May 24 - Valence

We started to cruise from Vienne during breakfast.   If you didn't want to order an omelette or scrambled eggs you could stop by the dried fruits, cereals, yogurt, pastries, and juices stations.

Afterwards we went up to the top deck to enjoy the fresh breeze and watch the scenery go by.   Soon we approached a set of locks.

Another ship was coming out of the lock so we pulled over to the side and waited for our turn.   We noticed a swan and her babies.

The other ship finally came through.

On to Valence we sailed.  Once there we had lunch before venturing out to discover the old town.   Appetizers included snails (on the left), tomato salad, crispy fried calamari, and tahini humus spread :

The main dish I had was- 'Poule Coq au Vin Rouge' (red wine braised free range chicken), forest mushroom, bacon, pearl onion, Tabbouleh fresh mint :

We then met our guide and started our walking tour.   We walked through their largest park which was developed in 1905.   Very large, very inviting for picnics, playgrounds, a small train that takes kids around the perimeter, and a small fenced goat area.

Since 1773, Valence has been a 'garrison' town, housing military units.  Currently, the 1st Spahi Regiment is stationed here, soon to be leaving for North Africa.   I mention this because at the top level of the park is a large open space, originally used for a parade ground and practice drills.   Now it's home to a bandstand.

This inspired Raymond Peynet's drawing from 1942 .. 'Lovers'.

Remind you of the scene from 'The Sound of Music' ?

We started walking through the old medieval part of town.  This building was built between 1528-32 by a professor at the University and Consul of Valence to be his private residence.

Not far from this house was the apartment used by Napoleon Bonaparte when he was a young student at the military school.  We next visited the city hall which was built in the late 1800's.   It's almost like a .. 'palace of the republic'!    

They have a very special room for civil marriages!

The adjacent room is used for city council meetings.

Remaining facade of the Saint-Ruf Abbey gate.

More pics from our walk around ancient Valence.

Back to the boat for dinner.   Appetizer was .. grilled Atlantic shrimps, lime risotto, tomato salsa, and cress :

The main course was .. slow roasted beef tenderloin, truffle sauce, pate foie gras, sauteed vegetables, and sweet potato mash :

It was a fun cruising day with a stop in Valence.   Tonight we will be going through several locks on our way to Avignon.   See you there!