Azay-le-Rideau —> Chinon

We hiked today from Azay-le-Rideau to Chinon.  That was a substantial walk, especially for our first day on the trail: about 28 km.  We were lucky with the weather.  The predicted rain never came, but we had cloud cover and mild temperatures – much better for hiking than yesterday's blazing sunshine.  

Most importantly, today is Mary's birthday!  So, after settling into a comfortable room at the Hôtel Gargantua, we went out for a special dinner.  

Departure from our hotel in Azay-le-Rideau, les Trois Lys:

Final glimpse of the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau:

We're hiking the GR3:

Note the new trekking poles – a practical birthday present:

Typical forest path:

Railway crossing in the forest:

Beautiful new green leaves of spring:

Happy to arrive in Chinon, but there was another hour of hiking to the center of town:

Vineyards around Chinon:

Hôtel Gargantua, a 15th century building in Chinon:

Happy Birthday, Mary!