Postcards from Provence: Tournon/ Tain l'Hermitage

May 7, 2011. White tulips greet you as you cross the bridge from Tain l'Hermitage to Tournon. Tournon, France.

Nestled among the famous vineyards, the twin cities of Tournon and Tain l'Hermitage provide the perfect setting for connoisseurs of fine wine. Tournon, France.

May 5, 2011. A cat keeps a watchful eye for birds from a high window. Tournon, France.

Tournon, France.

Tournon, France

Tournon, France.

Tournon, France.

Tournon square, a lovely gathering place with cafes and shops. Tournon, France.

Feudal castle of Tournon, France.

Tournon square. Tournon, France.

The walls of this feudal castle are very imposing. Tournon, France.

Tournon square. Tournon, France.

Church. Tournon, France.

Abstract window, Church, Tournon, France.

Church stained glass window. Tournon, France.

Church vaulted ceiling. Tournon, France

A charming local cat looks for birds from a windowsill. Tournon, France.

Tournon, France.

Shuttered window and climbing roses. Tournon, France.

Tournon, France.

Tournon, France.

"Bonjour Madame". As I walked back to the bridge I saw a lady looking out of the doors, I waved and said, "Bonjour Madame", and she kindly waved back and smiled as I took her photograph. Tournon, France.

Blue shutters. Tournon, France.

Tournon, France.

Tournon feudal castle dating back to the 10th century. Tournon, france.

Le Chat tres bon. Tournon, France.

Tain l'Hermitage, France.

Tain l'Hermitage, France.

A boulevard by the Rhone. Tain l'Hermitage, France.

Intimate colorful balconies overlooking the Rhone. Tain l' Hermitage, France.

Purple shutters. Tain l'Hermitage, France.

Sycamore lined street with a vineyard on the distant hill. Tian l' Hermitage, France.

Restaurant in Tain l'Hermitage, France.

Church. Tain l'Hermitage, France.

Framed mosaic in the cellar of M. Chapoutier where we sampled Cotes du Rhone, Saint Joseph, and Crozes Hermitage wines, produced from the Syrah grapes which grow on the steep hill slopes along the river Rhone. Tain l'Hermitage, France.

Shuttered window. Tain l'Hermitage, France.

Our boat docked here, near the Marc Seguin bridge, which connects Tournon and Tain l'Hermitage, France.

The boat is now on it's way to Lyon. It's a fairly long trip and we will go through many locks. I join my new friends on the upper deck for a lovely glass or two of wine and lively conversation. It's a warm and sunny late afternoon and everyone is very relaxed. I take many photographs and I am, once again, struck by the beautiful light that the south of France is so noted for.

The edge of Tain l'Hermitage is passing by and we are looking forward to the new sights that await us. Tain l'Hermitage, France.

We pass by a picturesque turret on a steep hill, it's history I will most likely never know. Tournon to Lyon, France.

We pass by a village and a hilltop vineyard. Tournon to Lyon, France.

Oh the light, the light, how stunningly beautiful! Tournon to Lyon, France.

An old fortress and church bask in the beautiful sun. Tournon to Lyon, France.

It looks like a page from a storybook here on the Rhone. Tournon to Lyon, France.

Hillside vineyard. Tournon to Lyon, France.

Cottage, poplars and mountains as seen from the Rhone River. Tournon to Lyon, France.

I am really enjoying this trip on the Rhone. This time of day is perfect for photography. Tournon to Lyon, France.

Scenes from the Rhone. Tournon to Lyon, France.

Scenes from the Rhone. Tournon to Lyon, France.

Scenes from the Rhone. Tournon to Lyon, France.

Scenes from the Rhone. Tournon to Lyon, France.

Scenes from the Rhone. Tournon to Lyon, France.

Scenes from the Rhone. Tournon to Lyon, France.

Scenes from the Rhone. Tournon to Lyon, France.

A heron sits on a branch as we enter a lock. Tournon to Lyon, France.

May 23, 2011. Vineyards on the distant slopes of Tain l'Hermitage from the tulip covered banks of Tournon, France

June 7, 2011. Lilacs and shuttered window. Tournon, France

July 10, 2011. Another charming village along the Rhone River. Tournon to Lyon, France.

Between Tournon and Lyon.

Between Tournon and Lyon.

May 15, 2012. Tournon's feudal castle, dating back to the 10th century, overlooks the city and the Rhone River and it houses the town museum. Tournon lays claim to the oldest high school in France, Lycee Gabriel Faure. This school was founded in the 16th century by the Cardinal of Tournon.