Heading North

 After a happy stay in Sete, we set off to drive through the centre of France to meet again with the Langfords in Bourges.

The first day was to drive across the Millau viaduct that I’ve long been interested in. It is a spectacular sight and the interpretive centre was interesting. We then drove into the Gorges du Tarn and our hotel at Le Rozier. The gorge is stunning and the hotel and its restaurant was a very welcome bit of indulgence.

The next day was to Vichy that has the mineral water springs and Belle Epoque spas. Unfortunately the central spa and park was closed for renovations. The town was classy and enjoyed both our hotel and the river parks and gardens.

Met up with the Langfords in Bourges staying close by the old part of the city. Not much opened on Sunday and Monday, but Gail and I stumbled on a major service in the cathedral with a long line of priests and bishops in procession accompanied by the church organ and choir. Quite a sight.

Heading South

 Heading to our next stay in Aix en Provence we got a warning from our host that many roads were blocked in the town for a big Iron Man event. We decided to visit a few towns on the way to have it over with.

First stop was St Remy de Provence now busy on a Sunday that preceded another public holiday called Whitsunday. It’s a very pretty town full of the usual shops and restaurants. We pressed on to Eyguileries, a smaller, but charming village where we had a nice lunch.

Arriving in Aix around 5 pm we found our street blocked and a traffic jam. Finally finding our host Anne-Claire, she walked out into the road to stop traffic so we could turn around and then got the police to let us through. Above and beyond.

The car stayed in her car park for the rest of our stay. Her only black mark was recommending restaurants to eat at that proved very disappointing. Gail even sent her meal back at one!

On Tuesday we drove to our next stay in Sete, intending to visit a few places on the way. Our host at Sete offered an earlier access to the apartment so we drove straight on. It was great to get in early and enjoy the great view over the harbour. The downside was the 75 steps up to the apartment……we’re getting our steps!

Once I got rare free parking spot outside the building, the decision was made to relax and enjoy walking along the waterfront and eating at one of the hundreds of seafood restaurants in the area. Cooking seafood also done at home after the very busy Wednesday markets allowed us to buy fresh produce at reasonable prices.

Lunch stop

Aix

Sete

Avignon Part 2

 Thursday saw the much anticipated sunshine so we headed across the bridge on the Rhone to Villeneuve-Kez-Avignon, to wander in another friendly market. A drive up the hill and a steep walk took us the the huge Fort Saint Andre and great views back to the papal palace.

Back in Avignon we visited an art museum a few doors away from our apartment that had an impression collection of sculptures and paintings. As thunderstorms appeared likely we walked back to find the Langfords in our local bar just as the downpour began. Students walking out of school seemed to relish getting soaked.

On Friday we joined forces with the Langfords to drive to Beaucaire and to visit a wine cooperative that I enjoyed in 2009 and 2015. A nice tasting with Agnes and several judicious purchases made before our lunch stop at Le Patio in Fontvielle. This was also a reprise of a favourite lunch venue of those years.

A wonderful meal again prepared by the same chef left us needing an afternoon nap before Gail and I strolled around unvisited parts of Avignon.

On Saturday Gail and Sandra were keen to do a little water therapy, so a lunchj cruise was booked on the Rhone River. Passed by Avignon and headed on the wide expanse of the Rhone. A pleasant interlude before dinner at home and a bit of packing before leaving tomorrow.

Avignon Part 1

 On Monday we left Pommard for the long drive to Avignon. The first part was through the vineyards and villages of the southern part of Burgundy to Cluny, where we stopped for a visit to the famed abbey and monastery. We took a lunch break then proceeded to the A6/7 and heavy traffic and high speeds past Lyon.

Parking and driving inside the old city walls of Avignon is a challenge, as was getting baggage up narrow stairs to our home for  six nights. A drink at our friendly neighbourhood bar, dinner and a sit on our deck overlooking the town eased the stress of the day.

Tuesday was overcast and showery, so instead of walking Avignon, the Langfords headed to Aix, while we went to revisit L’ill sur la Sorgue, a pretty town with the Sorgue river flowing through its streets. After a tasty lunch at a deli on the river we took the opportunity to see Fontaine de Vaucluse where the river emerges from under cliffs and then the spectacular hilltop town of Gordes. Roast chicken dinner.

Wednesday I was over driving, so the car found a home in a parking station so that we could walk Avignon, visiting the market hall for dinner supplies and then on to the papal palace and gardens. Lunch was in a very French restaurant near the palace “La Papa”.

Sandra and Al returned from a trip to St Remy and Arles so I prepared a prawn pasta dinner from our Les Halles market. The weather looks to improve over the next three days.

