Favorite Quotes

"I know nothing with any certainty, except...the sight of the stars makes me dream."
Van Gogh

"Nobody really sees a flower" Georgia O' Keeffe

Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what your gonna get:)

Sunday, July 8, 2018

Paris & Provence in the Spring "2018

 I just returned from a wonderful trip to Paris & Provence and thought I would start documenting my self-planned vacations. Others keep asking me about my travels and want a copy of my itineraries. The easiest way to do that is to start blogging about my adventures.
     My theory on planning a vacation to remember is to first plan-where & when, I/We want to go, Who's going with me and what are they interested in and How long can we stay, and where to stay. Next I read lots & lots of blogs, look on Pinterest, and read a few books on the areas of interest.

France ROAD TRIP
 Depart-Mon.,May 28: (UA915)Wash. (IAD) Depart: 5:25 pm. to Paris (CDG)
OVERNIGHT-Arrive: 6:55am.

Return-Saturday, June 9: (Ua914)Paris (CDG)12:25pm to Wash. (IAD)2:50pm.
(RT:Wash-iad to Paris-CDG)  COST: $644 Round Trip
                                         Renaissance Paris Republique Hotel=$465 Total w/pts.

                                            40 Rue Rene Boulanger Paris 75010 France
                                                          +33-1-71 18 20 95/ 
Check-In:Tues. May28@3pm. /Out-Fri.June 1@12pm. Artist Studio Suite, Jr. Suite, 1 King-Rooftop View, Wifi

https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/parpr-renaissance-paris-republique-hotel/
11 days ---Monday, May 28-Saturdayday, June 9


Hoppa Transfer x2-$97.06(CDGèParis/ParisèCDG)
PARIS: Monday: May 28 (Fly to Paris)
Day 1: Tuesday: May 29 (Arrive Morning 9-10am)
Sightseeing- #163965-Open Tour -Hop On/off Bus-$47ea. (2 Days) 
 Eiffel Tower-4:45(16:45)-Show up w/Email confirmation: #1108677-60each & exchange coupon/voucher-#1804WS7220 Print-vouchers and hand it to your group leader at the meeting point at 36 Avenue de la Bourdonnais 75007 Paris (PARISCityVISION/FAT FAT TIRE cobranded shop).
Day 2: Wednesday: May 30-
 Louvre10:15 Tour-2Hrs., Sightseeing
Moulin Rouge w/Champagne-9-11pm. $160ea.
Day 3: Thursday: May 31-Day Trip-Giverny/Versailles
HERTZ-Rental Car-Auto (H6022934367) 7am.-9pm.
18 Rue de dunkerqueLevel-1 Eurostar Terminis
TGV-TRAIN: Paris to Provence (Avignon) $582 Round Trip   $194USD. Ea.
Day 4-11 in Provence: Friday: June 1-Paris Gare Lyon to Avignon TGV
Booking #:42898308 / Train #-6065
(Paris Gare Lyon-10:37amè1:16pm (13:16)èAvignon TGV
Day 11: Friday: June 8- Avignon TGV to Paris Gare Lyon-Train #-6112
(Avignon TGV -9:43am-12:23pm to Paris Gare Lyon
Day 11: Friday: June 8: (TGV to Paris) IBIS
Day 12: Saturday: June 9/ Depart (Fly Home)      
Day tripOne Hour between places
Paris è Versaillesè Givernyè Paris
*Versailles-Gardens-8am-6pm ($24)
Palace: 9am-5:30pm.
*Giverny-9:30-6pm. Daily ($15) 
*Giverny-9:30-6pm. Daily ($15) 84 rue Claude Monet-27620 Claude Monet lived for forty-three years, from 1883 to 1926, in his house in Giverny. With a passion for gardening as well as for colours, he conceived both his flower garden and water garden as true works of art. Walking through his house and gardens, visitors can still feel the atmosphere which reigned at the home of the Master of Impressionnism and marvel at the floral compositions and nymphéas, his greatest sources of inspiration.
Tel : +33 (0) 2 32 51 28 21

*Gardens
MAY-Alchemilla, Columbine, Ornamental Garlic, Azaleas, Spring Clematis, Foxgloves, Geranium (Pélargoniums) (2nd half of the month), Wallflowers (2nd half of the month), Wisteria, Irises ( at their best 3rd.week of the month), Dame’s Rocket, Forget-me-nots, Sweet William, Woad (1st.half of the month), Oriental Poppies, Pansies and Viola cornuta, Meadowrue, Peonies, Rhododendrons, Campions, Tamarisks (beginning of the month), Tulips ((1st.half of the month)
JUNE -Agapanthus, Alchemilla, Amaranths, Colombines, Anthemis, Ornamental Garlic, Bugloss, Nasturtiums (beginning), Clematis, Cleomes, Foxgloves, Fuchsias, Geraniums (Pélargoniums), Ox-eye Daisies (Leucanthèmes), Daylilies, Impatiens, Lavender, Lilies, Water lilies, Sweet William, Oriental Poppies, Pansies and Viola cornuta, Phlox, Meadowrue, Roses, Tobacco Flowers

