Out and about in Drôme

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Had two wonderful days eating the wonderful local food and seeing some great places.

Wine comes from the local vineyards where you take your own bottles to be refilled. Local produce in Montélimar includes world famous nougat, olives, peaches, apricots and plums, wine both red and white, and goat and sheep cheese. Fresh bread and croissants are bought each morning and food is served as is. Salads are tomato and onion or just lettuce, bread cut at the table.

Meals start with a small entree with wine, then mains, then fruit for desert. SO DELICIOUS!!!!!!!

Montélimar is also known for its fields of lavender which is used in the perfume industry.

In this area is one of France's most famous 17th century villages Poët Laval. It has well preserved houses made of the local lime stone,narrow streets with houses nestled against each other, a castle to keep out those persistent enemies and a small church. No one really lives her permanently any more, there are some places which are holiday homes and others are resturants, cafes and art galleries.
The village is nestled against the hill.

Today i went to visit the Ardèche départment (area) to visit the famous lime stone cliffs, gorges and the Ardèche River. This area also has many caves including the world famous Chavet Cave found in 1994 with the images of the horses on the cave walls. These images date back 30,000 years. The cave is closed to the public and a replica is about to be built.

The Ardèche river is a popular holiday spot for all of Europe, with the river used for kayaking trips. We went for a 2-5kms walk to a lovely beach area of the river and ate a picnic lunch far from the crowds of holiday makers. Stunning lookouts dotted the drive home ith amazing view of the river and cliffs.

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Photos

Poët Laval
Walls are made of limestone blocks nestled closely together

Poët Laval
A German vocal group presented a free concert in the best acoutic setting you could want

Poët Laval
The castle with original walls from the 1200's

Poët Laval
Soldiers went off and fought from 1200 to the 1800

Poët Laval
View from the castle wall

Poët Laval
These are the traditional roof tiles which are made of clay. They are modelled and built around the craftman's thighs so one end is wider than the other

Poët Laval
Views

Poët Laval
Renaissance features include this front entrance with stone steps and rail and door

Poët Laval
Another renaissance feature is the wall and window

Poët Laval
The windows have a cross shape

Poët Laval
Above the door is this tear drop feature

Poët Laval
The village

Ardèche
This area includes lime stone cliffs, gorges, the beautiful river and numerous caves

Ardèche
The river has a triving kayak industry with a 2 day trip available from one point to another

Ardèche
This is a natural river arch and is the only one in France with a useable river. It was formed by nature over many thousands of years

Ardèche
River arch

Ardèche
Gorge views

Ardèche
Kayaks are the only crafts allowed on the river

My hosts
Pierre and Marie-Nöelle

Ardèche
Me at one of the lookouts

Ardèche
lookout

Ardèche
River views