The vines on this passion are just flowering and the foliage really lights up in the morning sun.
We leave and drive towards Crest then follow Grete's scenic route to Bourdeaux, Dieulefit, and around the south of Montelimar. France never ceases to amaze us, just when you think that you've seen every side, something different comes along. This route is more woods and climbs and bends and drops, but somehow the shape of the land, the colours of stone and buildings and the villages all have their own identity. We see irises and lavender, wheat and vines, and little tan hill top towns.
After Montelimar we cross the Rhone and park beside it a Viviers. The plan was to have lunch here then go another 10 miles to a France Passion we stayed at last year at Valvigneres. It can only take 2 vans so we ring to make sure it's OK. Unfortunately for us, they are having a fete/open day and parking is limited, we would be welcome after 20:00 but really better to come another time.
We are in a lovely spot, shaded by trees with views of the river and the little harbour where two river cruisers are moored. Nick and Grete parked in the town a few weeks ago as they were told that parking at the port was forbidden. There are restriction signs there but not on the layby we're in so we decide to chance it.
It's a restful afternoon watching the river traffic. Two cruisers leave, two arrive and a few coachloads of passengers come and go. The temperature reaches 32 but the shade and river breeze keeps us cool.
In the evening Ali cooks cod with a cabbage, bean and bacon one-pot dish, known as garbure in south west France.
Later it is not as peaceful as we had hoped; a wedding party in town has le karaoke turned up to 11 and the 'singing' standard deteriorates as the hours pass. Then one of the cruisers has a deck party tying to outdo the wedding.
But we sleep anyway.