We crossed the Loire River and took a drive into the countryside on the south side of the river. There are many little hamlets surrounded by farmland.
The rolling hills are a patchwork of paddocks growing everything from grapes, grains, canola, garlic, corn and more.
Whilst the paddocks are small the yields appear to be very good. There is very little land left idle; as soon as one crop finishes they are preparing the land for the next.
Driving does have a few challenges – like navigating your way through small town entrance walls.
But it is always worth the stress.
Pretty chateau dot the countryside, many you can’t see.
Margaret River & Beyond 
No stress for the driver Kerry, only the passenger 😱
You’ve been lucky with the weather! Sensational views and buildings
Quite warm here. Daytime temperatures between 27 – 32 deg C. Nights cool down nicely though.
Gorgeous photos of the “real” France. A great holiday.
My favourite place is driving in the countryside. So much to see.
Your photos certainly captured the beauty of countryside.
Gorgeous details in your photos
Thanks Yvonne..pretty good subject to photograph.
You are so brave driving 😬 but if you can you are rewarded with beautiful photos like yours. All just sooo lovely.
The brave one is Jim with regards to driving but believe me being a passenger is not all that fabulous either – pretty scary being on the other side of the car. But you are right, you get the chance to see the backroads.