The 11 day Robert Louis Stevenson hike was done, and it was time to get back to my car, which was parked back in Le-Puy-en-Velay. I finished my hike ahead of my schedule, so I thought I take my time on the way back to Germany and make a few extra stops. Visiting Avignon and Montelimar was on my list. And driving through the Burgundy (Bourgogne) Wine region (Bourgogne-Franche-Comté) seemed like the ideal route to enjoy the last bit of the french cuisine. And stocking up on French wine of course!
From Ales (the town where I finished the hike) I was able to get a train to Avignon, so that was easy enough. The weather was still amazing so I enjoyed it for as long as I could. I knew colder weather was waiting for me back in Germany.
Avignon
Avignon is a city in southeastern France’s Provence region on the Rhône River, and in the Cotes du Rhône wine region of France. From 1309 to 1377, it was the seat of the Catholic popes and remained under papal rule until becoming part of France in 1791. The massive Palais des Popes in the city centre stands grand and powerful. In addition the park behind it gives a great view over the overall city and area.
You can enter the fortified city through one of the seven well preserved doors into the ancient streets with lots of french delicioussness to discover. It was a perfect day to wonder around and discover Avignon. I really enjoyed this town, and so would you. Avignon and Montelimar actually, both unique and very french. Read more below..
I did come back to both of the cities one year later, on my 2600 km bicycle trip from Germany to France. Although cycling through the towns was a different experience again. Rad here.
Montelimar (Montélimar)
Montelimar, the town of Nougat! How could I skip this little place. Given my need to still use public transport, I had the choice to stop here in Montélimar, or further up north, in Valence. I chose the nougat and therefore Montelimar! And I am glad I did!
I was pleasantly suprised by this cute little town. It doesn’t look much from the outside, but the little streets inside the old city are enough for me to love the place. And did I mention Montélimar is the town of nougat?? Well, to be honest, I don’t eat it too much sweets, so I didn’t even try it. Nevertheless, it was a great gift to bring back for my dad. He was happy!
Time to drink some Burgundy wines!
The Burgundy (Bourgogne) Wine region of France
After Montélimar I used the BlaBla share ride service to take me back to my car. I was finally mobile again, and able to drive, rather than walk. My legs deserved a rest.
Continuing my journey north towards Germany I was looking forward going for a drive through the Burgundy wine region of France, the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. It was my very own vineyard roadtrip.
That said I didn’t feel the need of visiting every winery and tasting every wine (doesn’t really work when you drive anyway), but I did manage to stop at a few (at least the ones that weren’t closed) and buy a few local wine bottles.
The scenery in this wine region of France was amazing, with some Chateau buildings standing grander than others. I wanted to take a photo around every corner. The Burgundy (Bourgogne) area was very photogenic! Furthermore, the blue sky definitely helped giving the landscapes of green vineyards a stunning contrast. Not to mention all the little cute villages I passed.
I started my drive at Chalon-sur-Saône, to Givry, through to Beaune and Nuits-Saint-Georges. Basically all the way to Dijon, before heading east towards the border and the small town Mulhouse (my last overnight stay in France on this trip).
Beaune
It was time for some lunch as I was driving through Beaune. The city looked like the ideal spot to stop for a break. And glad I did! What a great place it was! Definitely up there with Avignon and Montelimar.
I am aware I might repeat myself by now, mentioning lots of deli shops, little streets and characteristic facades as well as stylish shop fronts. However it is what I love the most about France (and maybe the delicious croissants).
Beaune city was alive. Everybody seemed out and about, all the restaurants were filled with people enjoying the food, wine and sun. In addition the local markets offered more local goodies. Of course there were also plenty of wine shops to stock up on local wine without having to visit the wineries. It was perfect for me!
One last treat of a quiche from an Artisan patisserie before leaving the beautiful wine region of France soon.
Mulhouse
I have never heard of the town Mulhouse before that day. The only reason I ended up here was the accommodation and the destination. It was close to the German border and to Freiburg (my next day visit).
It was a really cute little town. Furthermore much cleaner than some of the other bigger towns I have seen in Southern France. I loved the colourful square. It was Sunday morning when I walked through, so everything was closed, however it was a great hidden spot.
Trip Summary
It took a little bit longer than expected to drive through the Burgundy winery region, so I didn’t have much time to stop at all the villages I passed through. There were so many that looked worth a visit! Based on that alone I will definitely come back to explore more. Especially visiting the cities Nuits-Saint-Georges and Besançon in that area. Oh, j’aime la France!
I can’t believe I was exploring France for over two weeks on this trip. My french is slowly getting better. For now it is Au Revoir France, I shall be back!
Read all my blogs about France here. I can’t believe I have been back so many times already! xx
