Tournon

Monday November 12 in Tournon which is situated at the foot of impressive granite hills planted in grapes of the Rhone Valley or Cotes-du-Rhone. We are in the northern Rhone valley which is primarily syrah grapes. Nice scenic views from the ship.

View from ship

In the afternoon after the boat docks we take a antique steam train along the gorges du Doux a tributary of the right bank of the Rhône. The line opened in 1891 and has magnificent views and fine man-made structures that line the route. We travel in carriages pulled by locomotives which are listed historical monuments.The train provided service for passengers, mail and goods mainly wood from the Haut-Vivarais and the Velay plateaux.  It's an interesting ride and a change in pace from what we have been going.

Steam train

View from train

We return to the boat and we are treated to a special dinner. Our boat and all AmaWaterways boats are members of Chaine des Rotisseurs, an international gastronomic society founded in Paris in 1950 to honor the 13 century traditions and practices of the royal guild of goose roasters later including poultry, meat and game. Tonight we have a special dinner menu based on these traditions.

French Paella