Durtal on the Loir without an 'e'

Yesterday we drove from Saumur to the small town of Durtal, situated on the river Loir. The campsite was well-recommended for its facilities, calm, riverside situation, fishing and being only 600m from the town centre. The river Loir here is wide, deep and slow flowing - excellent for fishing and boating.

All of these things are true, I can confirm on a sunny Sunday afternoon  of continuing fine weather.

There's not much going on in Durtal, but we have enjoyed the rest and calm greatly.

Until that is the US motor bike rally hit town at around 12 noon.

Now, Mary Clear those are barrier baskets!

 En plus! We did not go round the chateau as we already know that the aristos had all their furniture stolen during 'the revolution'. What I find curious is how the credulous square the dispoilations attributed to the Terror etc. with the continued existence in splendid restoration of the places that are supposed to have been pillaged and razed, along with the descendants of the people whose families are supposed to have been wiped-out. Historical footnote: no-one in France bears the name 'Robespierre'.

Once, I suspect the above was a lavoir.

We return to the calm of the campsite along a river path.