Ooops! Padraig is right - It's Sunday, not Saturday.

Here's a site where you can find out about markets and fairs all over France:

http://www.marchedefrance.org/foires...s-france-a.asp

Loire is 1000 km long so bike will not cover it all.

Vouvray is nice (2 good restaurants and many vinyards)

StCirq wrote: "Padraig is right"

It has to happen sometimes! I do have the advantage of having been there only a few weeks ago. It's a good market, bigger than most.

You are right about l'Épicerie: I tried it on your recommendation, and I also endorse your recommendation of le Clos Lucé.

Isabelle, I stayed in Manoir de la Maison Blanche, and liked it. But it is not in the centre of the town, and might be a slightly longer walk from the centre than you would want after dinner.

I have never tried tourism in the Loire Valley without a car, and think it vastly preferable to have control over one's own itinerary.