   *paris museum pass-2 DAY-48€-$57-BUY AT AIRPORT to save $24 Shipping Fee
*Lourve-Booked
Small-Group Skip-the-Line Louvre Highlights Tour (46018P7) Price: EUR156.00=$194/$65ea.
Wednesday May 30, 2018-10:30am. Arrive 15 minutes early
Number of Adults: 3/ Product Booking Reference: BR-643354852
Location: 75001 Paris, France/The Arc du Carousel is inside the Place du Carousel, between Louvre Pyramid & Tuileries Gardens. Facing the Arc w/Pyramid behind you, two winged female statues in front of Arch. Meeting Point-at left statue(Southern end of square) Guide holding a Walks sign.
*La Sainte-Chapelle- 8 Boulevard du Palais, 75001-10 $13
*Notre Dame Tour-10 6 Parvis Notre-Dame - Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004.Free
*Panthéon- Place du Panthéon, 75005 Paris, 7€….$8
*Jardin du Luxembourg- amazing garden-Rue de Médicis - Rue de Vaugirard 75006 Paris
*Moulin Rouge w/Champagne=$127-82 Boulevard de Clichy (9pm-Show-Wed. May 30)
*Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysées- Shopping………………………………………….Free
      ‘Laduree’- the most delectable Macarons of Paris. Parisian tearoom
*Eiffel Tower-$11 (9:30-11pm.) $13+$17-Elevator           
*Galeries Lafayette Paris (Lunch & Panoramic View)- 40 Boulevard Haussmann…Free
*Printemps Haussmann- a department store-8th arrondissement, one of best views-Paris!  Top of department store-open-air terrace & cafe –free-64 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009
*Pompidou Center- Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris,- 14€….$16


*Musee L’Orangerie- Monets- Jardin Tuileries, 75001 Paris, (9-6pm) €18.50=…$25
*Musee  d’Orsay-1 Rue de la Légion d'Honneur, 75007 (9:30-6pm/Thurs-9:45pm)12 ...$14
*Rodin Museum-77 rue de Varenne, 75007 10-5:15pm) 10€…$12  7th Arrondisement
*Neopolian’s Tomb- Musée de l'Armée, 129 Rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris-12€….$14
*Musée de l'Armée (Invalides), 129 Rue de Grenelle, 75007 (10-6pm.)
*Montmartre and the Sacré-Cœur- 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris,
    Montmartre -Wall of Love-Square-Jehan Rictus
Paris,
*Basilique du Sacre Coeur-35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre (6am-10:30pm.)(Mass-7, 11 &3pm. 6-Fri)
*Parc des Buttes Chaumont- 1 Rue Botzaris- Waterfalls, cliffs & temples, 19th Arrondisement
*Musee Marmottam-All Monets- 2 Rue Louis Boilly, 75016 (10-6pm)  11 ...$14
*Catacombs of Paris: 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 (Tues-Sun:10-8:30)-Closed Monday-Underground ossuaries-hold the remains of six million people in a small tunnel
*Evening Walk- City of Light by walking along the banks of the Seine, near St-Michel quarter. Enjoy the view of Notre-Dame and take a walk on the Saint-Michel Bridge.

   TIPS!!! GET LOST IN LE MARAIS:
    Le Petit Marche - Local, non-touristy place. The menu only French. Really good food!
   ‘Le Petit Fer a Cheval’ brasserie.
   Amorino - Really good ice cream It's even shaped like a flower
   Les Philosophes –AMAZING asian chicken salad
   La Briciola - Best pizza outside of Italy, allegedly!
   Place de Vosges- oasis of calm in the middle of the busy ‘Marais’ district.
   L’As du Fallafel - Is it worth the wait? Yes- on Pretty Iconic Street: 34 Rue des Rosiers, cobbled lane filled with cafés, eateries, and independent boutiques
   The Picasso Museum: Address: 5 Rue de Thorigny, 75003 Paris.
   BREAKFAST AT CAFE SAINT REGIS, just south of Le Marais.
     Pretty Iconic Streets - Rue des Rosiers ,Rue des Barres, Rue Chanoinesse, Rue Cremieux (Colorful Houses), Rue Nicolas Flamel
Places to Eat in Paris…
Criossants/ Cafe Saint Regis: 6 Rue Jean du Bellay, 75004 & Les Deux Magots: 6 Place Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006
Kouign Amann/round crusty cake, Ladurée: 75, ave. des Champs Elysées 75008 & Maison Georges Larnicol: 132 Blvd St.-Germain, 75006
Macaron: Pierre Hermé: PARIS 9e - Galeries Lafayette Gourmet/Ground floor/35 boulevard Haussmann & Ladurée (Above)
Seafood & Neopolitan: Restaurant Le Duc 243 bd Raspail 75014
Grand Marnier Soufflé: Restaurant Astier: 44, rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud 75011
Croque Monsieur Or Croque Madame- sandwiches- stuffed w/ ham & cheese & then fried with cheese on the outside,OR Croque Madame-egg on top. Les Deux Magots: 6 Place Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006
Pizza: La Briciola: 64 Rue Charlot, 75003
Praline Brioche: Parlous: 44 rue Cler 75007
Ice Cream: Berthillon: 31 Rue Saint-Louis en l'Île, 75004
Le Saint Regis is a cafe located on the island of Ile Saint-Louis, just south of Le Marais.
SECRET PASSAGES- See Map:
(1) Passage des Princes (2e)             (2) Passage Verdeau (2e)           (3) Passage Jouffroy (2e)
(4) Passage des Panoramas (2e)      (5) Passage Choiseul (2e)          (6) Galerie Vivienne (1e)
(7) Galerie Vérot Dodat (2e)             (8) Passage du Bourg l’Abbé (2e)
(9) Passage du Grand Cerf (2e)       (10) Passage Ben Aiad (2e)        (11) Passage du Caire (2e)
(12) Passage du Ponceau (2e)           (13) Passage du Prado (10e)