Gordes

Cluny

L’isle

Fontaine

Les Halles

Avignon

Perfect Pommard

 The weather finally turned in our favour as we picked up our car in Dijon and drove to our next home for three days in the wine village of Pommard. We met up with the Langfords at a restaurant I had chosen in a small village near Beaune. It had only a Prix Fix menu with two choices in each course, but the food and the setting overlooking a pond and a bubbling stream was perfect.

Our apartment was in the centre of Pommard with secure parking behind a big gate. It was very roomy and well catered. On Saturday we all drove into Beaune for the market day, battling through crowds thronging around the stalls containing a wonderful array. We had time for a drink at our favourite wine bar that has had a change of name and setup each time we visit.

Sunday, being Mothers Day, I had booked a table in a restaurant we ate at 9 years ago nestled next to vines with a view to Pommard and Volnay. I drove the happy mothers to two tastings - one of sparkling wines and the other with an extensive range of wines from all over the region.

Home happy to prepare for the long drive to Avignon.

Delicious Dijon

 Three very enjoyable days in Dijon. Our apartment was very well located to walk to the main sites. First day was a walk to the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy and to see the central market that was already closed. Dinner was a fabulous degustation meal at a close by restaurant with our young waiter called Brian.

Day 2 was a visit to the Cite of Gastronomie just down the road where we were able to taste a large range of wines followed by a disappointing lunch of fish. It was the Langfords anniversary, so they had a romantic dinner together while Gail and I were satisfied with a quiet night and a walk around the city.

Day 3 we walked to the market unaware that it was Ascension Day - a public holiday again in France. Large crowds wandered the streets so Gail and I found a little restaurant to retreat to where the Prix fix menu was fantastic. In the evening we returned to the degustation menu of our first night only to find it more crowded and the experience not as good. The old rule of not going back to a favourite place.

Alsace villages

 The reunion with Sandy and Al was when they picked us up at Colmar station. The regional train from Strasbourg was packed and getting a place to put our bags was not easy. Sandy and Al were a welcome sight.

They took us to our Geranium Gite in the picturesque town of Eguisheim for the next two nights. We appreciated Sandy’s home cooked meals and the slow pace of two days walking and wine tasting in the town.

Monday was a drive to Riquewhir so that Gail could visit the Christmas shop. Unfortunately the rain tumbled down all day, so we had an early formula lunch in one of the few opened restaurants.

Back to Eguisheim via a few mountain trails and another meal at home completed a relaxed stay in this pretty part of France.

Wonderful Strasbourg

 Got into Lille safely to drop the car and took the train to Strasbourg in the afternoon. We were recommended a restaurant in the area of “Petit France” where the river passes close to the old traditional Alsatian buildings. The walk down the Grand Rue revealed many beautiful buildings and interesting shops. 

There are plenty of restaurants to choose from, but the recommended one was a great choice. A mix of modern and traditional dishes with a range of wines. Sitting next to a German couple we engaged in a long conversation about our two countries. We got on famously and consumed a few more glasses of wine as our waitress lost control of our food and spread it over adjacent tables, but thankfully not us!

Saturday morning was time to walk all around the old section of the city that sits on an island surrounded by the ill River. The cathedral was spectacular but there were huge crowds everywhere we walked. 

Light lunch at the very popular restaurant we ate at last night, before more walking, a lie down and back for a walk across town to an Italian restaurant recommended by Sandy and Al when they were here a few days earlier. We meet them tomorrow after catching the train to Colmar.

Amiens

 Departed Honfleur on a foggy, drizzly morning as crowds started arriving for May Day public holiday celebrations. We intended a quick visit to Rouen and its cathedral but with rain tumbling down, I missed the turn off, so on to Amiens where weather predictions were much better.

The town centre was quiet and our host sent early instructions on how to get into our apartment. The first shock was realising there was no lift and we were on the fifth floor and 108 steps to the door. The second shock was twice forgetting to get things out of the car. We’re getting fitter!

After a nice salad for lunch we walked to the magnificent cathedral that we enjoyed so much 12 years ago with an amazing light show projected on to the front. The inside is impressive too, but much of the stained glass was blown out during WW1. 

Dinner was at home to avoid stairs again. Much enjoyed cooking again in our nice apartment on a pleasant evening.

A thunder storm overnight and an overcast morning made for a slow start. Drove out to the Monash centre and war memorial at Villers-Bretoneaux?. Spent a very educational few hours in a brilliant interactive interpretive centre. Gail enjoyed it too!