Touron to Vienne, France

Monday June 9th 2014

Yes it's a public holiday here as well! Also very, very warm as it reached 32C before 12md.

We stayed overnight in Tournon after arriving around 6.30pm yesterday. This very nice town has a population of 10,000 people & was established in the 9th century. Here are some photos taken from our ship & as we drove through it today.

On the opposite side of the Rhone river is the town of Tain I'Hermitage & it's famous hillside vineyards.

After breakfast we set off on today's excursion to the beautiful village of Boucieu-le-Roi, one of the gems of the Doux valley. Our journey of approximately 35 mins took us through some beautiful mountainous countryside with very narrow winding roads. Sights along the way:

With a population of just over 200, the homes & public buildings in this village have all been restored to their original state. 

Tiny Chapel:

Views from the village:

We were welcomed to the village in the Town Hall, by the Mayor, who told us of his role etc. Then we went to the little local market where we had complimentary wine, cheese, fruit juice & pastries. A very nice place to visit.

Arrived back at the ship after 12.30 & we sailed shortly afterwards. We are heading to Vienne tonight.

Lunch was once again superb. I had the fish. Then back to our cabin to download photos & write this entry.

We don't have a single complaint about this trip. The staff, all European, are amazing. With very few exceptions our fellow passengers are fantastic. I think 98% are Aussies with a few from NZ & maybe 1 couple from the UK. Food 5 star & excursions well organised & very good. We each have our own "Voicebox" with an earpiece so we tune it to our local guide & can hear everything he/she says even from 50metres away!

Time to meet with our cruise manager to plan the excursions for the next leg.

More tomorrow.