Provence (7 Nights) Saint Remy
Hertz Rental Car-(7 Days)-$275EU=$341USD
Day 4: Friday: June 1                                                                                             
Day 5: Saturday: June 2
Day 6: Sunday: June 3
Day 7: Monday: June 4
Day 8: Tuesday: June 5
Day 9: Wednesday: June 6 (Cooking Class)
Day 10: Thursday: June 7
Day 11: Friday: June 8 (TGV to Paris)
Day 12: Saturday: June 9/ Depart (Fly Home)
To See the Place….Go to…
Pass: I<3Imagine
Go to: Trips
***(French Cooking Class=) $165 EU-Foodie Day tour. (Wednesday, June 6)
 http://www.provence-gourmet.fr/en/provence-cooking-class/
(Market/Winery/Cooking/Lunch)  9:30am-3:30 PM- Aix-en Provence or Alpilles
Gilles Conchy, gilles@provence-gourmet.fr - Deposit $90 €-$112 USD
Provence Gourmet, Tel. +33 (0)6 09 60 60 84
www.provence-gourmet.fr     Food Wine & Cooking day Tours in Provence

***Most Villages have designated parking areas

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: Wednesday farmer’s market- highlight in the region of Provence & not to be missed!!! If the gently rolling wheat fields and gnarled olive groves surrounding Saint-Rémy-de-Provence look familiar, don’t be surprised; Van Gogh spent a year here during one of his more creatively productive periods, during which he composed Starry Night, among other famous works. After perusing the town’s surprisingly cosmopolitan boutiques and eateries, venture further afield to explore the nearby ruins of Glanum,(S) a Celtic-Roman city with an intact triumphal arch dating back to the first century B.C.
Route des Artistes-200 artists exhibit & sell their works in the street on a Sunday in May & June
St. Remy de Provence Weekly Artisan & Craft Market
THE ALPILLES-(S) Take a walk “La Via Dolmitia”, the first Roman road built in Gaul, links Italy & Hispania through Gallia Narbonensis, now southern France-spectacular views of the Roman city of Glanum!!  Along the path, experience in person many of the sites painted by Van Gogh during his year of confinement at the St. Paul de Mausole hosptial. Olive orchards and vineyards of the AOC Les Baux de Provence dominate also your path to complement this unique walk! (About an hour)
Best Place for Walking in Provence
The rugged landscape of the Alpilles makes the perfect backdrop for walking in Provence. Wander between the olive groves, cypress trees, hills and valleys that inspired many a Van Gogh painting. magnificent views, hidden waterfalls, forgotten caves and the famous rock with two holes.  Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is the perfect base for exploring the Alpilles region and its walks. This typically Provençal town has been beautifully restored and its a pleasure to stroll its attractive town centre with craft shops, cafes and boutiques. Don’t miss: The Alpilles were brought to life with Van Gogh’s paintings. Get an insight into the life of Saint-Rémy’s most famous artist at the Musée Estrine.
Where to Eat in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France                                                            Lourmarin: (50 Min.from St. Remy NE) Market-Friday Morning  50 km. east of Avignon, on route N100 heading towards Forcalquier (26km). "one of the most beautiful villages in France", nestles in the middle of vinyards, olive groves and almond trees. 15th & 16thc. Castle. A very animated village in the summer due to its numerous cafe terraces, restaurants and boutiques, Lourmarin attracts many visitors.
    Comptoir 36: What doubles as a wine bar, this restaurant serves up fresh food with local ingredients.
    Restaurant de Tourrel: A lovely restaurant with modern interiors and classic cuisine.
    The Manor at Le Château des Alpilles: idyllic setting & incredible cuisine, splurge not to miss reserve in advance.  Tel: +33 (0) 4 90 92 03 33 contact@chateaudesalpilles.com, Route du Rougadou 13210, http://www.chateaudesalpilles.com/
    Bistrot Des Alpilles: A well-rounded restaurant, with a wide selection of classic French cuisine.
    Lechamo: Head here to cool off with yummy ice cream.
What to Do in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France
    Monastery Saint-Paul de Mausole: monastery surrounded by lavender fields, perfect mid-morning visit.
    Glanum: Explore ancient ruins from the 6th century right outside of town.
    Musée Estrine – Présence Van Gogh: Head here to all things Van Gogh.
   *Carrières de Lumières: A short drive from town, exhibit spectacular. Art is projected inside large quarries, with music and lights in sync.                           Route de Maillane, 13520 Les Baux-de-Provence, France
    Théâtre Antique. Located next to the Amphitheatre, this 1st-century Roman theatre Les Baux-de-Provence: A short drive from town, head here to tour a castle and quaint hilltop village.
   Driving the Cotes du Rhone wine road (Wineries & Beautiful Hilly Scenery)
Avignon- North- Palais des Papes
NORTH~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(French Vatican) Avignon is probably best known as the center of the religious conflict that took place in the 14th century, when Pope Clement V decamped to the French city and moved the seat of the Catholic Church out of Rome for nearly 70 years. Clement’s sumptuous Palais des Papes still remains in Avignon today, crowded on all sides by the city’s surprisingly bustling center. For a sampling of the region’s flavors, taste your way through the Les Halles market, enjoy a drink on one of the sprawling patios, and peruse Avignon’s many shops.
Sights-Palais des Papes, the Roman Avignon Cathedral & the famous four arches of the Pont Saint-Bénézet.  Don’t miss: Les Halles Market is a covered food market in the heart of the city. INDOOR
EVERY MORNING-Saturday-Food Demos. It’s a popular meeting spot and an absolute must do while visiting Avignon. Sample the delicacies of Provençal cuisine while mingling with the locals. Leisurely lunch at a restaurant on Place de l’Horloge or stroll through the Parc Rocher des Doms-a seven-acre park.  famous bridge, Pont Saint-Bénézet, Wine bars on Rue des Teinturiers. Sip at Manguin Distillery (Île de la Barthelasse)- famous Poire Williams Eau de Vie, an amazing pear brandy, over 50 yrs (Pears grown inside the bottle) Lush gardens of Rocher de Doms. Catch: light show/ front of palace (Les Luminessences). Tea at famous La Mirande hotel./ La Cave des Pas Sages wine bar/

