Vouvray, Centre-Val de Loire, France
Our final full day in France has arrived. Sadly, tomorrow we will have to leave our new home at Le Gaimont. We have been trying to devise plans to come spend the whole summer here and be worker bees. Oh we can dream!
After another lovely breakfast (we are feeling quite spoiled by now...), we are heading into the nearby city of Tours, France for a visit. Later we will return to Le Gaimont early to begin our "packing party" that we have planned with our host, Mathieu.
Tours is a city just across the river down a short distance from Vouvray... it's about a 15 minute drive. We find our way over to the side of the city that is nearest to the cathedral and old town. Also where we have figured out there is some car parking. We find the car park underground and emerge near a ferris wheel and a big shopping street. We are a bit early and the city is not yet really awake yet so not so many people about.
The cathedral is very impressive and beautiful. We enjoy wandering around and admiring the dazzling interiors with the light shining through the stained glass. Outside the cathedral are some cloisters that are fun to explore, complete with gargoyles and such.
Around the corner and down the street, we go to seek out the biggest tree which is a giant cedar tree. It's incredible. We also must find the elephant. He is called Fritz and is now on display at the Musee des Beaux-Arts in the courtyard (old stables). He was made to be part of the circus at end of the 19th century. He was a super big Indian elephant.
In 1902, he was killed. He now stands stuffed here in Tours, France. Weird.
On our way back to Le Gaimont, we stop at a few of the little wine places to do some tasting of this delightful local wine called Vouvray. We just love it! We cannot resist a stop at the Italian restaurant in town for a snack. They have gelato dishes to die for! I enjoy a spritz gelato while Holly and Cindy indulge in the limoncello gelato deliciousness.
After our snack, we head back up to Le Gaimont to begin our packing party festivities. There is much packing and lively party happenings going on all afternoon in and around the estate. The pool is much welcome because today is the start of yet another record-breaking heat wave in Europe... it's over 95 degrees for sure. Late in the afternoon, Mathieu decides that he needs to take a trip to the grocery store for our dinner grilling supplies and also some things for breakfast in the morning. I tag along so I can look for some foie gras for Holly and I to bring home. After the adventure in the grocery store, we continue our packing party and enjoy good food, good drink and good company.
With bags packed and the sun being long past set, we sadly have to call it a night and get some rest for our travel day tomorrow.
Sadly, all good things must come to an end. Why does this really have to be true???
Bon soir Le Gaimont !
2025-05-22