We drove from Reims on to Lyon, where the motorway runs along the Rhône and through the outskirts of this great city. En route we saw the most incredible building called the Musee des Confluences, where the Saône and Rhone rivers converge. The museum tells the story of mankind and the history of life, through exhibits, science and architecture.

We carried on towards our hotel and as we came off the auto route just outside Lyon, we drove through a huge industrial area and I started to wonder just where I had booked our hotel. The road suddenly changed and we left all the traffic behind. The road went higher and higher, until we finally arrived in a tiny village way above Lyon with stunning views. We were made very welcome by the owner who made a great fuss of Polly and then showed us to our room. In the evening we had a meal in the elegant dining room, laid with crisp white linen and fresh flowers. The food was delicious, with Noix St Jacques, Cuisse de grenouilles, Filet de Boeuf, cheese and dessert. On the cheese plate the waiter had chosen for us, was Brillat-Savarin (I had never eaten it before). It was running off the plate and so delicious.

France is full of little gems like this hotel, tucked away in a small village high up above Lyon. We finished the evening walking to the square and watching the locals play pétanque on a mild, soft September evening. Vive la France

España mañana