Julie’s birthday - some time in Viviers and Grignan

For Julie’s birthday we were treated to breakfast in our rooms with a glass of Moët each! What a way to start the day!

Coupled with a card from the staff onboard and some treats from fellow passengers, hearty well wishes from our butler and cabin attendant, somebody was feeling a little special this morning!

 

 

After breakfast whilst Jules kicked back on board, I left the calm waters of Viviers to explore the town on foot, choosing not to join the guided group walking to the cathedral for the organ recital.  I left a little later, still enjoyed the sights and visited the small market in town.

 

Viviers is such a beautiful old village, with so many stunning buildings like the old bishop's palace (now a government building) and the newer bishop’s/diocesan office.

The cathedral itself is stunning set atop the hill, in the typical style - a sight to behold both inside and out.

The houses line the twisting and turning streets of cobblestone, which are also home to many cats, curled on windowsills or in corners.
 

 

 

After an early lunch back on board we readied ourselves for another castle visit - this time to Grignan - another hillside village that dates from the 12th century. The Chateau de Grignan is famous because of visits there by Madame de Sevigne, a French writer famous for her letters, many of which were to her daughter - the wife of the Count of Grignan. Madame de Sevigne visited the castle three times during the 17the Century and died there during her third visit on the 17th April no less! The castle was built in the 12th century but was later transformed and is now said to be one of the leading Renaissance castles in South-East France.

The castle was heavily damaged during the revolution and was lovingly restored thanks to Marie Fontaine, a rich widow from the north of France, who purchased it in 1912 and decided to devote her fortune to its restoration. 

It was the rooms within, that became her rooms, where I could really see myself living - so much light and a comfort level that would suit me quite well. I also loved the winding staircase to get to her room and the close proximity to the terrace to take in the panoramic views of the countryside.

 

This afternoon was one of the first real opportunities we have had to spend a little time in a village, wandering amongst the shops and meeting the locals - including a few children who had been studying Australia at school and were keen to show off all they had learned. 

Afer the tour of the chateau and the town, we returned to our room to prepare for our evening in L'amour - the special dining room, to which everyone is invited once during the cruise.

 We were joined by Kevin and Gaye - our new friends from WA.

Jules was then presented with a special birthday cake from the sommelier and congratulated by the head chef.

Our favourite drinks waitress and her partner also helped us celebrate the night away

as did fellow passengers!