VILLENEUVE-LÈS-AVIGNON: Just outside the Avignon walls. 7 square miles. Fort Saint-Andre-views, Chartreuse Notre-Dame-du-val-de-Bénédiction-monk’s cell and see the wonderful frescoes that decorate walls, Gardens of the Abbey Saint-André. The Tower of Philippe le Bel is “a must see” medieval tower- stunning views when you reach the top, especially of the Rhone river. wisteria hanging from doors and windows
ORANGE-(41 min. N.)-visit the Roman theatre- off the beaten path town’s historic sites. The "City of Princes" is home to two UNESCO World Monuments : the 2,000 yr old Roman Theatre and the Triumphal Arch. The Roman Theatre of Orange is the world's best preserved ancient theatre. It is the only theatre in Europe to have preserved its stage wall. Due to the acoustics and the structure, 9000 spectactors could and can still attend performances. Orange is a city full off ancient treasures and also full of  life. This art of living makes Orange a favorite stop-over for tourists. Orange has lovely streets, many little squares, cafés shaded by sycamore trees and many restaurants that cook traditional provencal meals. The city of Princes has retained all the charm of a provencal town. Provencal market on Thursday morning
Le Barroux-(47 Min.from St. Remy N)
Few places in Provence feel further removed from the well-trod tourist path than Le Barroux. The tiny village is seemingly one giant looping street, with impossibly narrow alleyways punctuated by mint green and robin’s egg blue shutters, and window flower boxes hanging from the rugged stone facades. The Château du Barroux, from the 12th century, sits precariously on the top of a hill with the town circling its base, before giving way to sweeping vineyards and olive groves on all sides. On a sunny day, you can see Mont Ventoux in the distance. After a stroll through the sun-kissed streets, where you’ll encounter gurgling fountains at every turn, head to Entre’ Potes for fantastically prepared Provençal food.
Vaison-la-Romaine-(1 Hour from St. Remy N) It wasn’t the Romans but the Celts who were the first people to settle this picturesque hill in the Vaucluse department. Today, Vaison-la-Romaine is a charming mix of the old and new, with the steep Medieval-era streets leading up to the Colline de Chateau on the south side of Ouvèze River. Over the Pont Romain, dating back to the first century, you’ll find the older, original Roman settlements and the bulk of the town packed with al fresco cafes and shops selling the region’s lavender and olive-based products. Ruins of an original Roman villa and theater can be seen just outside the city center.
NORTH-EAST~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
THE LUBERON-(48 min. NE-Next to Gordes) Luberon Valley Village to Village” WALK. The Luberon countryside is absolutely beautiful with incredible, often unexpected variety of landscapes and architecture.  -The Bories village, a very unique village, is composed of seven groupings of huts, each having a very precise function. You will find houses, stables, sheepfolds, barns, grain lofts, silkworm factories and bakehouses, vat houses and tanning mills, henhouses, pig sties and goat shelters. The existence of this village shows that, outside of just a sporadic use of a borie, as a temporary dwilling, for example, or for agricultural purposes, there was a whole social and economic system built around and based on these dwellings of former times. Ancient bories, a Roman oppidium-(Roman prehistoric fortified hilltop settlement), old mills, a 700-year old chapel, a truffle farm, and charming villages, vineyard and lavender, poppies & sunflowers  (in season-June-July) along this walking trail. poppies and sunflowers (in season), and scenery that will completely contrast the Alpilles and along the Mediterranean coast. Enjoy time to discover and visit Gordes and Roussillon villages pre- and post walk. OR-Artist HILLTOP VILLAGES- Shuttle from village to village- visit Gordes and Roussillon villages/artisan “perfumery”/ Cruise the Calanques (Roman Fjords)-45 min.
Ansouis-Tiny Village w/extraordinary, quirky museum w/sculptures & a collection of sea artifacts.
Small towns- Apt- -Saturday Farmer’s Market. Saint-Saturnin-Lès-Apt , close to Apt, A quiet beautiful place not crowded by tourists, it has a beautiful elevated region with a windmill that provides breathtaking views of the Luberon valley. Small lanes, pastel colored homes, specks of bright door and windows and lots of blooming flowers adorning the streets and balconies made this village so special. A must visit,
Cucuron, Fontaine-De-Vaucluse, Goult, Villars
alleyways are filled with shops selling books, gifts, arts and crafts, and many a souvenir to remind you of your time in Provence. It’s the perfect place to linger for a while and observe day-to-day Provencal life, with its courtyards of brasseries, cafes and restaurants opening out onto the streets. Just outside of the town is a 15th century château with views onto the fields of   surrounding vineyards, olive groves and almond trees. Famous for its boutique stores linen (Provence is famous for French linen) from here. There is also a chateau in Lourmarin (a converted castle) which hosts wine tasting and performances in the evening.
Bonnieux
If you are driving from Roussillon to Loumarin, Bonnieux is impossible to miss, with the spire of the 12th century Vieille Église (Old Church) rising into the sky. Once a fortified village, this charming town offers
plenty to see and do as it’s a little bigger than the previous villages mentioned in this post, with many more restaurants, cafés and a market on Friday mornings. Or you may enjoy simply wandering the winding streets, noting the oh-so-quaint architecture of the 16th century houses, and gazing at the expansive views of the fields of crops and distant Luberon mountains.
Oppède-natural beauty/ famous for the church Notre-Dame-Dalidon which you can hike up to for beautiful sights. The fresco inside the church is very impressive.
L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue: (37 Min.from St. Remy NE) 25 km. east of Avignon, between  Cavaillon and Carpentras.. "island city" lies at the foot of Vaucluse plateau in the plains of Comtat Venaissin. Several canals running through its center, runs between narrow ancient streets. Little bridges to cross & great wheels, Market on Thursday & Sunday mornings.  One of the main reasons everyone travels to L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is for their market day. Here you will find everything from antiques to fresh fruit, and people will be shoulder to shoulder as they examine the goods. The town is built along the river Sorgue and the canals flowing through the town only add to its charm. watching the people, meandering over bridges and exploring the old waterwheels. Antique shopping.

