European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - September 18, 1985, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Cycling through the Loike Valley Levant Orleans Loire Valley by Steve Barker f rom a narrow winding Road in the French Countryside the View changes by the moment. Peddling slowly on this hot still Alvernoon we pass cottages surrounded by gardens then acres of vineyards stretching to the right and Lell. A Little farther we coast through a tiny Village its crumbling buildings crowding the Edge of the Roadway. Turning again the Road leads into a Forest where the air is cooler and drier. We descend gradually toward the Loire River and follow it to the ancient town of Blois. Its Cathedral and chateau standing High Over huddled roofs. In the Loire Valley a relaxing Pace seems to come naturally. Bicycling is Ideal nere. You can ride for hundreds of Kilometres on Flat peaceful Back roads with relatively Little traffic. In Many areas you can easily ride from one chateau to the next exploring at your Leisure without the hectic atmosphere of bus or car avel. Whichever route you choose you Are sure to find relatively unspoiled areas Rich with unforgettable delicacies Friendly people and country style Charm. French tour Ltd Ottic Woholo the chateau a boil it built in three Kiili Nativ Page 14 the stars and stripes the French notional railway in of Rentt bicycle for that the French railway in of makes it easy to rent it bicycles. They offer first class Peugeot 10-speeds at u major train stations for 24 francs about $3 per Day it plus a refundable Deposit of 119 francs about n $14.so. These bikes can be returned at any station that rents bikes so you can ride As far As you like. G Blois is an excellent place to begin a tour of the Loire. Unlike some of the larger towns and cities it is g relatively uncrowded. Quiet and centrally located for Many sights. It the Best Way to see Blois is on foot. Visit the old i Section of town with its Steep narrow streets lined with g shops. Many of the buildings in this Quarter Are old and crumbling. Overlooking the old Quarter is St. Louis Cathedral. Its courtyard provides the Best View of the riverfront. For refreshments try the bar Louis Xvi an excellent outdoor cafe. In Blois is one of the oddest and most intriguing of the Loire Chateaux. Its decaying exterior is a strange combination of three architectural styles because it was destroyed and rebuilt Many times since the 13th Century. The wildly colourful Interior and extravagant furnishings hint at its decadent past. In Catherine de Medici s room. 237 carved Wood panels conceal secret cupboards which May have been used to hide poisons jewels or state papers. Some rooms Are still papered in Bright Blue with Gorten lilies the Symbol of French Royalty. Plaques on the Walls in English Tell of the scandals that occurred in the Gaudy Chambers. The due de Guise was murdered there by order of King Henry Iii who feared the powerful Duke was attempting to overthrow him. Henry was assassinated eight months later. The Countryside around Blois is studded with tiny villages and Chateaux. Before you pedal away from town Stop at the tourist office at 3 Avenue Jean Maigret. Tel. 54-740649. They provide free maps of bicycle routes of 40 to 70 Kilometres that begin and end in Blois. These routes make excellent one to three Day adventures. A highlight of these Bike routes is Chambord the largest and most extravagant chateau of the Loire. Francois i built this White Palace in the Woods in the Early 1500s, a time of unprecedented wealth. Its 440 rooms House a gun collection Hunting trophies paintings and antique furnishings. You May explore it without a tour guide Lor 10 francs about $1.25. Be sure to buy a lunch of baguettes fruit cheese and wine on the Way to Chambord. There in t much available around the chateau. Alter you return to Blois follow the River Westward As wednesday