Day 35 Wednesday 23rd June
Woke to a beautiful sunny morning by the Loire. Showered, ate and were ready for the day. A little Frenchman came ‘round selling veggies etc. We mad a last minute decision to go to the Troglodyte area of the Loire. First stop was Deneze –sans- Doue to view the Cave Sculptures from the 13th and 14th century – Protestant v Catholics - but both carved the satirical sculptures for their common use as a church. This was very dangerous for them if they had have been caught.
We then visited the village of Forges for the troglodyte underground village. Very extensive systems of dugout rooms underground where families lived . If they couldn’t afford to build then it was very cheap to dig the soft limestone and create their home and village underground. If a new bay arrived then they would just dig another room. Had lunch with David and Sue.
To continue with the Troglodyte theme, in the afternoon we visited an ancient farm and Troglodyte dwellings at Rochemenier. This very extensive complex of underground homes and farmyards have been in existence since the 13th century. By 4.00 pm we had nearly been “trogged out”!
At this stage we set TT for the Aire in Montreuil-Ballay and he led us to an Aire next to a river with a beautiful chateau towering over the cliff behind us. What an absolute picture!
Had dinner by 8.30 pm and then walked the old town until 10.30pm. (Australia had just won the soccer – so a local told us!) back to the van where six other vanners were enjoying this very special place.
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