Loire Brakes Loire

Loire Brakes Loire Brakes Slow Down And Enjoy The View Tour the beautiful Loire Valley at your own pace with a guided e-bike holiday loirebrakes.com cheese and pressed pears tapée (dried) tart – I couldn’t help myself. History and culture Visit the old town and wander the cobbled streets to admire the ancient half-timbered houses. Follow the historic Circuit Saint Martin in the footsteps of Saint Martin to discover the main monuments relating to the Roman officer who became Bishop of Tours. When he died in nearby Candes in November 397 AD, monks rowed his body to be interred in Tours and it was said that where they passed, flowers bloomed, trees grew leaves and birds sang giving rise to the French phrase St Martin’s Summer (in English Indian Summer). The pilgrimage of Tours is one of the oldest of Christendom. There are several art venues and museums including the Musée du Compagnonnage which is extraordinary. Dedicated to trades guilds, it’s located in the former monks dormitory of the Benedictine Abbey of Saint Julien (13th-18th century). UNESCO listed (Intangible Cultural Heritage) Compagnonnage dates back from the end of the Middle Ages, ''knighthood of the working class'' George Sand called it). You’ll discover an impressive display of tools, engravings, woodwork and even a chateau made of sugar. Stay at: Hotel de Cygne in the centre but in a quiet street, in one of oldest mansions in Tours. The renovated 18th century rooms are charming and have oodles of character. Day trips: Take a chateau day trip with French family-run Ophorus tours Stay longer and take a fabulous tour by e-bike and discover the Loire Valley with Loire brakes Tourist Office: touraineloirevalley.com 44 | The Good Life France The Good Life France | 45