Drôme from home

Here be Gigondas

After a fairly stormy weekend during which we only managed a market visit and a walk round St André, it turned slightly cooler today.

So off early to LaGarde Adhémar for a walk in the woods. 

The trail wound up and down in the shade with an occasional view over the valley. Power stations, tgv line, motorway and the hills beyond.

The theme of the walk was a series of natural stone water troughs on the edge of the hillside. 

No idea of their date but we also came across a 12 th century chapel. Part of a monastery complex in the valley.

The walk took about 2.5 hours but it was mostly quite easy until we got to the incredibly steep road back into the village.

At which point we sank into the shady seats of the Absinthe cafe for ice cream and coffee.

Absinthe flavour for Adrian.

There is also lovely botanic garden under the ramparts that we have been to before. Fabulous views and peaceful, hidden flower beds and medicinal plants. We sat on the walls and watched TGVs speeding north and south below us.