On the 3rd we returned to Galleries Lafayette (1 block from the Opera House shown below) to retrieve VAT tax and then picked up a rental car in Paris and headed to Amboise in the Loire Valley. Some difficulty getting the car but all was resolved and we drove back to our hotel to get bags and hit the road. Valerie had the thankless job of learning to use a new clutch and brakes in the middle of Paris roundabouts. But, she did a wonderful job and we made it out into the suburbs and countryside.

On the way to Amboise we stopped in Chartres for a late lunch and walk through the medieval town and the beautiful cathedral. A coffee for Valerie and some chocolate for me and back on the road.

We arrived in Amboise at 9:30 and Aurore met us at the house where we would stay. It is her house but she lives at her partner’s house and uses hers for house exchanges. We had a quick introduction to house things and then off for a long sleep.

This morning we headed out for the large weekly market in Amboise. We spent $100 on nut filled pasta, unpasteurized yoghurt, goat, cheese, fresh greens and fruits, olives, bread, a rotisserie chicken. Breakfast, lunch and dinner for the next 3 days. Lots of fun looking and selecting and trying to remember our numbers. All the groceries were closed at 1 and we couldn’t buy some items.

We went home with our food, had lunch and did 2 loads of laundry. Line dried extremely quickly. Once the chores were done we drove to a Cave in Vouvray where we tasted 7 different Vouvray wines. Three sparkling, 3 still dry and 1 medium dry still. We bought half a case to drink here and to take to Aix and share with our guys and Bernadette. We had one bottle for dinner. Yum.

Haute Route Day 3