Hotel le Provence Agen

... was sort of a draw, too. The next day after breakfast (and some helpful Ike and Jim input) we headed out to hunt for nearby wineries. We first came upon Chateau d' Estoublon - a sprawling estate that culls both grapes and olives (this area actually has more olive groves than vineyards). At the front gate of the Chateau there was a small sign posted that let visitors know the Bistro portion of the site was closed, but it was in French so we saw a few people turn and leave out ...

... the countryside and seeing beautiful and interesting sites! Here’s a few shots of some of the “sites” you don’t read about in the guidebooks! We hope you enjoy Provence as much as we did!

Distance covered: 68 miles

As we were leisurely packing up our tents I heard a loud shreak which can only be described as a feminine homosexual man being confronted by blood thirsty wolverines. But when I turned to see Alex close to tears due to a stick insect I couldnt help but laugh. Apparently he thought a stick was on his arm and when he went to knock it off it started walking. Although I ...

... stone villages and towns, and trying not to run over the pilgrims walking to Santiago de Campostella! A selection of Miradoux photos

It was a long day on the bus, but we finally made it to Provence. On the way we stopped in Avignon to see the Pope's Palace and then made our way to the Roman Aqueduct. After dinner in Provence, we stumbled upon a crazy street party with a DJ. It was fun experience to dance with the locals and get a feel for the flavor of the town. We are off to Barcelona tomorrow!

Through Biarritz and Bayonne, then long cross-country slog which eventually become pretty after Casteljaloux.

Funny little campsite miles from anywhere with odd but nice owner (looked like Roy Hudd in long shorts). We were the only campers ...

... with about another 6 boats. This was a lovely trip as the Lot is a very wide lazy river. As part of upgrading it for tourism they have built some spectacular new locks including a 13 m one (the second biggest in France)! Much to everyones relief they opened up the Baize for the afternoon and in escorted convoys of 2 we made it into the canal system and onto the Canal Lateral la Garonne. Over ...

... which was why we couldn't get through. We certainly met those locals we were hoping to meet, and hope to repay the good karma to some other travellers one day. Don't let that story put you off though, this place we are staying is fantastic and we would recommend it to anyone. It is called Domaine de la Blaque, and it is a B&B run by a lovely French couple, Jean-Luc and Caroline. It is in the middle of nowhere, but that is the charm. We are staying in a rustic old cabin, with exposed ...

... After returning to the cottage we visited La Cavern Couse, a wine cellar in the village owned by an English lady. She gave Margaret a mini wine tasting and, after a number of glasses had been consumed, was able to suggest the best local wine suitable for Margaret's discerning palate. We bought one bottle for immediate consumption and a better one to take back to Australia. A few weeks after arriving home we drank it and judged it not much chop. I am no judge ...

... display case. By the time we drove north from Seviac to Fourcès it had started to rain, for the first time in months according to a local. Fourcès is an unusually designed village. It follows a circular plan, almost like a maze, with well restored medieval shops and houses ringing a tree-shaded main square. Th**e is an amazing flow** market and festival h**e in Autumn which completely transforms the leafless town square into a carpet of flow**s. A friendly rugby ...