Visit to Loire Valley, France  July 2009

In the summer Hywelians travelled to the Loire Valley by Eurostar from St. Pancras to Lille, and thence by TGV to Angers. Our touring base was the delightful city of Angers.  Its fortress-like chateau displays the remarkable 14th century tapestry, woven in dozens of panels to illustrate the story of the Apocalypse.

By day we visited a selection of fabulous chateaux, including Amboise high above the river, and the nearby Chateau du Clos Luce where Leonardo da Vinci lived for the last 3 years of his life.  At Chenonceau we walked across the long gallery built over the Loire, and later admired the chateaux of Azay-le-Rideau and Saumur.  A memorable visit was made to the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud, where we were fortunate to hear wonderful music- an installation in the Refectory in the style of Thomas Tallis by Janet Cardiff, a Canadian composer.

Some musicians were rehearsing for a chamber concert in a vaulted room off  the abbey cloister, which also gave us unexpected delight.

Our last day was spent at Tours, with its splendid Cathedral and stained glass, before we were spellbound by the gorgeous chateau and gardens of Villandry.

In the evenings we sampled French cuisine in a variety of restaurants, in the good company of Hywelian Club members!

TRAVEL CLUB PROGRAMME for 2010
 

We will be celebrating HSL's 150th anniversary by visiting classical Spain on April 20th 2010, staying at AVILA and TOLEDO for 7 nights  (2 centres).  Do think about joining us!

Visits are included to Madrid and Segovia, and a visit to Salamanca is optional. Cost £799 per person (twin room).  We are flying from London Heathrow, or Bristol or Liverpool airport.

By the time you read this we will also have had a 2 day break in Salisbury, Wiltshire.
 

If you would like to hear more about the HYWELIAN TRAVEL CLUB- the membership fee is £5.
 

Please contact Suzanne Hudson (Club Secretary) Suzanne.hudson@hotmail.co.uk
 

To view the Travel Club News Letter
Please click on the links below
   
August 2009 Newsletter Click Here
  
February 2009 Newsletter  Click Here