Return to les Andelys

We're back in Les Andelys on the day we were initially scheduled to arrive.  The broken lock has been fixed and river boats can get in and out of Paris.    I have been looking forward to today and the optional bicycle tour here.

Again we were docked right by the city and could get on and off the boat at well.  Much better than waiting for tenders and a large group to go ashore!

After lunch, I donned my borrowed (thanks, Susan!) padded bike shorts.  Definitely made my ride much more comfortable.  AmaLegro's bicycle were in good condition as were our required helmets.  I was a bit apprehensive as I hadn't been on a bike since the Tulip Cruise I had taken many years ago.

As the old adage goes, "Once you learn to ride a bicycle, you never forget." After a few wobbly moments, we were ready to hit the trail with Fred, our trusty leader.

We biked down a path by the river to get a great view of Chateau Gaillard built by Richard the Lionheart of Britain at the end of the 12th century.  On our first day in Les Andelys we had taken advantage of the free afternoon and climbed up the path to the Chateau (no easy climb!)

We had passed our first skill's test and were ready to drive through the village.  First stop was the Visitor's Center which had an excellent scale model of the Chateau as well as implements of war in the Middle Ages.  The crests on the photo represent left to right Grand-Andely, Les Andelys, and  Petit-Andely.  The last one is the crest of the smaller village where we were docked.  Grand is the larger city and the middle crest represents both Petite and Grand.




From here we biked through Les Andelys to the Collegiate Notre-Dame  which contains The Statue of St Clotilde who converted her husband, Clovis I, king of France.

It's famous stained-glass windows tell the story of Clovis and Clotilde as well as depicting Old and New Testament scenes.

Comfortable with riding through the town, we rode back to the AmaLegro along a small river that river through the town  The trees lining the bank were turning brilliant shades of red, gold and orange creating a lovely autumn scene.
Below is a photo of our group.  Fred, our bike tour leader is standing to my right wearing a bright vest.  He is a very experienced rider and was  the only one to take a tumble from his bike.  Fortunately, no injury -- just a bit embarrassed!

We sail farewell tonight  to Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, our last port before reaching our embarkation in Paris. How fast this past week has flown!
Linda