Going to Provence in September - anyone got any advice?

No advice.

If you do not update me, with exceptions that you hold back for your own savor or dismay, I'll be pissy.

One advice when I went to Europe, specifically Bologna - I know different place - there were four attempts to pick my pockets/ snatch my bag; all buggers failed miserably. Take whatever you want out of that. But the best advice is to enjoy yourself. Nuff said.

That's true, I used to be flocked. Until I got into being pseudo italian, which wasn't hard as I sort of am.

Arles has a wonderful market day once a week. (I forget which day it is on.) All sorts of foods, handmade soaps, flowers, clothing, antiques, you name it. Really wonderful atmosphere all along the main streets.

The only advice I've got is, don't drive in Paris.

There is a very popular book called A Year In Provence by Peter Mayle. You might find that helps in understanding local customs etc.

Wed and Saturdays. I certainly intend to get some Christmas presents while there. You going to NYC????

Yes, he's written a couple. I'm going to get it today.

I booked an apartment for two weeks in Beaucaire, between Arles and Nimes, for 600 Euros - not bad! That's pretty central to where we want to go. And the car was only $220 for two weeks - what a deal! And instead of flying into Lyon, we're arriving at the Marseille airport - way closer. I'm really excited. I adore French food.

Leon, food paradiso (what is the french for paradise?).

Arles and Nimes - my absolute favourite part of the country,

I was just mesmerised by Arles - but I was there over 20 years ago. It's right at the top of the list for my next European trip - so - although I have no advice, I'll be waiting for your views, news, etc. There is so much to see in Arles; Nimes - not so much - in my opinion. Have great memories of Nimes, too.

Osso..
Did you mean Lyon??

Yes, I did, eek. Haven't been there myself.

Me neither...but it's on the list!

Yes!!! Planning on it! (Where's that thread?)

Yay! Here it is, Eva:

http://able2know.org/topic/206458-1

Do you realize it'll have been 5 yrs that month since we met? Time flies! Same with Thomas.

Memories of Santa Fe - wish Eva was with us that day..

Adding a few maps -

Provence:


Provence rail map (not all stops shown)


France:

I give up on getting a decent map of France to show in time for this post to work.

Since I didn#t join you to SaFe, I'm totally forgotten (But I'm still sorry about the Porsche heating!)

All the times I've been there, I've used public transport (for just a 3€ you can use a bus up to Monaco!) But since you've got a car, I certainly would drive to Grasse (which I had done, if I'd been a female, too).

North of Aix is Gordes, a spectacular perched village.
And Bargème (east-north-east of Aix, quite close to Cannes) is one of the most villages of France, a 'must', I think. But when you drive there, you should stop at Gonfaron before.

Since you've got a car and stay there some days, I suggest that you add Nice to your tour plan.

And might be, you'd like to go there a second time ... for doing a railway day tour.



re "French food": you're in Provence ... and the food there is quite different to "French Food" - well, at least originally and still today in the non-tourism restaurants. It's really GOOD!!!

Don't be hurt (kidding, I don't think you are) - and Diane and Bob and Roger and Shewolf and Johnboy and BBB and PDiddy and Mrs. PDiddy didn't go either. That, with Eva too - she can hold her own, she can - would have been even more hilarious/interesting than the trio of us who did go.

I'd sorta like to go to Marseille.