Rousillon-(1 Hour from St. Remy NE) Market Day – Thursday mornings-At sunset, the village of Roussillon practically glows , its fiery red and orange buildings lighting up the surrounding landscape. Its unique color palette—most Provencal towns are a study in sandy beiges and creamy whites—is due to the large ocher clay deposits in the vicinity. While Provence is known for its fertile landscape, the area surrounding Roussillon is a pleasant change of pace with its stark red cliffs and  dramatic canyons. Grab a seat at one of the tiny sidewalk cafes and admire the town’s vibrant architecture.
As legend tells it, the fiery tones seen in this unique area of Roussillon come from the blood of Dame Sermonde who jumped to her death after being confronted by a jealous husband. Or you could go with the more feasible explanation that the color is a result of iron oxide deposits dating back millions of years. Theories aside, this particular spot in Provence has taken on a peculiar pigment that provides a startling contrast to the green vegetation that grows from it.  The Ochre Trail deceivingly consists of two walking routes. Neither is strenuous, with one taking around 30 minutes and the other just less than an hour. Both tracks provide a scenic hike through the amber colored cliffs and parched looking canyons.
Entrance to the Ochre Trail costs €2.50
Tips for enjoying the Ochre Trail-Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Ochre Conservatory where you can learn how ochre is formed and how to use it to create art. A joint ticket can be purchased for €7.50 – saving you €1.50.
Don’t wear light colored clothing or shoes – as the ochre will leave a (washable) pigment on you.
Walking along the burnt orange path is like stepping into another (very colorful) dimension. Choose the short or the long path (30 or 60 minutes) and stroll to your heart’s content. Don’t wear any light-colored clothes because white and red don’t mix well.
Getting there:If time allows – skip the tolls and use the smaller local roads. This way your drive will be part of the experience as you wind through enchanting villages, past grand chateaux, and alongside canals, while rows of vines and olive groves line the road. Rich in hematite (the mineral form of iron oxide)
Visit Luberon in the same day (Save some time for Wine tasting.
A short drive down D2, D15, & D177 leads to View of the hillside village of Gordes & the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Senanque.(12th. C. Abbey)
Sault- northern most village, the Lavender capital of Provence. Surrounded by acres of lavender fields,

 Banon: (1.5 Hours from St. Remy NE)  Picturesque village, narrow cobblestone streets between ancient houses. The top of the hill, with the 17th-c romanesque église St-Marc and tall bell tower was once circled by its own defensive wall. What remains of that is the old entrance at the Place du Portail & at the top, the ruins of the walls, one with a tall larch. The Banon goat cheese is famous. It's wrapped in chestnut leaves. It was described to us as "gouteux"-full of flavour".The white cheese is actually fairly mild, the "flavour" coming from the coating.
Lourmarin: (50 Min.from St. Remy NEMarket-Friday Morning  50 km. east of Avignon, on route N100 heading towards Forcalquier (26km). "one of the most beautiful villages in France", nestles in the middle of vinyards, olive groves and almond trees. 15th & 16thc. CastleA very animated village in the summer due to its numerous cafe terraces, restaurants and boutiques, Lourmarin attracts many visitors. 


NORTH-WEST~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Vers-Pont du Gard- (40 Min.from St. Remy NW) the most spectacular section of the  aqueduct built by the Romans in the 1st century. The village, which revels in its stone, has kept all its small shops and businesses and traditional crafts and is full of life throughout the year. Strolling its little lanes, some of them cobblestoned, you will discover the Clock Tower, a vestige of the medieval wall, the church and its murals, statuary and paintings. The market in Vers takes place on Saturday mornings on the Place des Platanes.  Many springs supply the village with water and the main ones gave birth to three remarkable washhouses built in the 19th century, the Grand Font (1882), the Font d'Izière and the Misserand, in addition to the frog fountain. - the Pont du Gard, situated 4 kilometres from the village and listed as a World Heritage Site, as well as many remaining parts of the aqueduct.
Several hiking trails leave from the village for a beautiful walk to the Pont du Gard.

Uzes: (1 Hour from St. Remy NW) Between Alès, Nimes and Avignon, the discreet but oh so  elegant town of Uzes has preserved in its centre much evidence of its rich past. Market every Wednesday &  Saturday, centered at Place aux Herbes. Uzès, the oldest duchy in France, attracts visitors from around the world who come to stroll its medieval lanes and admire its rich heritage. Enjoy the colors, the fragrances and the smiles in this beautiful corner of Southern France where you can relish an unparalleled quality of life.
Secreted away in the Gard department west of the Rhone River, Uzès is a hidden-in-plain-sight gem with as much authenticity as you’ll find anywhere in the dozens of small towns scattered over the Provence region. The village of 8,000 was at different points a Roman settlement, a Jewish enclave, a bishopric, and a dukedom, evidence of which can be found in the stately homes, chateaux, and 17th-century chapel still preserved in the city center. A mid-century investment from the French government turned the town into a secretly hip hamlet, where many expats now own homes, but the atmosphere is still entirely French. Don’t miss the Sunday market, one of the best in Provence. Several castles & towers: the Bermond tower, the King’s tower, the Bishop’s tower, &d the Fenestrelle tower. Must stop by La Fabrique Givree: ice cream.
 * Grottos of Provence
From ancient underground rivers and petrified waterfalls to rock formations and prehistoric paintings. What lies beneath Provence’s hills divulges secrets of the region’s history. Today, guided tours allow visitors to safely navigate this mysterious underground world of stalactites and stalagmites. Below-a few of the most captivating looking caves.           
Les Grottes de Thouzon. 45-minute family friendly tour for €8.90 Adults, 
 (30 min. NW. St. Remy)  142, Impasse des Sablières - 2083 Route d'Orange 84250 Le Thor/ Provence, Vaucluse


