From 10kph to 110kph

Friday 16th June

Today was a day for visiting a few of the listed beautiful villages in the immediate area. Firstly Labaume, then Balazuc, finally Vogue. All a little different, probably the most interesting and photo worthy was Labaume. Beautiful old buildings and narrow streets. Located on the Ardeche River where a lot of locals were enjoying picnicking on the banks of the river.

Labaume.

Ardeche river at Labaume.

Balazuc was less appealing. Situated on top of a hill with parking down below and a long walk into the village. The Ardechoise cycle race was passing through the village so a lot of purple and yellow decorations out. The river also passed alongside this town.

Balazuc.

This dog was just lying on the edge of the very narrow main street,
and watching all the cars and people as they went around him.

Last stop was Vogue where the main feature was an historic castle. Took us a few goes to find the road in as Dora didn't know about the new access and one way through the village.  We didn't tour the castle, just took a few photos. We enjoyed lunch here on a terrace overlooking the river.

Main street in Vogue - one way.

Old mill in Vogue.

The castle in Vogue.

Last stop was a winery where Rob was keen to try the wine made locally with a grape variety grown only locally. A lovely wine he said, but too young. Needs at least 5 years in the cellar.

Saturday 17th June

Time to leave our comfortable little cabin where we have enjoyed the past few days, mostly just relaxing. Heading northwards today. 

First stop though was the village of Pradelles where Robert Louis Stevenson did a walk with a donkey. Dora led the way - and what a way she picked. We had looked at the map and figured straight up the main drag. No! Dora had other ideas and took us along a road that I am sure is only known by the 3 locals that live on it, and Dora! It was a short cut, but driven at 10-20kph it took forever. It took us up and over just one more mountain pass at 1375m. At one stage we looked around and seemed to be completely enclosed by mountains.

Up, up, up, then down, down, down.

Finally Pradelles - another medieval village with some remains of the wall still standing, narrow streets and very old buildings. 

Pradelles.

Robert Louis Stevenson did a walk through this area with a donkey. Rob thinks he might like to do some of the walk one day. We'll see!

After this village it was just straight up the main road, including quite a distance travelled on motorways at 110kph. We are now at Roanne and staying in a nice roomy comfortable IBIS hotel. Just one night here, we are moving on again tomorrow.