Cam's in Europe: Day 31

A slower week has concluded but time still seems to race on. Thursday saw the beginning of week 5 which I would not have guessed had come around so fast, but when we sat and talked of what we've done we realise that we've covered a lot of ground and seen so much in our first month.

Following the last blog our weekend was still in Beaune. Saturday morning was the local market, a huge event where you can get everything, from beds to escargot, and all from stalls set up on the streets and in the Square of the town.

We did our shopping and planned a Pork roast with the trimmings, it was delightful.

The afternoon was another of those special spirit of the moment experiences. Angela booked a bike tour through the vineyards, with a local whose life has been in Burgundy and is all about wine. With his soothing French accent we meandered up down the hills (Coate) of Beaune - Coate de Beaune. A simple 3 hr peddle which became 4 because as in so many instances, these guys love what they do, and it's not all about the commercial factor of churning through the tourists.

We stopped at a small private winery, where the wife and Son are continuing the business and their love for the small patch of vines showed through.

It was just an amazing afternoon.

Taking in the amazing views.

The vines in the back yard - one of many patches of their fruit.

Sunday was another slow relaxing day with walks to and around town and a picnic in the local park which is always a winner with the kids. Lots of ducks, swans (and their babies), and with crystal clear water you could easily spot the very large fish.

Monday was move on day and it was time to head to Lyon (known as food capital of France we had just one night to savour the delights on the way to Uzes, where we had seven nights to continue enjoying Southern provincial France.

Unfortunately our day started with sad news from home that our dear Ruby dog had been tragically hit by a car. It was hard news to accept, reminding us of the amount of time we are away and the decisions you make and accept in taking a trip like this. It affected us all but Claire has taken it the hardest as she had a special bond with Ruby.

This understandably effected our mood and enthusiasm over the following days, so it has been nice to be based again here in Uzes this week, and not on the go each day.

Lyon was beautiful city set on the Le Rhône river, but because we only had the night we didn't get as much sight seeing as would be normal and proving my stars weren't aligned I couldn't get a car park anywhere - a definite sign that's it was time to move on.

And now we've found a double decker Carousel!

Arriving in Uzes we found our booked accom, which was another Air BnB property. This time also booked purposely because of its name.

A very well set up home a short walk from town, which is the nicest most beautiful little town. Bustling with restaurants, cafes, wine bars and so many shops set around a myriad of small lanes and alleys.

A continual flowing water tap from a
natural spring.

And just as spectacular at night.

Wednesday was time for the girls top have a pick of activities and with our previous bad news it was good timing - we headed to the air park where they could climb through the trees on lines tackling the course and enjoying multiple flying foxes.

As I know most have seen and commented on (via Ange's FB), the drive there had its own adventure style activities as I missed judged the depth on the side of the road in completing a U turn and found ourselves balancing on two wheels.

The perfect travel photo!

We remained calm and literally were back on the road (on 4 wheels) within 5 minutes as local passers stopped and sprang to action while we (me) stood and watched. Not a word of English and without any want for their help we off and they were gone - love the French.

Great to have my big girl smiling again. xx

Thursday was back on the horse (or in the Renault) and we headed of to see the surrounding areas. First stop Avignon. A place I would have loved to have stayed and spent more time. Another beautiful city behind the old walls. We picnicked on the edge of the Rhône - yep shes a big river, and then wandered the streets in the perfect sunshine - temperatures now in the high 20's. Another beautiful place, and just as Mum had advised the ice cream was great!

We then drove to Nimes (pronounced neeems ). It was where denim was invented, and just as the lonely planet described, you need to push through the boring un-inviting outskirts to discover the centre area - which has a Roman built Coliseum.

As our luck would have it we had arrived on the eve of the years biggest 'Spanish' festival. Got the best car park yet and we went to enjoy. Bull fighting, it was the big beginning to the festival and just like Moomba or any massive festival event back home, the streets were closed and full of stalls, beer outlets and everyone was ready for their long weekend party.

We decided to buy tickets and see the bull fighting, which was exactly what I thought, but naively even more - Olivia and Ange left 1/2 way into the first bull fight and Claire left at the end of the first - there was 5 in total. Its more gruesome than I thought, but certainly a spectacle I'm glad I witnessed. The coliseum was also an amazing stadium with very little structural change since the Romans built it.

No idea what he kept saying but we got our
family photo outside the coliseum

We then rejoined the party outside and dug into to Paella before pushing on towards home to see the Pont Du Gard. Another amazing engineering feet by the Romans in moving water through France. Again our luck with a long weekend approaching there was a festival here where they were doing final sound and lighting checks for the opening on the following day. We got a private dress rehearsal with no more than 10 other people . Perfect timing! Home late, but another brilliant day.

Friends Toni and Gordon who we had caught up with in London had decided to fly down and spend the weekend with us which was really nice. They arrived Friday lunch time, and we collected them from the local airport and returned to enjoy Uzes with them beginning over a satisfying casual lunch in the town Square.

It was great to have company and especially for Ange and Toni to continue their catch up after not seeing each other for so many years. Gordon also gave me a dose of male conversation and support, and being such a great, easy going guy we've had a great time.

Saturday bought another market and time to shop for the home cooked BBQ feast. It was a huge market, and all the food is from the local region. Lamb was the choice of meats, with lots of veggies, cheese, fruits and a amazing tart. Along with the wine it was a great night.

I even shared my BBQ.

However before enjoying dinner we had booked a kayaking trip on the river Le Gard Du Gardon. A leisurely 2 hrs taking in this amazing structure from beneath - and with weather in low 30's it was just perfect.

It doesn't get much better than this.

Toni and Gordon - Claire just commanding from
the middle and splashing Gord as required!

So we head into our last week in France, which so far has given us everything and more we expected from her. The weather is now in the low 30's ( I only mention this because I see its average back home) but it certainly helps to add to our experiences.

A slight change in our schedule now sees us spending 2 nights in Montpellier from Monday and then to Carcassonne for 2 nights before finding a random (as Claire's new language goes) night in north eastern beach area of Spain before heading into Barcelona and meeting with Dad and Christine.

Stay well, until next week,

The Happy Traveller.