One of the best ways to explore this beautiful rural part of France is behind the wheel with the full freedom of the open road ahead and nothing to do but enjoy! There is something to suit all tastes - 'taste' is the operative word in the Rhone Valley. The vineyards produce wines of every sort - vins de pays or grands crus, red, white, rose and sparkling wines, not to mention the Beaujolais Nouveau which sets off on its annual journey to wine-lovers around the world on the third Thursday of November every year.
France- The Rhone Valley - Fine gastronomy
And the food! This is a region noted for its gastronomy. Restaurateurs are keen to show off their culinary skills and delight in serving specialties de la region, which are many and varied. Starve yourself before each meal because some of these regional delights will test the staunchest of eaters - like the Galette Perougienne which we were served in Perouges at the 14th-century Hostellerie du Vieux Perouges in the main square. Not only is this buttery, sugary, flat tart eaten with le tupin de creme (a huge jug of thick cream served from a large ladle), it is also never eaten alone - always with another dessert.
Rhone Valley - Explore Perouges
Perouges is a beautifully preserved medieval hilltop village with cobbled streets and ancient houses. Film makers have long been aware of its attractions and it has been the setting for a number of movies, including 'The Three Musketeers'. It's tiny, with all streets leading off the main square, so take time to explore its nooks and crannies. The Hostellerie is a great place to eat, elegant and comfortable, with waitresses dressed in traditional Perouge dress.
Because much of the Rhone Valley is so rural the production of food continues in much the same way as it has for centuries and if you can remember how chicken used to taste before it was factory-farmed that is what awaits you here, along with the freshest of eggs and the tastiest of vegetables. Colourful chicken coops can be seen just off the road with dozens of the traditional white-feathered Bresse chickens scratching in the ground.
The Rhone Valley - The famous Bourg-en-Bresse Chicken
Many of these chickens find their way to the market town of Bourg-en-Bresse which is known for its farm-fatted fowl. These rather elegant looking creatures, with their bright red combs and blue feet are especially prepared in a milk bath after slaughtering and are snatched up at the Saturday market by professional buyers who then ship them out all over France. The market is colourful and well worth a visit - it's a feast for the eyes (and the camera), with wonderful arrays of cheeses, sausages, vegetables and flowers.
The Rhone Valley - Regional cuisine
The farms that produce the food for the regional cuisine are dotted all over the area. Some are typical Bresson architecture dating from the 17th century. There's a delightful one at Saint-Trivier de Courtes which is open to visitors (Ferme Musee de la Foret). It was farmed by a family until 1978 and has been little altered over the past three-hundred years. Worth a visit.
Motoring in France is a pleasure. The roads are excellent and rarely crowded. Most are toll roads (autoroutes a peage) and can be expensive but its a reasonable price to pay for such good driving conditions
The Rhone Valley - Vineyards and castles
Although not on the sea, the Rhone Valley with its rivers, lakes and natural and artificial waters, offers the biggest expanse of water in the whole of France. There are acres of lush vineyards, fields of lavender fringed with olive trees, forest and parks, ancient castles and fortresses and, of course, la magnifique cuisine. So get in gear and go!
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