The next day after a pleasant breakfast in the light and airy breakfast room at Hotel de la Baie de Somme we set off for our next stop which was scheduled for Le Lude in the Loire valley.
I knew of Le Lude as I had been to a firework display at the chateau in the town some twenty years ago. I felt that I would like to re-visit the area so therefore so that is why I choose the town for our second stop. The chateau of Le Lude is not one of the famous chateaux of the Loire but nevertheless an impressive one. It is well worth a look as it nestles in the centre of the town and is easily accessible.
Our accommodation this time was not a hotel but a bed and breakfast called 5 Grand Rue. This turned out to be a wonderfully restored town house with large, well furnished rooms and quality bathrooms. Breakfast was included in the price of this booking which was taken in a spacious dining room where we were served by our convivial hosts Simon and Sue who also did the cooking to a high standard. Dinner can be ordered in advance as Simon will email when you have made a booking and will send sample menus. We decided to try our luck in town as we needed a wider choice than what was on offer at No 5 although it looked good.
We wandered the narrow streets of Le Lude as we needed some exercise after being in the car all day and we soon found a restaurant to our liking. This was called Le Vulcano in 6 rue Oree. It is in fact a pizzeria but serves French dishes as well. Good service and an enjoyable meal.
We came across a fascinating shop with a very small frontage but once inside it opened up into an Aladdin’s Cave full to the brim with every imaginable local produce in tins and intriguing jars. This was called Marita d’ici et d’ailleurs on 8 Rue de la Boule D ‘Or which sold specialities of the Sarthe region which we were in. Specialities include rose liqueur, local wines from Jasniere and the Coteaux de Loire,foie gras’jams,speciality coffee beans and the biscuits sales de Sable de Sarthe which were laced with wine. There were so many other gems and it was difficult to take it all in a short visit one to return to one day. After a restful night we paid the bill which came to €160 for the two rooms and breakfast which divided up was €40 each which we considered good value for such a quality place. Payment is cash only as they do not have a credit card facility.
Car parking was just right here as it was in the courtyard and the big gates were locked at night so the car was secure. There is a little side door where you can access the street so you can creep back in this way if you have a late night dinner date in town. Market day is Thursday morning if you like browsing local produce. Read more.