Rhône Valley
France > Provence > Rhone Valley
The Rhône valley, the north–south route of ancient armies, medieval traders and modern rail and road, is now as industrialized as the least attractive parts of the north. Though the river is still a means of transport, its waters now also cool the reactors of the Marcoule and Tricastin nuclear power station between Montélimar and Avignon and act as a dumping ground for the heavy industries along its banks. Following the River Rhône holds few attractions, with the exceptions of the stretch of vineyards and fruit orchards between the Roman city of Vienne and the distinctly southern city of Valence. But the big magnet is, of course, the gastronomic paradise of Lyon, with hundreds of sophisticated bars and restaurants.
Pages in section ‘Rhone Valley’: Lyon, Vienne, Between Vienne and Valence, Valence, Montélimar.
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