March 28
We left Viviers early in the morning sailing to Tournon and arrived around 1pm. Tournon is at the center of an important wine producing region known for its Hermitage, white Larnage, and Chante-Alouette. Rhone Valley wines are considered to be the best in southern France.
Tournon and its twin city across the river Tain l’Hermitage, form the gateway to Ardeche. Their backdrops – steeply sloping vineyards and jagged outcroppings – make for a dramatic arrival by river.
At 3pm Viking had three busses waiting for us, to take us on a tour of the area. Our first stop was at the world renowned and famously meticulous chocolatier, Valrhona. Pretty much anything they make is available for tasting, and I have to admit, it is fabulous chocolate. Not cheap, but well worth the price.
After leaving the chocolate factory, we were off to a museum, and then the last stop was at a local vineyard for a wine tasting. Fantastic wine there and I did purchase of couple of bottles.
At 7pm we undocked and are off to the next stop, Vienne.
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