Etap Hotel Cavaillon

... Aix...oh, the Brits abroad, mon dieu! Still, best 6€ I've ever spent. We've also been along to the cinema. Embarassingly, it was to see Fame but I'd like to point out how important cinema, and going to the cinema, is to the French. There are at least 3 cinemas in Aix, and there are huge film posters everywhere. 'Le Cezanne', has it's name lit up, and, unlike at home, the seats are like armchairs and there's plenty of leg room. But, like at home, it's bloody ...

... came down near us but we were lucky and just got debris on us. But enough whining about the weather.
Avignon is extremely beautiful and we have a lovely view at night of all the castle etc all lit up as we are camped on a sort of island in the Rhone. We arrived yesterday and explored the town and went to the Popes palace which is the best preserved castle of its age in France. We then ...

... yesterday, Saturday, and it is cooler but still nice. The trip here was spectacular with many olive groves and big mountains. Today we went on a tour to Les Beax - another medieval town with a castle - poor Graham and on his birthday too. Then we went winetasting and to the premier olive oil producers in France. The Mistrql was blowing on the tour and it was very cold but warmer back here in the camp. Tomorrow we explore Aix on foot then we go to Avignon.

so today we arrived in Avignon (where I lived for 6 months when i was at university). I kept pointing out all the new arrivals and shops and Jason so kindly reminded me that they had 15 years to just 'pop up' so maybe they weren't that new after all.

had a very yummy dinner at a resto called New Ground (but typical french service). Tomorrow we need to fix the rear break light in the car (very nicely pointed out by a ...

Lucy asked for it and we got it. Today we experienced the beginning of the Mistral season. Each fall and winter Provence is swept by a wailing wind. Lucy made the mistake of saying that she'd be interested in being here for that. She got her wish and our last day was very windy. Luckily, the temperature held and we stayed comfortable, despite having bits of sand and debris swept into our eyes as we walked around.

We visited three towns ...

I'm so sad that I didn't bring my camera to our special "splurge" belated birthday dinner. It was so beautifully presented! We went to a hole-in-the-wall place with 8 tables that came highly recommended. Those people were right. It was a world-class meal and exceptionally reasonably priced by French standards. I'm not sure how he's paying the bills with only 8 tables, but my hat is off to the chef/owner. It's a good thing ...

... there. I think Villeneuve needs to get better coverage in the guidebooks because it is a very cute little town and the market is excellent and it has several interesting places to see. Also, the local constabulary didn't seem to mind that Lucy created her own parking space when none existed.

At the market I bought a gift for Kate and we purchased a pound of paella for lunch. We hoofed it upwards to Le Fort ...

Believe me you don't want the story but here are a few photos and videos of what was a wonderful adventure for the most part.

The bull running was a random and free event - just next to lovely beach. Camargue horses are breathtakingly beautiful in the wild.

Unfortunately no photos of characterful and cultural city of Arles because only took the camera out one day - the day we went to The Camargue obviously.

... by one third. Other than the essential bonjour (how are you) and merci (thanks),I found the following expression in French truly useful: less (for bagaining and buying grocery), tap water please (for meal). Word of my favorite: enchante (nice to meet you)- such an enchanting little word. Now Isle sougues- prettish little town with ancient watermills. Glistening with wet moss, the watermills tirelessly churn on top of emerald green creeks on one side of town. I ...

Who goes to the South of France in Winter? Well, we did. Sure, anyone can recount the stories of a Provence where they sipped pastis in a shady town square, wandered through fields of lavendar, or woke to the sounds of ...