Lyon to Trévoux – 30 km

It was a little tense leaving our berth in the Lyon harbour, having to back out against a blustery wind, with not much space between us and neighbouring boats. But we managed it without mishap, and steamed out into the river. The bright morning sun made the city look very fine

It takes a surprisingly long time on the river to get clear of the city and out into the country. There was just the one lock to negotiate, with a courteous and attentive lockkeeper.

Shortly before lunchtime we arrived at Trévoux, which has a comfortable pontoon with electricity and water laid on, for a reasonable price. It also has a bit of history, and was particularly prosperous in the 17^th and 18^th centuries. It was the capital of a principality called Dombes and seat of a sovereign parliament, remaining an independent city state until 1762.

When we arrived, however, it was pétanque, or boules, that was the main attraction. Dozens of pitches, and a major championship taking place.

After lunch, we set off the explore, and were much taken by the place. Little streets with handsome houses.

An imposing town hall.

And church. We sat on a bench on the terrace in front of the church for a while and enjoyed the view over the river and the Beaujolais countryside beyond. But the bench was in the sun, so we moved on.

There was a temporary parting of the ways, when half the party opted for onwards and upwards to the castle ruins and the viewpoint at the top of the town, while the other half sloped off downhill to the bar for a beer (no prizes for guessing who did which). The castle ruins, however, turned out to be closed.

But it has to be conceded, the view of the river was certainly very fine. Saskia is there on the pontoon, but barely discernible.

So it was back to the boat, where we found Mistral had turned up. Perhaps her passengers are pétanque fans. Tomorrow we will potter on, and see if we can find some serious Beaujolais tasting opportunities.