So, today we have a full day in Avoine and I pause here for a reason. Thankfully, the accommodation here is comfortable enough despite no air conditioning and we can relax for the moment and enjoy a nice breakfast. Soon through, we need to head for Chinon, 10 minutes away aware that it could be chaotic.
It's been so many years now that I've followed the Tour de France and in those days, UK's Sky team was invincible, but after Sky withdrew, sadly the UK's dominance faded. Still, new blood has appeared and it's still entertaining for me. In planning this continental tour, I searched for options to see the riders and Chinon looked the best for the start of the 9th stage. We could take this opportunity on our way back to the ferry.
Leaving in good time, naturally we see some roads blocked but find somewhere to park albeit requiring a stiff walk into the town for me. On the way there is a good view of the Forteresse Royale de Chinon overlooking the River Vienne, but it's to the river we head, where there is a lot going on.
As we arrive in time for a grand possession of floats laid on by local people. The atmosphere is electric with local businesses doing great trade, especially the shops and bars. It's still not midday, so we need to hang around on a very hot day. Time seems to drag but at 1.10 pm, the race director leads the teams along the river and across the bridge where we have a reasonable view, but it's all over in a flash as another box gets ticked.
We make our way slowly back to the car, hoping to do a bit of shopping, but Oh Yes! It's Sunday and half day opening. It's not a big deal and we can be back to the apartment early for a cooked lunch. We should be able to relax from here but hit a problem. It seems my roaming data has expired and we have not been given any Wi-Fi details for the apartment. While I'm blind, my partner manages to get a limited connection using her Thai SIM card. All we really need now is a GPS signal to lead us to the port area near Caen tomorrow. Let's hope that works.

The Forteresse Royale de Chinon is made up of three castles: Fort du Coudray, Chateau du Milieu, and Fort Saint-Georges, located in the French commune of Chinon in the Indre-et-Loire department, in the Centre-Val de Loire region. The fortress is built on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Vienne, about fifteen kilometres from its confluence with the Loire, and the town of Chinon. The site of the fortress has been occupied for three thousand years, as recent archaeological excavations have revealed.

Source: Visit, Wikipedia