. The Nazis had taken over Chateau D'Anger as well.
Lex and I had dinner at a Brasserie on the main street in Angers. Most of the crowd there was watching the Paris vs. Marchais soccer match. This was evidently a big game. We got a table outside. It was interesting watching the students returning from the weekend at home. Many students rolling their suitcases down the sidewalk back towards the university. Evidently, many students at Angers University stay on campus during the week, but travel home on weekends, returning on Sunday night. We later went to the Cuban bar to have a mojito made with Havana Club rum which is illegal in the states. They were great. Bar was empty since there were no TVs and therefore no soccer match.
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