EAST~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gordes: (48 Min.from St. Remy E.)  Market-Tuesday    The village of Gordes is set around a rock where the houses rise up in a spiral. Gordes is a beautiful and old village in the Provence- Alpes- d'Azur  region in southeastern France. Often listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France, Gordes is a charming mix of sleepy French hillside village and posh resort town. The area is a favorite among celebrities as a quiet summer retreat, but the atmosphere is still unpretentious. The idyllic setting is dominated by the fortress standing guard over the city—a Roman foundation that was significantly renovated during the Renaissance; it now houses an art museum. Be sure to look down every tiny alleyway as you stroll through Gordes, as some of the best views of the countryside can be glimpsed through the narrow corridors leading out from the city center. Don’t miss Abbaye of Sénanque just outside the city, where monks still live and produce local honey and liqueurs. the Lavender Museum of Provence: 276 Route de Gordes, 84220 Cabrières-d'Avignon, (9am-7pm. Daily)
Moustiers Sainte-Marie: (2 Hrs from St. Remy E.) Dramatically situated below two cliffs in the Natural Regional Park of Verdon and on the western side of the very scenic Gorges du Verdon. one of the most beautiful medieval villages of France. 100 metres up the high limestone cliff.



Verdon Gorge: (2.5 Hours from St. Remy E.)
These gorges in northern Provence are one of the most impressive scenic highlights in France.
Menerbes: (47 Min.from St. Remy E.) Market DayThursday mornings -3 km from the N100 which links Avignon (42km) and Apt (23km) by the D103. Built on a hill, surrounded by countryside. Rich historic past has been well-preserved. The Dolmen de la Pichouno (unique to Vaucluse) shows that Ménerbes has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Archeological excavations have uncovered the remains of villas and an ancient cemetery dating back to Roman times. Saint Hillaire is rich on architectural styles, from Roman to classical Gothic. During the Middle Ages, access to the town was through the two doors, St Sauveur et Notre Dame. Do not leave Ménerbes without making a tour of the picturesque "corkscrew museum" (Musee du Tire-bouchon), It’s located at Domaine de la Citadelle, two kilometres outside the village. More than 1,000 different varieties on display. The corkscrew was invented in the 12th century... by a Frenchman of course !!!  For a town of less than 2,000, Ménerbes has experienced its fair share of brushes with fame. A group of quasi-celebrities, Picasso’s models to high-profile English businessmen, settled in the otherwise forgotten village in the middle of the 20th century, before Ménerbes was put back on the map by Peter Mayle’s writing (it was the setting in A Good Year). The charming village, whose buff-colored buildings seem to almost disappear into the leafy landscape, is dominated by the Protestant-built citadel, a remnant from Ménerbes’ time as an important Protestant stronghold during the French Wars of Religion
* Lacoste -Small Town- Market Day – Tuesday mornings
SOUTH~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Les Baux de Provence: (15 Min.from St. Remy S.) 15 km Arles /25 km d'Avignon Heart of the Alpilles son a rocky plateau 245m high. A brilliant view of Arles, Camargue and the Alpilles can be seen from the look-out points! This immense and superb stone fortress is without doubt one of the "must-sees" on the Provencal tourist trail! Its cultural heritage is exceptionally rich, with 22 architectural treasures classified as "Historic Monuments" (including the church, chateau, town-hall, hospital, chapels, houses, doorways... The village can only be visited by foot and you will admire the ancient houses that have been carefully restored, beautiful Renaissance façades and several magnificent "hôtels particuliers" which today serve as art galleries or museums. While wandering around you will come across many craft shops selling Provençal products and souvenirs... Food-lovers will soon discover that several restaurants at Les Baux boast international reputations... such quality dining is so hard to resist!!!  Les Baux-de-Provence is a very picturesque Medieval village at a fortified rocky site between Arles and St Remy-de-Provence. Les Baux is well worth visiting, for the ancient village, the extensive fortified-chateau area, the magnificent setting and views, and the museums. It's very crowded here in the Summer, so coming off-season is advised if you have a choice.
Alpilles-16 Carrières de Lumières (ILLUMINATED CAVES)
The remains of the fortress & former city of Baux are now featuring medieval horse shows, trebuchet launching, and archery. Explore the ruins & even though in French, loved the falconry show.
SOUTH-EAST~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Aix-en Provence:(1 Hour SE) University city, a graceful, lively city, is known for its thermal hot springs, art schools and universities. in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southern France. It was the birthplace of Post-Impressionist painter Paul Cézanne. A walking trail links sites including his childhood home, Jas de Bouffan, and his former studio, Atelier Cézanne. The white limestone mountain Sainte-Victoire overlooking the city as well as the surrounding countryside were frequent subjects of his works. Wander the Cours, old town and Quartier Mazarin on foot, stopping at cafés, bookstores and markets. Try to count fountains… Aix reportedly has 1,000 of them. Near the Gorges du Verdon
Historic old town centre with its wonderfully curved and cobbled streets, the many cultural events held throughout the year, the secret gardens, the almost daily markets, and the masses of museums and art galleries! Jas de Bouffa-The former country home of painter Cézanne, Cathedral Saint Sauveur,
Place de la Mairie-local souveniers, Le Garde Manger-Coffee & Sweets-Upstairs lounge with great views,
Forum des Cardeurs (Square)- restaurants, cafés and shops
Café Saint Honoré, Pâtisserie Weibel,
LE GRAND MARCHÉ (Cours Mirabeau)– TEXTILE, ARTISAN, (CLOTHING AND TEXTILE MARKET) IN AIX-EN-PROVENCE  (Must-DO) Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday 8-1pm.

