Day 33 Virtual Ride. Tournon sur Rhone to Valence.

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An earlier start than usual as we have lots to do in the afternoon. Very nippy but dry and not much wind. First it was to Whalley via Four Lane Ends, then Billington, Dinkley, Ribchester, Longridge and Little Town Dairy for sausage butties! Then home via Rock Brow and Chaigley. The sun was just breaking through as we arrived back in Clitheroe. Our virtual journey would be leaving Tournin sur Rhone and the vine-yards rising up the valley sides. More gentle cycling along the river side spotting orchards, vine- yards and wild life. We enter Valence on the east bank of the river and as we get nearer to the city the path gets busier with families cycling, walking and skating. Always a tell tale sign we have arrived some where. Valence is another city of Roman origin. It has some beautiful buildings, the oldest of which, the Cathedral of St. Apollinaris, dates from the 11th century. Its decorations are made of polychrome stones and its white stone bell tower contrasts with its molasse structure. At the heart of the cathedral's old cloister stands the Pendentif, a surprising funerary monument in the Renaissance style, dating from 1548. Also unmissable is the magnificent House of Heads on 57 Grande Rue, which is thus named after the many carved heads adorning its façade and inner courtyard. Built in the early 16th century, it marks the transition between the Flamboyant Gothic and Renaissance styles. Inside, a permanent exhibition tells the story of the city.Valence has the largest river marina in France situated a day's distance from the Mediterranean. On the Esplanade of the Champ de Mars stands the Peynet Bandstand which dominates the seven hectares of the Park Jouvet which contains 700 species of trees. It is the northern limit for growing olives . Photos show the Peynet Bandstand and a view of the Rhone on route..ReplyForward

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