The skies are a crisp blue and the mercury rises as we head south towards Provence. Rolling brown hills loom above the green fields and nearby cities as we make our way to within a few hours of Barcelona. The forests of the Dordogne have given way to central-California-esque wine countries and fields of lavendar, and rich buttery cooking to a garlic- and olive oil-inspired menu.
In between time for napping, chatting, or catching up on our journal, Patrick shares with us more about his country. Despite high taxes, the French enjoy universal education (even at the college level) and health care. French children go to school four days a week (Wednesdays off), from roughly 9 to 5, which aligns with their parents' work schedule. They enjoy two hour lunches halfway through the day; they can go home to socialize and eat, or enjoy a French three- to five-course meal, including cheese platters, in the cafeteria. In college they are guaranteed their choice of majors, but must pass a special test commonly known as the 'Bac' to graduate high school.
Later Patrick amazes us with his stories about how he restored a centuries-old house into his current residence. He runs a snack bar on the beach in his free time, and refines the excess oil into fuel so nothing goes to waste. Speaking of grease, he insists the French hardly read about the 'freedom fries' controversy some years ago. And furthermore, with his typical witty humor, he insists that despite the name, Looney Tunes Casanova skunk Pepe le Pew is not French, but Italian.
Our first stop today is a family-run winery, where we enjoy a tour, led by lady of the house Sylvie, of the grounds and the estate (which the family built themselves), followed by a lavish home-cooked meal that we enjoy on the deck overlooking the gardens! Thank you, Rick, for letting us meet the locals!
In between time for napping, chatting, or catching up on our journal, Patrick shares with us more about his country. Despite high taxes, the French enjoy universal education (even at the college level) and health care. French children go to school four days a week (Wednesdays off), from roughly 9 to 5, which aligns with their parents' work schedule. They enjoy two hour lunches halfway through the day; they can go home to socialize and eat, or enjoy a French three- to five-course meal, including cheese platters, in the cafeteria. In college they are guaranteed their choice of majors, but must pass a special test commonly known as the 'Bac' to graduate high school.
Later Patrick amazes us with his stories about how he restored a centuries-old house into his current residence. He runs a snack bar on the beach in his free time, and refines the excess oil into fuel so nothing goes to waste. Speaking of grease, he insists the French hardly read about the 'freedom fries' controversy some years ago. And furthermore, with his typical witty humor, he insists that despite the name, Looney Tunes Casanova skunk Pepe le Pew is not French, but Italian.
Our first stop today is a family-run winery, where we enjoy a tour, led by lady of the house Sylvie, of the grounds and the estate (which the family built themselves), followed by a lavish home-cooked meal that we enjoy on the deck overlooking the gardens! Thank you, Rick, for letting us meet the locals!
Our bellies full, we drive on to the Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct built in 19 B.C. that supplied water to Nimes, a large city in ancient Europe. Patrick (above) gives us a detailed overview of the site, then allows us free time to explore. You may walk across the bridge to the other side, where there are ample opportunities to hike, kayak, or swim. The views (whether from the bridge itself, from the sides, or from the hills above) are breathtaking. The river goes on endlessly. Two lovers (above right) sit under a tree. Families frolic in the water and youngsters prove their bravery by diving off the cliffs, all in a backdrop where God's beautiful nature and expansive Italian villas compete for attention (nature wins)! When you are done touring, there is a fascinating museum with a whirlwind of exhibits and multimedia displays to further educate guests.
Our final stop of the day is the town where we will spend the next two nights: Arles, once an important port city and trading center. If I never get a chance to visit Italy, this is the next closest thing! Arles' pleasant squares, narrow streets and Roman ruins nearly mirror those of our friends to the east. Our hotel is the charming, uber-provencal Hotel le Calendal, which also doubles as a cafe with outdoor seating that overlooks the Roman Arena literally just steps away.
My room has a balcony that overlooks the courtyard...
The hotel's spa is in the tradition of the thermal baths of ancient Rome. Guests enjoy the above spa (complete with Jacuzzi and waterfalls); hot baths in the caldarium; cold or warm baths with massaging showers in the frigidarium and tepidarium, respectively; hammam in the sudatorium; and massage and beauty treatment in the onctuarium. This is the secret "11th good reason" to book a Rick Steves tour!
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... where you can enjoy a breakfast like this!
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