Le Pouzin - the gateway to Provence

It's only a little over four hours by bus and train to the village south of Valence (also relatively unknown). But the landscape changes dramatically: from striking mountains to gentle hills, lush green fades to yellowish-brown, it's hot, very hot. Dried dog droppings adorn the streets, it already feels very Mediterranean here.

I'm staying with a great couple: Quentin and Elena (thanks Manuela for the contact!). To be precise, I'm here because of them, otherwise I wouldn't have noticed the village.

There are hardly any cows here because there is no grass, but the goats are doing well and their cheese is excellent! The region is known for its fruit cultivation, in general, agriculture is the main industry here. The fruit is really great, I'm annoyed that we only have cheap fruit from Spain and Italy!

On the first exploration tour, I sniff wild thyme, discover a mega climbing area, and jump from shade to shade, it's really hot.

On the second exploration tour, I try to cool down in the wind. Beautiful bike paths run along the mighty Rhône and later through narrow gorges along the Eyrieux.

I still have to pedal uphill a bit, but at least I reach an altitude of 592m and can then run down to the capital of Ardèche: Privas is surprisingly beautiful, perched on a hill and very Mediterranean/medieval.