We cycled almost due south today to get to Orléans. This city is situated at the northernmost point of the Loire.
In the age of the sailing boat it was much easier to sail up the Loire from the Atlantic with the prevailing wind than to struggle up the Seine to Paris due to the bends in the Seine. Orléans grew rich being the port where goods were offloaded for a land journey to Paris.
Our journey took us over the watershed from the Seine to the Loire. Now any rain falling goes to the Atlantic rather than the Channel.
We had a final climb to the plateau between the two river systems and then a gradual run down to the new river.
As we continue to head south we can see the crops are more advanced. Maize is now pollinating with the cobs starting to form. We saw our first field of sunflowers.
We decided to take the direct route as the main road was quiet. It is the first time I’ve cycled 50 km in a straight line. At last we reached Orléans and the Loire.
Tomorrow we will have a rest day and wander around the city. A brief excursion showed delights in store.
Julian and Beryl's camino 