Destination Orange - Day 3

Superb start to the day. Yesterday's rain continued during the night and into the morning.

After breakfast with accompaniment from Take That on cd we squeezed out of the parking garage. It was easier than I thought but the flooring of damp slippery cobbles would have defeated two wheels!  Even four wheels slipped and slid. 

Once on the A31 the rain began in earnest, with spray on some sections demonstrating that maybe the French need to change their road surface to something like we have in the north that allows water run off!

Our first stop was just north of Lyon for a pee and coffee.

And still it rained.

It was as we approached the Valence turn off it began to dry up and the sun made it's appearance.

Just off the A7 we stopped for petroleum. With about 340 miles since the last fill-up I had to put in 38.86 litres at 39.72mpg. The best yet.

Our first main stop was at la Garde-Adhémar, one on the Plus Beaux Villages. It was very scenic perched high on a hill top.

The medicinal garden was worth the look.

Although it was still before 2pm, and half the patrons of the Absynthe Cafe had yet to get their main couse, the waitress wouldn't serve us lunch. We should have gone, but wanted a coffee. 

We had a turn around the village and then headed off.

As we were peckish we stopped at a nearby Aldi and bought some ham and salad dishes.

Then the search was on to find a picnic spot. Eventually we found one on the side of the N7 at Mornas.

A small town backing onto high cliffs complete with medieval ruined fortress.

From Mornas we headed a few miles down the road to Orange and after a few false turns we arrived at the hotel and booked in.  

Once we had unpacked we headed for the pool and the Jacuzzi before getting ready to dinner.  The restaurant was called The Forum and it's near the Roman Theatre. A little pricey but the food was very good. 

From now on we need to cut down.

Tomorrow?