Besançon to Valence

The roads from Besançon to Valance go through quintessential backcountry France. Once again, we avoid the freeways for the most part and stick to the N and D roads. Yes, it's slower, but it's scenic going through the multitudes of small villages and towns.

Lunch in the yard of the old school

The beginning of the day is through hilly country, the Jura. We are, after all, just 20 miles from Switzerland. After lunch and passing Saint-Étienne-du-Bois, we drop down toward Le Rhône and the area of Lyon. Our objective for the night is the city of Valence. It's about 100km south of Lyon and gives us a good start on making the Med tomorrow.
Our hotel for the night is one of only two marginal places we will stay this trip. The owner is nice, but the carpet is sticky in one spot and the wifi sucks. Oh well.
On the hills above the hotel, however, are the ruins of Château de Crussol, a 13th century fortification. We'll see if we can't find a way up in the morning.