We spent a pleasant night in the beautiful village of Montigny Le Ganellon in the Beauce region, specifically in the area of Trois rivières, where three rivers flow, including Le Loir. We continue following the old Via Turonensis, which takes us through Vendôme to Tours. Along the way, we pass by the fortified church of Pézou, which served as a refuge for the population.
Passing through stunning landscapes, we reach the town of Vendôme, where the beautiful Abbey Church of the Holy Trinity, an excellent example of flamboyant Gothic architecture, is located. The church is renowned for its magnificent 15th and 16th-century stained glass windows depicting various scenes, including a representation of the Holy Trinity.
The fortified church of Pézou, Vendôme: abbey church of the Holy Trinity
There are beautiful choir stalls in the choir because it was an abbey church and all monks and brothers had the right to pray in their own seat. The motto of most monastic orders is ORA et LABORA or WORK AND PRAY. They pray together in communion up to 8 times a day. Usually choir stalls are known for the fronts and the backs behind the monks depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments; Here they are famous or infamous for the Miséricordes or the bottom of the folding chairs they could sit on. Since these were usually not visible, the woodcarvers really went to great lengths to depict burlesque and especially non-religious scenes. Like yesterday we find a Greenman here.
Vendôme: Abbey church with choir stalls, central nave and miséricorde with a Greenman
As we explore the region, we visit the Church of Marie Madeleine in Vendôme, particularly impressed by its well-crafted backside. Additionally, we come across the church of Areines, which houses Romanesque frescoes, including a depiction of a judgmental God within a mandorla, surrounded by the tetramorph or the four evangelists.
After lunch near the church of Saint Amand-Longpré, our paths diverge. Floky opts for a more adventurous route through fields and forests, while opi wants to visit a few more churches. Unfortunately, opi takes a wrong turn and ends up around 59 km from Tours near Blois. Meanwhile, Floky continues at a leisurely pace and reaches our accommodation, a small apartment in Tours, three hours ahead of opi.
Areines: church with wooden vault and 12th - century frescoes, fresco of God in a mandorla
Unfortunate events occur as opi tries to avoid a road filled with cobblestones, resulting in a fall with some abrasions. After a few kilometres I notice some blood dripping from the wounds and moreover the batteries of my bike and phone are nearly empty. However, providence guides opi to seek help from kind strangers, Philippe and Isabelle Michou. Philippe, a stone mason involved in restoration work, and Isabelle, a secretary for a large company, generously assist me by charging the phone and bike and tending to the wounds and offering refreshing lime drinks.
Around 4:45 p.m., opi is back on the road in the right direction towards Tours, eventually arriving around 8 p.m. Magda and Floky were informed of my ordeal and Floky had already gone grocery shopping and prepared a delicious pizza.
Magnificent landscapes, a cross with the sign of the route to Compostela, Vendôme, Madeleine church
After reflecting on the day's events, the decision is made to never cycle separately again. Opi will visit fewer churches and abbeys, while Floky will attempt to choose less adventurous routes.
Tomorrow, after visiting Tours, we will continue our journey to Candes and Loudun, covering 80 km along the old Via Turonensis to discover new beautiful sights.
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