Aqueduc de Balouvière

They say that imitation is the highest form of flattery. Does the same go for structures? In 1870 the citizens of Laudun needed to construct an aqueduct to span a small gorge in the hills just outside of town. Instead of opting for a typical wooden lattice structure, they commissioned a design inspired by the famous Pont du Gard.

Over time, the town has grown up around the Aqueduc de Balouvière which is now located within the city limits. Actually, it's practically in someone's back yard. The smallish stone arch structure hardly compares to its inspirational model. However, we had fun climbing into the arches and walking across the top platform which no longer carries any water.

Tour de Ceze Sud

Twice this week, I have tagged along with my landlord, André, and his nephew, Jullien, on bike rides through the countryside. Although retired, André is quite the rider. He has all the gear, including a jersey from the Cycling Club of Chusclan. This village must have a club for each resident.

Fortunately, André took it easy for me and Jullien.

On our first trip, we biked over to the Rhone River, approximately 20 km round trip. The Ceze is a smaller tributary. A short distance south of the confluence, there is a hydro-electric power station on the Rhone. In addition to the turbines and electricity generating equipment, there is a single lock to allow boats to pass through the change in elevation.

Our second bike ride took us to Laudun, a nearby village. On this ride, I was able to experience the endless acres of vineyards in the valley. We passed by three wine tasting cooperatives. I've learned that you cannot just go up to any vineyard and ask for degustation, tasting. Instead, the individual caves, cellars, contribute to a local cooperative. In that way, it's kinda like the milk cooperative that my Dad belonged to in Michigan. Locally labeled wines are actually made from grapes grown by many farmers.