The more time I spend in Montrichard, the more I like it here. There is so much to do and see, and the people continue to surprise me with their friendliness. And above all, the simple beauty of the area has really cast its spell. For both of us–me having found my creative niche in the world of vegan-oriented journalism/vegan travel and Jeff having worked in the cycling industry his entire career–it’s been a pleasant surprise to discover how this region is in perfect alignment with our interests, our values, and our favorite pastimes! The biking here–while extremely flat, is well-supported with paved bikes-only roads and bike lanes on regular roads. And there are little rural gites and campgrounds along the paths so bike-tourists can easily find a spot to stay the night. We even have a forest about a kilometer outside of town with a flatlanders version of “mountain biking” trails. Yesterday we went out for a spin and got a lay of the land, and even spotted a deer and two enormous hawks! #Wildlifefreaks in the house! And for food-loving vegans, there is no shortage of food-and-drink-related history here. So far, we’ve visited two wineries that have been producing elixirs grown from local grapes for many generations; enjoyed a tour of a mushroom-growing enterprise where they’ve been growing ‘shrooms in caves around here since 1893, and even met a fourth-generation cordial maker who uses local peaches, berries, and herbs to produce his potent eau de vie. And there’s so much more to discover here that we have yet to explore. All of it gives me inspiration for story ideas, travel and tourism-related projects, and for just plain ol’ enjoying life! Another reason we love this area is because it’s so central to not only the rest of Europe, but the rest of the world! It’s crazy to imagine, but I could literally drive or ride bikes overland to India, Thailand, or Siberia. Not sure we’d actually want to make those particular treks (though I loved Dervla Murphy’s book Full Tilt about her bike adventure from Ireland to India), but so cool to know that if we wanted to, we could.
What's giving you inspiration where you live? Where are you hankering to travel?
1 Comment
Colleen Holland
2/26/2022 04:45:10 pm
I love reading all about your adventures in France. You're such an inspiration, Aurelia!
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About this blogFollow along on our adventures in renovating a funky French house in the Loire Valley Archives
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