We have been enjoying fantastic weather since arriving in Europe, maybe raining for one night and the first part of one day. Other than that it’s been sunny and warm, but quite hot recently in inland France.
After a couple nights visiting some Chicago family who were also randomly in Barcelona, we boarded a high-speed train on August 24th headed for Nimes, France. Amazing to ride in a quiet, smooth train that is doing about 190mph! The plan was to rent a car in Nimes, then spend the next 10 days driving around Provence. We rented 3 Airbnb’s for the first week to get us started and they were located in Comps, Rochegude and Salernes.
We are finding the French language to be immensely difficult and most folks in these non-tourist areas don’t speak English. So Google Translate, body language and our few words of French have been getting us by so far. Even with the language challenges, most of the Airbnb hosts have been quite welcoming.
Charlie’s potty training has been going really well for being in new places every few nights, and big boy undies are the norm now during the day. He’s been successfully working with WCs, toilettes, aseos, secluded trees, etc. Chocolate cookies work wonders for motivation and luckily they seem to be in every grocery store so we are well stocked. (Interestingly the same cookies we got hooked on in Tahiti years ago). He’s also learned to count to 20 in both English and French.
Balcony view in the Barcelona flat
Hanging out by the pool with family at the Barcelona One hotel
A poolside flat in Comps, France
A bit of sightseeing in Arles, France
Exploring the Arles arena and getting some info about the toro event later that evening
Walking the Rhone riverfront in Arles
Found a few of the Van Gogh stops in Arles. Seems like the same tree in the picture from 1800s and seen now behind these cars?
The Van Gogh cafe
Back to the arena that evening for a bull event. These crazy guys run towards the bull to try grabbing small strings attached to the bull’s head or horns. Then they leap over the red fence when the bull charges, then the bull leaps over the fence sometimes!
Quite a venue to experience
Amazing architecture and constructions that’s been here for so many years.
Our gracious host, Jeremy, in Comps opened up his personal stash to share with us. Enjoyed great conversation with Jeremy and his friend Frederick that evening.
A second bottle was also thoroughly enjoyed while grazing over local tomatoes, mozzarella, basil and olives.
Crossing the Gardon River near Remoulins. A random find while en-route to the Point du Gard, but never continued onto the arch.
As some of you know, Charlie is addicted to throwing rocks into water so this place was heaven even though he wouldn’t smile for the camera.
Delicious bottle of wine at our Airbnb which was a flat at this vineyard near Rochegude. Highly recommend this rental for the value and tranquility: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/13707048
View from our bedroom at the vineyard
Exploring the Château de Suze-la-Rousse
Beautiful hilltop view from Château de Suze-la-Rousse
Dad, more castles, more castles!
Small vineyard below the chateau with a large variety of grapes that seemed like a school or lab. We tried many of them, assuming that was OK..
Need some water to wash down the grape buffet.
Concurrence that France’s gelato tops Spain’s gelato, especially at Léone Artisan Glacier in Vaison-la-Romaine
View from the Chateau Comtal at Vaison-la-Romaine
The chateau was closed, but we enjoyed the short hike through the medieval town to find this shady spot for a break.
Drive-by sightseeing the Orange amphitheater after a long, hot day.
Road trip a bit west to see Gorges de l’Ardèche
More pictures Dad??
Everyone had the same idea for a beach day near the Pont d’Arc when it’s 100 degrees outside.
Crystal clear waters of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
Ducks across the globe enjoy bread and also easily interested by Charlie’s rock throwing.
Near the source of the Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, but the water in the spring-time is our over our heads here
Gotta find shade at 3pm in August while exploring Roussillon
Charlie wanted a solo photo, of course on a bridge ledge..
Bunk beds in Salernes!
Charlie was captivated by these water-powered dancers and fisherman.
Crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean in Saint-Maxime
Beach day to cool down
Tons of tide pools to explore and rocks to be tossed
Chris, Cindy, Charlie and Cecily’s Adventure Blog 