Tuesday July 8 2008

I woke early again, dang that jet lag, had, breakfast, then went for another walk up all those stairs to Sacre Coeur and around Place du Terte.  I was due at Gare Du Lyon to catch my train to Avignon, and decided to spend the money on a taxi so I could see a little more of Paris.

I had treated myself to a first class rail pass (not as expensive as you might think) and very comfortably ejoyed the 2 3/4 hour journey through the beautiful French countryside. I was met off the train by a taxi driver (and by the way, it was nearly 10 degrees warmer here than in Paris - sorry to all of you who are shivering in SA - its about 28 in Provence!).  The driver took me to my hotel in St Remy-de-Provence, the Hotel Gounod, which is very nice indeed!  Wonderful decor, a gorgeous bed with white linen, bath products from L’Occitane en Provence (yum) and the scent of Verbena in the air!  Far nicer than what I would normally stay in.

I went for a walk around the old town, which was full of all those lovely crafts and products I could not afford nor had room for in my suitcase.  At 5pm I was met by Jean-Marc who was to give me an orientation on my waking tour.  He quickly whisked me through the topographic maps (too quickly?) then left me to it.

Dinner was a part of the package and was at the Hotel Le Mas des Carassins.  I ate the most gorgeous meal I have had in ages (5 courses) seated in a beautiful garden.  Just lovely!  Then it was a lovely walk home to my hotel and bed.