In search of the cascade (waterfall)

 Wednesday 11th June

Our plan for the day was to go and see La Cascade du Saut du Gier - on the Gier River, about 20k from where we are staying. We had a map from the tourist office which had details of the walk to the waterfalls. I was hoping that there was actually a road that took you much closer, but not so. It was a 2.5k, 2hr, walk, there and back. I decided that I wasn't up to the walk so I waited in the car (no knitting or book - damn). Rob set off alone with the map - I was hoping he wouldn't get lost. I felt much more comfortable when 2 other pairs of randonneurs (plus 2 dogs) arrived to do the walk. It took Rob just under 2 hours.

The girls enjoying the fresh air.

Not sure of the breed of this dog but dead ringer for a malamute.

The drive was through very steep and forested hills and we seemed to be climbing forever. In amongst the trees you get no sense of where you are headed and which way is 'home'. It is beautiful countryside though. 

Next stop was another of our beautiful villages - Sainte Croix en Jarez. The drive took us down out of the steep, forested hills and as we left the forest there were some stunning views across rolling hills and farmland. Lots of tractors and farming equipment moving around the roads; you needed to be alert as you came across one of these around a corner. As we were approaching the village there was no sign of it in amongst the hills, but it was another of those where you just come around a corner and there it is. It was well and truly time for lunch and as you entered the village there was a restaurant on the corner - full of people sitting outside. We had a lovely lunch there. They had what they called a Grand Assiette (big plate) and when we saw a couple of them come out we decided to order one plate to share. Boeuf Provencal, potatoes and salad. More than enough for two, and follow up with dessert.

The Carthusien restaurant.

This village started life in 1280 as a Carthusian monastery. It was turned into a village after the french revolution - 1789. The village was almost completely enclosed in the walls of the monastery. A very tidy and quiet village - nothing else there.   

This is the outer wall - there is a tower on each corner.

This 'ceiling' is definitely medieval. 

Inside the church - 13th century.