Wine and Chocolate at Toulon-sur-Rhône

If you are a connoisseur of wine, or even just want to learn more about the history of how it is grown, and how it is paired with certain foods, in our case, chocolate, then the stop here and the tour of the castle with the wine and chocolate tasting in the cellar room is an absolute must. Our teacher, Gilliam, and his chef/sommelier partner Emily, were so knowledgeable and willing and able share that knowledge with us that our morning excursion was by far the most fascinating yet. This small town is at once both historical and charming. 

The scenery across the river from where we spent the night docked includes two gigantic hills, totally covered with vineyards that produce some of the finest wines in the world. (Try to ignore the construction crane in the foreground and just take in the beauty of the hills.) See how the lines of plants follow the contours of the land, see the sheds scattered about so tools can be stored rather than hauled back and forth, up and down each day. See the small chapel at the top of the left hill to encourage the blessings of perfect weather for the optimum growing of the berries (we call them grapes).

The castle, built in medieval times to protect the city, is so interesting, as it is built on and into the rock formation at its base and rises to loom over the city.



A few shots of the wine and chocolate pairings in the castle cellar.



Emily et Gilliam

Today’s (Monday) Lunch
Appetizer Tray
Tomato Paste, Smoked Trout Paste, Chicken Wings, Spring Rolls

Forgot to take a photo of the cream of celery soup (not that great)
Monte Cristo Sandwich and Fries

Cheesecake with Raspberry Sauce


Swans Along the Rhône




Today/tonight is our longest single cruise of our journee. We will be leaving early afternoon and sailing overnight to Avignon, our base for the last couple of days of the cruise. There will be eight locks to traverse so going will be slow. 

My understanding is that the narrowness of this part of the Rhône valley opens up to quite a width as we head south, so we’ll see. But it’s hard to imagine that it’s any more beautiful than this. 

Avignon is in the heart of Provence, and double excursions are planned for the next two days. Today will be our last day of leisure. 

Au revoir for now. Merci for following along on our trip. I hope you are enjoying it. I know I am, and I’m also enjoying all your nice comments. 


Life is Good!

NEXT: Arles and VanGogh

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