Saint Nazaire to Lorient, Days 25-27

 We left Saint Nazaire following the Via-Michelin suggested route which is what we will continue to follow now that we have left the Loire river trails. We talked to a German couple coming from the north at breakfast about Brittany which we are now entering going North and West. 

We rode to La Roche-Bernard, a picturesque hilltop town with lots of charm and views.  It was a 42 km ride with EG of 900 ft. The next day we rode 44 km and EG of 1,125 ft to Vannes. Most of the day's ride was on small roads and trails from time to time.  We had lunch at edge of a wheat field under a tree shade. 

Today we completed 56 km and EG of 1,500 from Vannes to Lorient. This brought our total travel to date to 1,100. The ride was on small roads with a bicycle lane on the side most of the way.  It rained heavily twice today and completely drenched us but Sun came out in the afternoon drying everything.  We will now continue going North heading for Roscoff and ferry to Ireland. 

On the way to La Roche-Bernard. 

Views of La Roche-Bernard. 

On the way to Vannes. 

Views of Mediaeval city of Vannes  

On the way to Lorient. 

Angers to Saint Nazaire - Days 20-23

 Today after a grueling 85 km ride, our longest ride yet, we have reached the end of the Loire river as it reaches the Atlantic Ocean in Saint Nazaire. 

On the way here from Angers we stoped one night in Ancenis, very small town and then stopped for two nights in Nantes, the 6th largest city in France.  We arrived on the night of Solstice and a big celebration and all night outdoors party that continued until 4 am with lots of music and loud noises all night. 

Today was a long 85 km ride with EG of 1,620 ft. All through back roads and small villages.

We have now finished our first segment of our trip following the Loire river from close to its beginning to its end as it reaches the Atlantic Ocean, a distance of about 1,000 km. 

We will be heading northwest next to reach Roscoff in over a week and our ferry departure for Ireland. 

Last dinner with our friend Sandra. 

Lunch on the bicycle trail next to the train tracks. 

Solstice celebration start. 

Nantes castle. 

On the way to Saint Nazaire. 

Atlantic Ocean

US Forces Memorial from First and Second WWs.