lazy, aren't we!

ok, so it's been so much fun we haven't blogged for almost a week, and we're not even sorry!
After leaving Avignon we continued cruising up the Rhone to Viviers, with more gorgeous scenery, beautiful old buildings and farmlands rolling past the boat. Viviers has quaint winding narrow streets that snake their way up the hill through the fortified city walls to a magnficent old church. People live in the old buildings built inside the walls of the city, and although renovated inside with the help of a local guide we were able to imagine life in the 13th century as we wandered up Goat Lane, avoiding the open drainage ditch in the centre and ducking under low door lintels.
By now we have fallen into ship-board routine, waking to a sumptous breakfast served by the charming restaurant staff, then a morning walking tour of the town. We return to the ship for lunch (perfect roast beef today, with so many other choices it's hard to stop) then out again in the afternoon for a tour or perhaps stay on board and soak up some sun or catch up on sleep before another extravagant gourmet meal in the evening and occasionally live music or a walk before bed. So exhausting I don't know if we can take much more................
Lyon followed Viviers, a much bigger city, perhaps the size of Mandurah. After a tour of the city and historical sites we decided to forego lunch on board in favour of a visit to the local restaurant of Paul Bocuse. I have to say this was the only disappointment of the trip, a very ordinary lunch (although an extraordinary bill!)
Chalon sur Saone is the last stop on the cruise, where we spend almost 2 days. The first day is spent in Beaune, famous Burgundy winemaking region, with a visit to a medieval hospital and local street market. The historical sights are fascinating, and the street market full of fresh produce was just enchanting. A small shopping opportunity yielded a couple of spectacular wines to accompany today's meals on board. The afternoon was spent touring a local Chateau dating to the 12th Century, where the guided tour was provided by the Baroness, a charming woman with a theatrical delivery who's excitment lead to a mix of French and English (and I was able to indulge my passion for cookbooks with her family edition).
Today we leave the River Royale after a last gourmandising breakfast and a sad farewell to the dlightful staff who have loked after us so well. Vi & I took a quick walk around the town of Chalon whilst waiting for the train to Paris via Lyon for the next exciting adventure............