Nice ride in a cool morning.

A short stop in the charming meung sur Loire, has a châteaux and is more charming than beauregency.

Orleans is a large city with very easy bike entry. Well marked path to centre ville. the old part is near the path.

The central place is very much beaux arts style.

Salads. Not much yet discussed but mentioned their variety. Picture is just one. Ham,strawberries, shaved parmasean cheese etc.

Took forty minutes to get a train ticket to Toulouse. Riders on the road advised not very interesting to head to Briare so plan to leave the Loire here.

SNCF tried really hard to find a train that would take me and my bike. Many complicated routes with many stops and changes. We agreed that this made no sense. Then he tried Monday. I did not want to stay another day but if no other way…. No better, worse.

He then called his supervisor, I have not said a word except thanks for the effort to which he responded it is normal.

After about ten minutes they realized that if I went to another SNCF in Orleans, about 15 minute bike ride they claimed, I could go direct without changing and without the 90 euro supplement on the other routing. Apparently only certain trains are OK for the rail pass, at least with a bike. They went phew and I said thanks. Six hours shorter and no change and no supplement.

Major cathedral in Orleans. Entered and found a choral concert. All young women and a few who may have been younger. First a string concert with a smaller group and then a much larger ensemble for voice.

Naturally the sound was spectacular but not add crisp as the find Stanford group. Libby would have loved to song here. Do not know the reverberation time.

Picnic dinner. Lots of good stuff. Receipt from store in both euros and FF. No idea of exchange rate varies.

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