Past St. Nazaire, 56 km down the Loire River (the longest in France) to Nantes. With a history spanning three thousand years the city developed at a place where a number of islands embraced by the river enabled it to be crossed and bridges to be built. Notable amongst many historic buildings are the St. Pierre Cathedral and the Chateau of the Dukes of Brittany.
A region for Muscadet, Sancerre and Vouvrey wine, the estate of Chateau de Goulaine is thought to be the oldest known wine business in existence. Their fine tapestries and butterfly house were enjoyed as well as their wine.
Nantes is also the home of LU biscuits, their "petit beurre" still produced after more than a hundred years, though no longer in local ownership.
What started as a grey afternoon turned to sun in time for enthusiastic photographers to catch the autumn colours at Clisson. Coaches returned from excursions to a pipe band playing at the gangway and a superb sunset.