Cassis-(1.5 Hours from St. Remy SE.) Market-Wed, & Fri Mornings-No longer a true hidden gem, Cassis still offers a pleasant  respite from Provence’s more popular port cities in its dramatic  seaside setting, framed by the imposing white cliffs and the series of calanques tucked among them. Winemaking is now the primary activity in the region, but Cassis has maintained its idyllic fishing village vibe, with pastel-colored buildings lining the harbor. Be sure to sample the local specialty, a very particularly prepared bouillabaisse, before you leave. (Boat Trip of Fjordes-2/3 Hrs.) MEDITERRANEAN COAST – CASSIS (500 BC, )- Cassis Weekly Artisan & Craft Market/ surrounded by vineyards, and bordered by the Mediterranean sea, colorful cliffs and beach. Stroll through this art deco style village’s pedestrian streets. not to miss visiting one of the French Riviera’s oldest and most famous.
-Cassis has it all – stunning natural features, adorable seaside restaurants, a twisty mountain drive, and a bit of history thrown in for good measure. The most unique feature of Cassis is its calanques, white cliffs of limestone that plunge dramatically into the Mediterranean. You can walk the trails, hike, or take a cruise to see some of the largest ones. After your excursion, relax at one of the cafes with some fresh seafood while you marvel at the colors of all the boats in the marina. After lunch, drive on La Route des Cretes, a breathtaking mountain drive that takes you high above the town for one of the most picturesque things to do in Provence
***Alternatively- beachside village of Sainte Croix - iconic Mediterranean beach experience. Plage de Sainte-Croix is a popular spot in the summer months but outside of the school holidays, it’s a true oasis.
Natural Attractions
*Les Calanques-,  (1 ½ hr. SE. St. Remy) The rugged coast Sandwiched between Marseille and Cassis lies one of the most breathtaking natural wonders of France, The Calanques. A series of towering limestone colored promontories cliffs meet the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean sea, creating sheltered inlets between the sheer rock faces. One of the most breathtaking natural wonders of France, (Near Cassis)
The surrounding area, aptly named the Parc National des Calanques, is a serene space that provides a spectacular backdrop for hiking, mountain biking and rock climbing. Alternatively, the protected waters of the National Park are accessed by boat or kayak, affording visitors the opportunity to seek out hidden beaches and secluded shallows. Three of the most stunning calanques – Port Miou, Port Pin and En Vau – can be found a short walk from the charming port side town of Cassis.
Port Miou is the most accessible and doubles as a natural marina for the hundreds of boats moored to its banks. But the real, untouched, beauty of the calanques lies over the hill at Port Pin and En Vau.
To route to Port Pin from Port Miou is well signposted and is fairly easy to navigate. Despite the uneven ground and slippery stone surfaces, people of all ages and abilities tackle this short walk to reach the pebbled beach at Port Pin. It’s a popular swimming spot during the warmer months and the views on the way are well worth the hike! Calanque d’En-Vau is the most famous, and undoubtedly the most breathtaking calanque of the three. Its beauty can be admired from above – after trekking straight up through the bush or navigating the longer route around the coast. But to reach the hidden oasis at the bottom you’re faced with a daunting descent!  Be sure to plan your trip with this in mind.
Alternatively, boat tour  out to the hidden beaches to get a different perspective!

WEST~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nimes: (53 min. W) a city in the Occitanie region of southern France, was an important outpost of the Roman Empire. It’s known for well-preserved Roman monuments such as the Arena of Nîmes, a double-tiered circa-70 A.D. amphitheater still in use for concerts and bullfights. Both the Pont du Gard tri-level aqueduct and the Maison Carrée white limestone Roman temple are around 2,000 years old. Musée des Beaux-Arts of Nimes-museum-3600 fine art & sculpture- Roman times to Old Masters, Don’t Miss! Jardins de la Fontaine, an 18th-century public park modeled after the gardens at Versailles. The Pont du Gard is near Nîmes

SOUTH-WEST~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Arles- (35 min.SW) Arles is a good example of the adaptation of an ancient city to medieval European civilization. It has some impressive Roman monuments, of which the earliest – the arena, the Roman theatre and the cryptoporticus (subterranean galleries) – date back to the 1st century B.C. During the 4th century Arles experienced a second golden age, as attested by the baths of Constantine and the UNESCO-necropolis of Alyscamps-(Do Not Miss). In the 11th and 12th centuries, Arles once again became one of the most attractive cities in the Mediterranean. Within the city walls, Saint-Trophime, with its cloister, is one of Provence's major Romanesque monuments.
*Wednesday or Saturday morning market
*Van Gogh Walk. This walking tour is mapped out on little easels throughout the town. Each point is one of the many sites where this troubled artist painted, had a drink, or people watched. It’s like a treasure hunt, really.  Along the walk, you will come across the Espace Van Gogh, the hospital where Van Gogh went after cutting off his ear. Here, he painted around 300 works of art.
*Starry Night Viewpoint-Almost a direct walk from the train station, the Rhone river , on our way into the town. It was here that Van Gogh painted the Starry Night on the Rhone in 1888. so peaceful and magical to simply sit on the bank of the river here and try to picture the red haired, sunflower loving man painting on a nearby bench.
*Place du Forum is most famous from Van Gogh’s”Café Terrace at Night.” That being said, it’s worth visiting for many other reasons, too. During Roman times, the forum was the center of social, political, and religious life. Today, it is a lovely shaded square, perfect for sitting outside at a cafe and having a sip of coffee or wine at one of the many restaurants inside.
TI-Map of Van Gogh walking tour of paintings.
SITES-Arles Amphitheatre – 1 Rond-Point des Arènes
            Place du Forum – Place du Forum
            Théâtre Antique d’Arles – Rue du Cloître
            The neighborhood west of Rue Gambetta
MUSEUMS-Vincent Van Gogh Foundation35ter Rue du Dr Fanton
Some of the most impressive sites are situated near the southern city of Arles. Discover the Roman Amphitheatre that dates back to 90 AD. Visit the iconic Church of St. Trophime, and make the journey out to the Barbegal aqueduct and mill. You can also use Arles as a base to explore the ancient city of Glanum, located near Saint Remy de Provence, the medieval castle of Les Baux de Provence
*Camargue Regional Nature Park-(50 min. SW from Remy)
The native wildlife of the Camargue is what makes this unique area of wetlands particularly magical. One of the few places in Europe where you can spot ‘greater flamingoes‘; thousands of these long-legged birds flock to the Camargue in the warmer months to feast on morsels from the muddy marshes. Of course, the famous flamingo isn’t the only star of the avian show. It joins no less than 400 other species of birdlife, marking the Camargue as an important bird area. This river delta is also home to herds of white Camargue horses who graze freely in the fields, and black wide-horned Camargue cattle.You can take a full, or half day tour of the Camargue Regional Nature Park with local guides, or explore the area yourself on foot or by bike. (9am-7pm. Daily)
If you’re short on time in the Camargue and want to make the most of your visit, head straight to the Parc Ornithologique where you’ll have flocks of flamingos at your fingertips
Vineyards, rice fields, salt fields, brine lagoons & the iconic wild horses and pink flamingos
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Extras: Moustiers Sainte-Marie (SE),  La Roque Gageac (SW), Saint-Cirq-Lapopie (SW)

