France

Roussillon

Roussillon is a hill top village in Southern France. Well known for its red ochre rock formations, the area attracts tourists in droves during the hot summer months.

Cherries, Lavender, and Sunflowers

One highlight our guests had requested was to see lavender fields. We had previously researched the most likely locations but nevertheless were delighted when our research paid off.

Fête des Lumières 2013

Another festival of lights is over. We braved the cold and went out each evening to see a few exhibits in bite sized chunks. Unlike last year, our first festival, we did not try to see everything.

Pierrot le Feu – Fête des Lumières

“Pierrot le Feu” show in Place Bellecour in Lyon, France.

Rencontres – Fête des Lumières

“Rencontres” light show in front of Cathedral Saint Jean-Baptiste in Lyon, France.

We rented a car in Avignon and drove out to see the Pont du Gard. This is a large Roman aqueduct spanning a valley to the west of Avignon. The aqueduct has been well maintained and repaired. The mix of old and new stone is clear to the casual observer.

Festival of Lights

As always the exhibitions are stunning. Photos and footage can not do the event justice. The combination of cold, crowds, and spectacle is hard to beat.

Avignon

Avignon was the largest city we visited during our travels around the area. Avignon has maintained its city walls and is home to the grand Palace of the Popes.

Arles

Arles was never going to compare well having come from Nîmes. Arles has a connection with Vincent Van-Gogh; the painter lived in Arles’ hospital for many years and a number of Van-Gogh’s paintings are scenes of Arles.

Nîmes

Like many of the towns around Avignon, Nîmes can boast of a selection of Roman buildings including a coliseum. Monuments and gardens from later periods are also dotted around the town. There is more than enough to do to fill a few days of sightseeing.