Tain-l'Hermitage, Municipal les Lacs (N45 4' 0' E4 51'6").

Friday, 20th April 2018

Blue skies a pleasant 18C in the morning, but rising to 25C in the afternoon

A cycle ride along the banks of the River Rhone, to Bourg-Lès-Valence, 13 easy miles, in the cool of the morning. 

We decide we need lunch, but, none of the places actually look too appealing, eventually, we choose what appears to be the least worse option. 

What a pleasant surprise, behind a not terribly impressive facade Restaurant San Marco has a delightful terrace, with efficient staff, and, very tasty food!

Weighed down by a lunch, plus dessert and a substantial amount of wine, we cycle 12 miles back to Tain-L'Hermitage, in the baking heat, to make 25 miles for the day.

Sunday approaches, so into town to checking out the Mass times, for Kathleen.

A balmy evening of sitting outside, drinking cocktails (purchased ready made from Lidl), and watching the barges sail up and down the River Rhone.

Saturday, 21st April 2018

Another scorcher, 27C by lunch time.

After yesterday's cycling, we have a more laid back day, we cycle along to Tain-L'Hermitage, and the town of Tournon-sur-Rhone, on the other side of the River Rhone. 

Both places have markets on a Saturday, Tourney is the larger of the two.

Kathleen dips into her purse and buys herself some shorts.

In the afternoon a couple (Robin and Ruby) arrive (English) who typify the sort of characters you meet, roaming Europe in Campervans. They were born in 1937, so, that makes them 81 years old. Still roaming Europe in a VW Campervan. They admit, they have not yet mastered how to use a Sat-Nav, so, do it the "old fashioned way" with actual maps.

Sunday, 22nd April 2018

Blue sky and 27C again today.

Kathleen does Church, in Tain-L'Hermitage.

Church duties over, then, before lunch, we cycle 14 miles along the River Rhone, following cycle track on the other side (ie Touron-sur-Rhone side) of the river, and, going North.

Our (my) first and second choice restaurants  ( and Le Comptoir Gourmand) are full, a vindication of my choice perhaps?, third choice (La Terrasse), is a disappointment.

Monday, 23rd April 2018

Another sunny day, although with a little cloud, unlike previous days, which have been clear blue sky. By lunch time it is 24C, which inevitably leads to to a brief shower and thunder by 18:00.

The intrepid Robin and Ruby leave today, heading deeper into the Ardeche.

We do a circular cycle route to the bridge at Roche de Glun, then across the bridge onto the island in the middle of the river, pause for refreshments at the hotel.

The route is "advertised" on information boards along the river bank, supposedly 8km (5 miles), but, we clock up 13 miles including back up the other side of the river to Tournon-sur-Rhone, then, over the bridge again, to Tain-L'Hermitage.

We were even able to spot our van, from the other side of the river, it is the van on the right hand side of the line of vans visible.

As we peddled along, I promised Kathleen lunch at the very popular kiosk on the river bank, beside the swan's next.

Unfortunately, when we get there, it is closed, apparently Monday is their day off!