I enjoyed the fabulous weather at the end of May. I went on a prayer walk in the Meon Valley. I went to Touraine, Val de Loire, staying at an excellent hotel in Tours and visited chateaux. Chenonceau is probably my favourite as architectural beauty and brilliance. But the charm, the history and what is on show at Clos Luce, the final working and resting place of Leonardo da Vinci, was outstanding, glorious, wonderful. So much to see and take in. I could have spent another full day there and some.
It was lovely to walk and pray by the clear chalk stream that passes through Corhampton, Meonstoke and Exton. The ancient churches are cool on a warm spring day, and we have had some really warm ones this year. It was, I believe, the hottest May on record. Phew, some people wilted in the heat. I love it, though the humidity can be unpleasant.
In the Loire Valley it was as hot as Hampshire but it was a pleasant dry heat, without humidity. It is a beautiful part of France, la Belle France. The chateaux are splendid and the gastronomy was superb. I loved the cheeses and was tempted by the gateaux, but the haute cuisine was something special. I did not have a disappointing meal at all. There are so many excellent restaurants in Tours. It is not cheap but it was a memorable experience, for the gourmet and the gourmande.
