We were very mindful not to let the GPS take us very close to Paris - as it was trying to do. Large cities are places we avoid!
So, with a little native cunning the co-pilot skillfully navigated a course that saw is cross the Seine at Mantes-le-Ville before heading south to Chartres, and then onto Bonneval.
The Seine at Mante-le-Ville.
The very famous cathedral at Chartres. It can be seen from miles away, dominating the skyline as you approach the city. Pilgrims would have been relieved as they ventured over the last hill on their journey.
The day had gradually become warmer as we travelled into the afternoon. By the time we arrived in Bonneval the temperature had climbed into the 30s - not quite what had been forecast.
Bonneval is a small old medieval village on the banks of the Loire. It has a series of canals surrounding the village from where the title of “Petite Venice de Beauce”.
A short walk into the village after sitting most of the day gave us a glimpse of the character of the town.
One of the seven ancient entrances to the old town.
We have parked up along the wall surrounding the Ancient Abbey of St Florentin - not able to visit this for this is now a psychiatric hospital. By the end of the afternoon there were more than a dozen vans spread around the aire.
Parked up in front of Ancient Abbey of St Florentin.
The Abbey has had a rather colourful, if not a tragic history, commenced in 857, fell foul of the Norman Vikings in the 900s, sacked again by Henry V during the Hundred Years War, burnt by the Protestants in 1568, rebuilt only to be sold off during the French Revolution. Now it is the property of the state and is used as a hospital.
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