We set off around 9:30am, arriving at 10:30am into Genoble, a “generic” city where most people are just getting on with their everyday lives.

Once again, our couriers did the business and persuaded the Noddy-train driver to start early. The first published journey was at 12noon. We (and a few others from our coach) were away at 11am for a very good tour. The train was equipped with a GPS activated guide and loud-speakers in French. To our surprise and pleasure, the driver handed out receivers (and we had our own earphones) to provide an English language version, and he pointed out what was being talked about as we travelled around. One of the best Noddys we’ve used.

Finishing at noon we hunted down a pavement café.

The coach had been parked adjacent to a cable car, which gave us a clue as to what to do next, a trip to the hilltop Bastille.

We walked back through the city park and travelled up to the fortress overlooking the city. The views were stunning. It’s spread across three levels and there are lifts for those whose knees, legs and hips have taken against using stairs. They’re under-used as, in typical French style, they’re not signposted!

The top level is an adventure play area for children which would give the UK Health & Safety Executive nightmares; the middle level has restaurants, cafés (very good hot dogs here) and the military museum (admission extra); the lower level is largely for the views.

We spent a hour or so enjoying the cooler breezes and views, arriving back near the coach at 2:15pm.

It didn’t seem worth walking back to town and so got back on board to find several others already there. The onboard drinks service was open for business as we awaited the return of our fellows, including the one (there’s always one) who leaves it until the last minute to come back.

Leaving at 3pm, we were at the hotel for 4:10pm, plenty of time to grab a nap before another excellent dinner.