Avignon and the Côte d'Azur

South of France
It's hard to know where to start, we have visited some wonderful places, unfortunately our time is nearly up in France. The drive from Extarri to Narbonne was quite picturesque a few castles to be seen beside the highway, some magnificent architecture and nice green rolling hills and mountains. They drive pretty fast around here, speed limits of 130 km/ h on highway and most people ignore that and race past us.  For my comfort it was a safe 110-120 km / h for us at most times, yes I was driving like an old Grandpa, I would have loved to borrow some of Audi sports cars or Ferrari's that roared past us for a quick release of adrenalin but say la vie it was not to be.

Our airBNB hosts in Narbonne where extremely welcoming and the rooms were perfect, they gave us some recommendations on places to eat and things to see. Narbonne town is quite pretty with a river running through the middle, a war memorial in the centre of town and a fantastic old church. We took the hosts up on their recommendations of lunch at the Narbonne markets and had a wonderful seafood platter, Emma discovered oysters are actually ok, although from the photos you willl see her facial reactions were rather entertaining. We went out to check out the beach at Narbonne which was suprisingly good, I just missed the triathlon that was held on the beach that morning unfortunately. Oh well, not much exercise but I'm sure we will be ok for more food . Given the lunch recommendation we had to try their recommendation for dinner, it didn't disappoint, and finally a French restauraunter with a keen eye for service with a smile and an informal chat.  A nice Frenchman, being typically blunt as I can be at times, I said before we left that France would be interesting, as I had never met a Frenchman that I liked, well I can now say I've met a few that were a pleasure to talk to.

Narbonne to Graveson, just outside of Provence , what a beautiful old hotel and such a friendly greeting. A short drive into town to a wonderful little restaurant La Burceil, overlooking the river Rhone with a view of the Old Papal Palace and the gardens . We couldn't have asked for a better spot to start this experience , with Tattinger champagne by the glass, good service and beautiful food. A quick review of the town for all of us and then a more detailed look at the Papal Palace where the pope lived before Vatican City was established, the surrounding gardens and the three quarter bridge( insert name ) .

Carrieres de Lumieres, the works of Monet, Renoir and Chagall, projected as a light show on to the walls of huge caves, matched with some sensational music, this was a simply awesome experience. The caves were man made, converted to an art centre many years after the mining for bauxite and limestone was completed.  Th limestone was used to build the Chateau and the village of Les Baux. The show takes you on a journey around the Mediterranean from Impressionism to modern art , our pictures do not give the works any justice unfortunately, an amazing must see for yourself to experience.

Saint Remy, a little town not far from Provence and Graveson was one of our favourite spots in the Provence region and we could have done with a bit more time to explore around the area but it is time to move on to Villefranche In the Côte d'Azur.  Oh my goodness what a way to top off the South of France, a drive through the beach front of Nice and around the corner to our apartment in Villefranche, what an astonishing view.  We are very happy we did not hang around the muck and congestion in Nice...not our scene.

Tracey writes;
Villefranche is a quaint village with numerous apartment buildings clustered into the hillside of this playground for the rich and famous.  Toys such as yachts, fast cars with top European tags and palatial homes which are dotted along the waterfront, somehow you are absorbed very quickly into this lifeslifestyle.  I was particularly intrigued with watching the coming and goings of the 3 cruise ships which came in for a day or 2 lucky ones got to stay the night.  The mass production with getting those passengers into port was quite amusing as I sat on my balcony with a champagne, feet up and overseeing my children in the pool below.

We decided to explore these narrow tight streets of the French Riverea and found ourselves in Cap Ferret looking for a beach which was recommended to us by our friend Emma.  We didn't find the beach, but we laced our way through the tiny streets of immaculate homes with manicured gardens and walls with heights of 2.4 metres and above.  No chance here to see their spectacular views!  The next day we had a look at Eze, ooowww how beautiful is this little village!  Cut out from limesstone and once inside the outer walls you will discover a small Provencal village filled with charm and colourful window boxes, offering a panoramic view of the sea and coast-line.  Cave like shops leading off narrow and curvy steps for you to potter through.

Now allow me a moment to mention the spandex clad men and woman perched atop their 2 wheel bicycle.  I will forever admire their skill, bravery and non-chalance towards their sport.  Whether it be hugging a tight curve of a very narrow downward slope, with no hands whilst speaking on their mobile or climbing various mountains with little space for cars let alone cyclists.. Or is it just stupidity?

Not near enough time in this jewel of Avignon and Côte d'Azur, we will return.  Italy awaits....