Author: timdar

The longest excursion of the week, but then only 50 miles, to the Camargue.  Stopped at the place where many of the migrating birds take a break, although not the best time of year to see loads.

Herons

Loads of flamingoes

And even a beaver – French because it doesn’t have a tail.

Then a few kms further on to Stes Maries-de-la-mer.  I guess the name gives it away – really nice beach, but miles from anywhere.

And a sunset.

Saw plenty of the Camargue White horses, although not sure if there are any wild ones left.

Mornings are becoming a bit of a routing – albeit a very pleasant one.  Cloudless skies, breakfast by the pool etc etc.  The one radical difference was to pop into the local village boulangerie for croissant (actually the best ever).

Lunch and then venture out, so 3 small places in one afternoon.  Abbaye de Senanque – very famous for its lavender …

… but not at this time of year.

Then Gordes – a small famous hilltop town.

Actually very small – scenic but detained us for less than an hour.

Then finally Fontaine de Vaucluse which is the source of the Sorgue river, although pretty dry at this time of year.  A bit past its heyday in our view, but nicely distracting.

And a few things we learned today:

– although our French is passably moderate, it was nowhere near enough to get anything out of the guided tour in French around the Abbaye, so we scuttled out

– Provençal food is (so far) excellent wherever we go, and reasonably priced, despite the weakness of £.  But wine is very expensive, which was a bit of a surprise.

– once you have Google Maps, the temptation to use it is very high, especially when a bit lost in a large town

But first, an even better view over breakfast than yesterday!

Given its an iconic view of France, thought it worth a quick shot of the road edged with plane trees.

Then, somewhat to our surprise we found exactly the right car park we were aiming for in Avignon, including a park and ride into the centre.

Followed by a quick refreshment in the square by the Pope’s Palace.

One of the old Italian ancestors from the 14th century helped paint it.

Then a tour round and up to the top to get a good view of Avignon.

And the Pope’ bridge – note it only gets half way.

And a couple of things we learned today:

– blew the kettle so bought a new one but had to take it back as there was no base.  They kindly showed us the base packed up inside the kettle.

– worth checking whether Pont de Gard is open before driving 15 miles to have a look

– if you’re lost in the dark, Google Maps is worth it.

It’s a hard life.  Here’s the view having breakfast!

The usual lazy morning and lunch by the pool.  Then off to Les Baux which we thought was small, but isn’t.  A hilltop fortified castle …

…. with amazing views from the top.

And one for luck!

… for you, not us!  It’s hot and sunny, so what better than sitting by the pool.  Pool is a little chilly, but I bravely had a dip.  The lucky escape is that there is no pictorial record!

Anyway, we roused ourselves after lunch for some sightseeing in Arles.  Suitably quiet for a late September Sunday afternoon, but looks as though it could be very busy in the summer.

Delicious ice-cream.

And then to St Remy for dinner.  Feels a bit like Crete all over again – ordered far too much and very meaty.

It always seems a good idea in theory to book an early flight.  Not only do you miss the crush at the airport, but you get an extra day.  Unless you’ve ever been at Luton at 5.15am on a Saturday – it was heaving.  So much so that there was only time for a very snatched small coffee standing in the queue to board.

Anyway, arriving in Nimes at 9.30 does indeed give you the whole day – assuming you can actually find the place.  The house is just outside a tiny village, and took an hour to find.

But we made it – yet again a brilliant place to stay.  Note the pool.

And a very French lounge/diner.  Very shabby-chic.

Not surprisingly didn’t venture far, just following the shade around the pool as it was a bit hot😀.  But then stirred ourselves to go to the village – Eygalieres, which is essentially abandoned at the top of the hill.  But nice views.

Making a bit of progress on selfies – at least there is something in the background!

Then dinner.  Think we struck lucky.  The restaurant does look a bit like the drawing on its placemats.

See what I mean?

Mmm – it was excellent.

Then a couple of random “arty” shots just ‘cuts we like them.