FRENCH FOODS:
***Baguettes, Crepes, pain au chocolat-Choc. Croissant, Cheeses, Macaron-cookie,
Criossants/ Cafe Saint Regis: 6 Rue Jean du Bellay, 75004 & Les Deux Magots: 6 Place Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006
Kouign Amann/round crusty cake, Ladurée: 75, ave. des Champs Elysées 75008 & Maison Georges Larnicol: 132 Blvd St.-Germain, 75006
Macaron: Pierre Hermé: PARIS 9e - Galeries Lafayette Gourmet/Ground floor/35 boulevard Haussmann & Ladurée (Above)
Seafood & Neopolitan: Restaurant Le Duc 243 bd Raspail 75014
Grand Marnier Soufflé: Restaurant Astier: 44, rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud 75011
Croque Monsieur Or Croque Madame- sandwiches- stuffed w/ ham & cheese & then fried with cheese on the outside,OR Croque Madame-egg on top. Les Deux Magots: 6 Place Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006
Pizza: La Briciola: 64 Rue Charlot, 75003
Praline Brioche: Parlous: 44 rue Cler 75007
Ice Cream: Berthillon: 31 Rue Saint-Louis en l'Île, 75004
Bouef  Bouguinon-Beef braised in Red Wine & Beef Broth in a Stew
Ratatouille-Vegetable Stew
Coq Au Vin- Braised Chicken with Wine, Laardons & Mushrooms
Tatiflette-Potato Gratin with Reblochon, Cheese, Onions, Laardons & White Wine
Steak And Frites,
Duck-Canard
Sole Meunière-Fancy Fish
Quick Burger-French Fast Food Burger
***Creme Brulee, Eclaires, Gelato, Profiteroles- cream puffs, Meringues, Calisson (French candy),
SCARAMOUCHE-Ice Cream shoppe- 22 Rue la Vieuville
How To Pick A Good Parisian Restaurant-choosing local hidden gems over tourist traps:
    Find a main tourist attraction-Walk AWAY at least 3 blocks or so.
    Somewhere SMALL. Parisian restaurants are known for their tight fits and sharing tables with strangers.
    Look for French menus (No Pics) on display. This means that locals usually frequent this spot.
   Look for a crowd of French people. If it looks like 100 Americans, then walk away.                           



                Markets in Provence overflow with seasonal produce, fresh meats, spices, cheeses, and all variety of homewares. They are truly a feast for the senses. Most are temporary, outdoor markets that take place once or twice a week, generally in the main town square. The permanent, indoor markets have fixed hours. Arles and Aix-en-Provence are definite winners, but there are so many to choose from. Be prepared for all the free samples, and if you think you might want to buy something, ensure you have a bit of cash on hand.
Drive the Cotes du Rhone
                A day driving France’s Cotes du Rhone wine road will take you through the South of France to charming villages, passed vineyards, and over beautiful mountain passes. Along the way, you can taste the wine that the region is famous for – affordable, easy-drinking blends (mostly reds) known as Cotes du Rhone. Don’t forget to stop and take in the beautiful views as the road runs through the mountains, hanging high above the valleys before dipping back down. It’s even better if you bring a picnic to enjoy at a scenic spot along the way.

Provence to Paris  2 ½ Hour TRAIN Ride



Corridas- (Bull fighting (Ferias) in Arles or Nimes or Avignon)
Bulls Traditions
Originally, as a resurgence of circus games of antiquity, was practiced in the area of "bullfighting", fighting games and other animals and farmers with bulls. Not until the late nineteenth century that the bull breeders are aware of the importance of race "Camargue" predisposed to the race because of its morphology and its militancy. In the early twentieth century in the Languedoc and in the east of the Bouches du Rhone, the Camargue is truly form and becomes the main movie of the summer holidays. Shopping around in the arenas, different bullfights liven the festivities of the towns and villages in the region. For its proponents, the Bouvine is a true art of living.


Encierro: bull run in the streets.
Abrivado: finished framed bulls to the bullring by the herdsmen.
Bandido: in contrast, return of bulls.

Camarguaise Races: takes place in arenas, the raseteurs dressed in white and fitted with a hook should remove specific attributes (cockade, tassels, ropes) tied between the horns of the bull. These races are often spectacular



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