This Visit’s First Out of Town Adventure

We normally take a few side-trips while we’re in Lyon.  But, the gray, drippy, rainy days have not been conducive to getting out and about for any length of time.  So, we were pleased to see in the forecast that the weather was finally blessing us with some lovely Lyon sunny days.  Time for a fun adventure!

One of the day trips we like to take while we are in Lyon involves a train ride to Tain L’Hermitage, a charming town of about 6,000 people on the Rhône River, south of Lyon. The setting for the town is absolutely lovely!  It faces the wide Rhône River, and the hills around are covered with picturesque, terraced vineyards. (In fact, it is right in the heart of the Crozes-Hermitage Controlled Wine Appellation.) So, we hopped on a train for an hour-long ride from Lyon to Tain L’Hermitage.  The train travels south along the Rhône River, through the countryside of towns, villages, farms, and vineyards.  Just a pleasant, scenic ride.

Like so many places we like to visit, Tain L’Hermitage has a rich history.  The Romans were there, of course, and left behind a variety of artifacts including a rock altar used for sacrificing bulls.

A model of the altar that's on display
in a small park.  It must have been
interesting getting a bull onto this altar!

It is also the site of King Charles V’s wedding at the Church Notre Dame de Tain (which is still there) in 1350. Thomas Jefferson even visited Tain L’Hermitage and included comments about it in his Hints to Americans Travelling in Europe, 19 June 1788. (“Do not go to the tavern at the Post house, the master of which is a most unconscionable rascal.”)  We’re sure he’d be happy to know we avoided both.

When we arrived in Tain L’Hermitage , we strolled the short way from the train station into the main part of town, walked along Avenue Jean Jaurés (which is also Route N7), and then along the park-like path along the river.  

We took this photo on our walk along the river
path.  Doesn't that lounge chair look inviting?

Our plan was to walk around town a bit, take a look at the restaurants by the river, and just enjoy the scenery. We also decided to walk across the bridge to Tournon-sur-Rhône.  This bridge is the first suspension bridge over the Rhône River that was built using wire cables.  The bridge was designed and built by Marc Seguin, a native of nearby Annonay, who actually invented this technology.

The bridge over the Rhône between
TainL’Hermitage and Tournon-Sur-Rhône

Since lunch time was approaching, we walked back across Monsieur Seguin’s bridge to Tain L’Hermitage and on to the restaurant Le Nice. We’ve eaten at this restaurant on previous visits to Tain and were pleased to get a table with a view of the River.  

Another delicious meal in a lovely setting.

After a leisurely lunch, we were off to Valrhona Chocolate with our shopping list in hand. Valrhona makes our favorite chocolate, and you will often see it mentioned in descriptions of desserts in restaurants in the US. It is truly delicious!  Since they are in the process of remodeling their spacious display and shopping area, there were signs directing us to a trailer across the street.  A little construction trailer?!  Surely, they couldn’t fit all those purchasing choices into a trailer!  But, somehow, they had managed to do it!  (Maybe we should ask them to help us pack our suitcases.) After we had taken our items to the cashier and paid for them, she very generously tossed a few bonus items into our bag. Then she paused, looked at Anna and said in French, “This is for you!” and brought out an Valrhona apron.  Anna collects kitchen aprons and was thrilled!  Ah, yes, we do like visiting Valrhona!

Back in our apartment with Anna modeling
her Valrhona apron next to the
bag with our purchases.

It was nearly time to head towards the train station.  But, first we made a quick detour to the Chapoutier Wine Cellar and Tasting Room, which is very conveniently located on the street leading to the station. After a little tasting and a few purchases, we were on our way.  

Afterall, were in the heart of Crozes-Hermitage, remember!

We definitely packed a lot into that day-trip!  And, our scenic, relaxing, return train ride to Lyon was the perfect ending to the day!