For our final day, we have a relaxed rideup the Rhone Valley. Stops are flexible, but worthwhile are the stony vineyards of Chateauneuf-du-pape, Tain-l’Hermitage, Malleval Medieval village.
Daily Highlights
- Châteauneuf-du-Pape Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region in southeastern France. The village lies about 3 kilometres to the east of the Rhône and 12 kilometres north of the town of Avignon. A ruined medieval castle sits above the village and dominates the landscape to the south. It was built in the 14th century for Pope John XXII, the second of the popes to reside in Avignon. Almost all the cultivable land is planted with grape vines.The wine of Châteauneuf-du-Pape Appellation d’origine contrôlée is produced from grapes grown in the commune of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and in portions of four adjoining communes. Unlike its northern Rhône neighbours, Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC permits thirteen different varieties of grape in red wine but the blend must be predominantly grenache.
- Tain-l’Hermitage Tain-l’Hermitage is a town of just over 5,700 inhabitants situated on the banks of the Rhône River in the Drôme department, to the north of Valence.Côtes du Rhone wine and gourmet chocolate make Tain-l’Hermitage a popular destination with epicurean travelers and are the main attraction for visitors.
- Malleval Malleval is a small village in the Parc naturel regional de Pilat in the Loiredepartment of the Rhone Alps, 27 kilometres from Vienne and 54 kilometres from Lyon. The village winds along a single main road towards its church which is raised above the village. The houses are built of the local stone and almost seem to blend into the surrounding countryside. Stone built with small windows and wooden shutters the houses are typical of the style of the region. The church has its origins in the 11th century but much of it had to be rebuilt in 1606after being largely destroyed in the Wars of Religion. Protestant troops followed by Royal troops sacked the village in 1574 and it was rebuilt in the following decades but never re-established its position as a thriving market town.
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This is it folks. We left Avignon early and spent the morning roaming the wine growing surrounds.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region in southeastern France. The village lies about 3 kilometres to the east of the Rhône and 12 kilometres north of the town of Avignon
Hermitage is a French wine Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) in the northern Rhône wine region of France south of Lyon. It produces mostly red wine from the Syrah grape; however, small quantities of white wine are also produced from Roussane and Marsanne grapes. The hill is seen by some as the spiritual home of the Syrah grape variety.
As you may imagine, we travelled on winding unmarked roads through forested areas. Superb. A picture with the 
was a must. We stopped for lunch at Malleval, an old medieval town. Sadly, our hostess misunderstood our need for a quick lunch & things turned a little peculiar. After lunch we headed into Lyon & returned the bikes. Relief all around. We’ve covered about 4,000 gratuitous kms in 11 days. Most of it was up & down and around hairpin bends. Time to chill. Russ took one for the team in the taxi on the way home. Squeezed into the baby seat .It is now a time for reflection. We have been so impressed with Hydro’s organisational skills that we have decided to monetise them (he reminds us that he is a man of passion, not money). That suits us. The equity has been offered to everyone else. Hydro is a highly valued, casual employee. Keep an eye out for “Platinum Fox Travel”, for the discerning rider. The movie and the book will be out soon. Seriously, Hydro has done a great job organising this with his wingman, Russ. Our profound thanks to both of them. As your man on the ground, it has been a pleasure bringing you ANOTHER GREAT FOX ADVENTURE.
Silver Foxes Motorcycle Club Australia 