March 30, Lyon

March 30

We arrived in Lyon yesterday around 3:30pm. Lyon rests at the confluence of two waterways, the Rhone and the Saone. France’s second largest city is also its gastronomic capital, and its famous culinary creations are thoughtfully paired with vintages produced nearby, in one of the world’s best wine-growing regions.

We went out for a short stroll through the nearby area as there were no scheduled tours in the afternoon. This morning however, there was a four hour combined bus and walking tour of the city. We went up to the Fourviere Hill to the basilica that was completed in the 1880s. A beautiful area overlooking the city.

From there we toured past some of the museums etc., and were finally dropped off near the oldest part of the city. From there we did a walking tour through the narrow cobblestone roads, past numerous small shops. One of the unique things about the area, was the “hidden” passages from one street to another. They are actually entrances to private residences, but we were able to go through a couple of them.

At 1pm we departed Lyon on our way to Macon. We arrive there about 7pm, and there is a short stroll scheduled right after dinner.

March 29 - Vienne and Lyon

March 29

Today we made a short stop at Vienne. Viking had the usual walking tours, followed by a mini-train ride. The weather in France has been like it was in the US last week. Temperatures have been in the high 60’s to low 70’s. So of course the pollen is really out, and I have come down with some pretty bad sinus drainage. So I have been having coughing fits, and did not sleep very well last night. Today seems to be better as I have found some medication that appears to be working, but we decided not to go on the walking tour today.

 A little about Vienne. As with a lot of cities in this area, it was originally ruled by Rome. The city has grown prosperous over the last several centuries, growing into an intellectual and cultural hub. Most of its Roman monuments are still intact today. The temple of Augustus and Livia stands remarkably preserved, as do some of the cities ancient ramparts and aqueducts. The centerpiece of Vienne is the 13,000 seat Roman theater on the slopes of Mt. Pipet; it was buried from the fourth century until 1922 when it was uncovered.

We leave at 12:30 today for Lyon arriving around 3pm.

March 28 - Tournon

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.

March 27 - Back to Avignon

March 27

Last night we left Arles and sailed back to Avignon. Avignon is the only city in France that is completely surrounded by the original wall, built centuries ago. On our walking tour today, we visited the 14^th century Palais des Papes, one of the largest Gothic building in Europe. It is protected by walls up to 18 feet thick. Today it houses a national museum.

After a two hour walking tour of the city, it was back to the ship for lunch. I have to comment here that the food so far has been excellent, and the service outstanding. Viking has really stepped up and it shows. Wine is served freely for both lunch and dinner, and if there is anything that you want and do not see, simply ask.

After dinner the wife stayed on the ship and I took a bus tour to the town of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, which happens to be one of the best wine regions within France. The area one of the first regions certified under the Appellation Controlee rules in France. 18 Variety of grapes can be grown in the region, and the rules further define the area and management of the vineyards, harvest dates, yields, minimum alcohol levels, and vintage labeling.

During dinner tonight, we sailed for the town of Viviers, where we will dock overnight and then move on to Tournon. 

After arriving at Viviers, we went out on a short evening walking tour of the town. Very interesting, but it is very hilly and a lot of cobblestone walkways, so keep this in consideration if you decide to try it. Again, my apologies for no pictures, but my computer is still giving me fits when I try to download, so I am not even going to try anymore.

March 26 - Arles France

We left Avignon during dinner last night and sailed South to the town of Arles. Arles is seven times the geographic size of Paris, yet its population is a mere 50,000, thanks to the Camargue delta,an untouched nature reserve that branches out from the Rhone to the Mediterranean Sea. The city has solid footprints of its Roman heyday, and the Les Arenes, a 20,000 amphitheater, still hosts bull fights and other performances.

This morning, we went on a walking tour of about 2.5 hours that included a tour of the local cathedral and the attached cloister. There was an additional charge of 3.5 Euro for the cloister tour, but it was well worth it. We do recommend you consider the extended tour here that includes this.

As with many small European towns, wear sturdy shoes as the streets and sidewalks can be very uneven and rough. Arles is an interesting town and we enjoyed the visit very much.

Unfortunately, my laptop is freezing up every time I try to download pictures, so I will not have any to post for the rest of my blog.

March 25 - Avignon

We have finally arrived! We were a half hour late leaving Dulles because of a minor mechanical issue. Initially I was somewhat concerned but we had an almost four hour layover in Brussels so I figured that it would be OK.

The Brussels airport was not bad at all. The lines getting through immigration were somewhat long, but moved well. It was a fair walk to get to where we needed to be to catch our connecting flight. By the time we walked that and got checked in for our next flight, we had about a two hour wait which really wasn’t bad at all.

From there it was 1.5 hour flight down to Marseille France. That went really smooth. We got off the plane and down the jet ramp, down an escalator and there was baggage claim. Got our bags, and walked around the corner and into the waiting area where two folks from Viking were waiting for us. Took us out too the waiting bus with about a dozen people on it, and away we went for ‘Avignon.

The bus ride was just over an hour and we arrived at the ship about 3pm, a little earlier than I had anticipated. My initial impression of the crew is great, very outgoing and most seem to have a good command of English.

Avignon is also known as the “City of Popes” and offers one of the most dramatic approaches on the Rhone river. The Palais de Papes was built by Benedict XII, and stood as the center of the Christian world during much of the14th century.

Seven popes reigned from Avignon, and despite their short stay (just 70 years) this center of Christianity drew merchants, artists, bankers, and those seeking refuge. Gregory XI returned church rule to Rome in 1377.

I may not be able to post any pictures, as the internet connection is very slow, but I will give it a try.