The best way to see the Rhone Valley is on foot. It is interesting, cheap and easy to do.
Tournon sur Rhone and the Hermitage vineyards
The Rhone Valley area around Tournon and Tain l’Hermitage has spectacular views of vineyards, as well as historic towns with castles and towers, as in the night image on the left, the Château de Tournon, which overlooks the Rhone River.
Tournon sur Rhone and the Rhone Valley: how to get there
Here is a map showing the northern Rhone region. We are within the Rhône-Alpes region, and the Rhone River provides the boundary between the Ardeche department to the west and the Drome to the east. Thus, when crossing the pedestrian suspension bridge at Tournon Sur Rhone in Ardeche, you will arrive at Tain l’Hermitage in the Drome department.
The great vineyards of the Hermitage are mainly located on the Tain l’Hermitage side, exposed to the afternoon sun. They are best seen from the Tournon side, and Tournon has the most restaurants and hotels.
Introduction to walking in France
Since the Rhone Valley is best discovered by walking, I have prepared an introduction to the French trail system, trail markings, and the best maps to buy for walking.
Did you know that there are over 100,000 miles of trails in France? Almost all the villages in France have walks that have been planned and marked by volunteers working with local tourist offices. The trails that leave the village of Tain-l’Hermitage and lead the moderately fit walker through the Hermitage and Crozes-Hermitage vineyards are no exception; They are well signposted and well cared for and offer spectacular views of the Drome and Ardèche countryside, as well as the villages, towers and castles along the Rhône.
The path of the towers in Tournon-sur-Rhone
An interesting short trail that starts at Tournon Sur Rhone is the Sentier des Tours, the Path of the Towers. Three towers appear on the crest of the city, and you will visit two of them (and you will see the third in Ruins).
Where to eat in Tournon sur Rhone – La Chaumiere
Since when is the least expensive restaurant the best? We came across La Chaumeire when a diner came out raving about the food. She was right. Almost everyone relishes the cheapest three-course meal on the menu.
Where to taste wine and eat something – Des Terrasses du Rhone
If you want to sit back and enjoy small bites of regional cuisine while tasting the wines of grapes that grow on the city’s hills, stop at Des Terrasses du Rhone, a tapas bar with wine pairing located near the pedestrian bridge in Tain – Hermitage.
The prices are quite reasonable. For a plate of sliced meats (charcuterie), you will pay five euros. Pair it with a glass of Saint-Joseph red (one of the most expensive wines in the region) and prices will increase to 7 euros. The price of a glass of wine ranges from 2.50 euros to 9 euros (2008 prices).
Where to taste and buy local wines
La Cueva de Tain is the largest wine cooperative in the area. You will have a wide range of local wines and bottle sizes to buy here, so if you’re going to just one place this might be the one. The people here are nice and friendly and speak English, so if you have any questions, you can get an answer here. Free tasting is also available.
Where to stay: rent a vacation home or apartment
If you have a week or so to stay and enjoy the region, there is no better or cheaper way to go than renting a house or apartment. In France, the designation for a vacation rental is “cottage” or some variation. Here are some in the Rhone Valley, although many are in and around Lyon.
To compare hotel prices in the Rhone Valley, visit Tournon hotels and Tain-l’Hermitage hotels through Hipmunk.
