Our next stop in the Rhone Valley was the slightly larger town of Tournon Sur Rhone where we stayed in the historic Hotel de la Villeon. The Hotel is sort of built into one of the steep hills behind the town and there are a series of gardens on terraces above it. The view from uppermost looking out over the valley towards the neighboring town of Tain l’Hermitage is incredible as you can see in the picture above.
Wild cyclamen were blooming in the gardens of the Hotel.
This was inside the ancient church just a few doors down from our hotel.
This castle perched on a rocky outcrop in the middle of town dominates the whole area.
For a few euros you can tour its interior. This spiral staircase was an interesting climb.
On top of the castle is a chapel filled with 16th century paintings. I had never seen resurrection scene like this one with the ghostly skeleton of death being thrown down.
Walking out of the chapel there is a large courtyard that looks out over the surrounding region. You can see the southern end of the alps way off in the distance.
The jumble of medieval streets seems so chaotic from above
Off to the left is the Tain l’Hermitage home to the wonderful Valrhona chocolate factory and some excellent wineries.
Originally built in 1825 this suspension bridge- one of two connecting Tournon to Tain l’Hermitage is the oldest in France. Note the terraced vineyards lining the slopes above Tain l’Hermitage.
The sleek modern interior of the Delas Freres Winery which we had the privilege of touring. Theses wavy walls are made from hand pieced limestone blocks- not concrete.
Our next stop in the Rhone Valley is Avignon. *Stay Tuned*
MJ Seal .Art 