Lyon, On to River Loire Valley, France
May 11 Lyon, Lorie Valley
Our day started around 8 am in our cute little apartment Airbnb. We decided to go out to see the impressive clock in the Cathedral just down the street. They were having a service so wasn't able to get a good picture of the clock.
On the way back to collect our bags we stopped in a little Café for croissants, an espresso and a hot tea. It hit the spot on a cool morning and was so delicious.
The trek back to our car parked by the river began with bags in tow and baby strapped to Jeff's back. This time we navigate an easier route with less cobblestone. Cobblestone streets are amazing but pulling roller bags on them can be challenging. The parking ended being 23 euros for the night parking, which was higher than expected.
Next we drove up to the cathedral at the top overlooking Lyon with beautiful views of the city below. Stopped by the Villa Florentine Hotel for a casual look at the lobby and view, beautiful hotel.
On the way down we stopped by this Roman theater. It looks like they still use it today.
Next ww stopped by the botanical gardens for just abit. Then weheaded out of the city with the destination being Saint Hippolyte,in the Loire valley, where our next BnB awaited us. Easy driving through the beautifulagriculture countryside and many cute little towns. The drive was long enough and took us around 4 hrs and 40 mins along with a stop for a sandwich for lunch on the go.
When we arrived into the little village our GPS said we had arrived. We clearly hadn't arrived according to the directions given us by our host. We contacted our host for help and further directions. Justine was so kind. Told us we needed to go out of town past the school on the right and Marie on the left, then continue up a hill and down another… or approximately 2 km. She sent her partner Jean to stand in the rain at the end of their driveway with a black umbrella to help us locate the correct place…felt a bit sorry for Jean since it was raining moderately with cool temperature. Soon enough we arrived to the warmest welcome, hugs all around, and called by name straight away. Their big fluffy white dog named Napoleon took to Téo right away and made us miss our dogs back home. We arrived here around 5:30 pm.
This cute countryside cottage was to be our home for the next 4 nights. What great place with very special hosts. We felt very grateful to have this opportunity to stay at La Jucherie.
We had our own seperate house called a gite or rental here in France. Justine gave us a tour of the cottage. Turns out she is an excellent chef. She had mini cakes waiting for us as a welcome. Let us know us dinner would be ready around 7:15 in the main house. We cleaned up abit put the baby to bed for a nap, then headed over for dinner. We were treated like royalty with candle light dinner. A selection of fresh bread, drinks of our choice, an appetizer, starter, main course,last but not least dessert. It was all so good and hearty.
Conversation flowed as we began to get acquainted with our new friends. Stuffed to the brim we said goodnight, went back to our cottage. Settled in, and spent some time trying to catch up on our blog.
If anyone is interested in bookinga stay at La Jucherie in the Loire Valley, here is the link on Airbnb. https://air.tl/tEBxLjIs
Tomorrow we will explore the area and visit one of many grand Châteaus in this region of France.