Oct 19 Paris CGD Airport THE END OF OUR TRIP

Hard to believe our travels are coming to an end. Its been a great adventure. Due to Julie's broken foot, we had to alter our plans.The amount of walking was reduced, and a lot more use of public transit.  There is so much history that we were able to explore. And I am impressed with the restoration on many of the Medieval and Roman monuments. 

Oct 18 Nimes

Today was the highlight of our stay - a visit to the Jardins de la Fontaine. This was once the sight of Roman ruins, and converted in the 18th century into a public garden.

This tower is at top of a hill overlooking the entire city

A view of the lower garden

The Temple of Diane in the background 

Oct 16-17 Nimes

Nimes was a last-minute addition to our itinerary since we could not find affordable accommodations in Lyon. And we can take the train from Nimes to the Paris airport, hence avoiding another stay in Paris. 

Nimes is a very interesting town, with many of its monuments dating back to the Roman era. And of course, there are many quaint neighbourhoods, with unique shops and restaurants. We've seen many Vietnamese restaurants in larger towns. It just donned on me that France had occupied Vietnam, and many Vietnamese must have immigrated and established businesses. 

The first day exploring Nimes was very frustrating, not able to follow the map. Many streets bend and/or change names, and very easy to get lost. We had a similar experience in Seville, Spain, when I felt like leaving the city after the first day. Well, by day 2 in Nimes we were able to use landmarks to guide our way. There are many narrow streets with shops and cafes to explore and visit. 

What a beautiful market and very busy...the French know all about good quality foods.

This vender had a variety of paella dishes

Did you know that the French buy on average 320 bagettes a SECOND. That's about 10 BILLION a year! Holly molly that's a lot of dough!

Evidence of the Roman Empire

Now a museum, but was once a home

A miniture colosseum, which is used today for bull fights and other events 

Many French cities with canals and/or rivers going through

On the way to the train station 

Oct 14-15 Avignon

We explored Villeneuve Lez Avignon, a small village across the river from Avignon. Its not a big town, but it is big in history - the fortress, tower, convent and museum. The town has been preserved its medieval charm which explains the many visitors. 

This was a special day for Julie, discovering this town has many friendly cats.

Our last day in Avignon we explored parts of town not yet visited. And we were pleasantly surprised by the quaint neighbourhood.

The walls surrounding Avignon 

An old convent in Avignon

This part of town was once known for fabric manufacturing. The stream providing the power for the waterwheels. 

Oct 12-13 Avignon

The train ride from Cannes was quick, about 2.5 hours and our hotel in Avignon was supposed to be a 10 minute walk from the station - that's if we were at the correct train station. There was no tourist information when we got off the train and no one to ask, so we just walked in the direction of the town centre. After 15 minutes we realized we were not near our hotel and asked for directions. Apparently we were to take another train or bus from this train station to the town centre, which had another (and different train station). We were about 30 minutes away, so we just kept walking, following the river. It was annoying that the agent in Cannes, where we bought our tickets, did not advise us.  However it was a beautiful walk! 

We are so glad to be in Avignon. It is such a beautiful city, filled with history and the monuments are kept in good condition.  "Avignon is famous as it is the city to which the Popes fled when leaving the corruption of Rome in the 14th century. The palace they built, 'Le Palais des Papes,' or the palace of popes, is the world's largest Gothic edifice."  There is a wide main street leading to the palace, with many shops, hotels and restaurants. Being the weekend, there were markets and events in some of the larger plazas.

See the organ grinder on the right...no monkey, but a very obedient cat.

The palace garden

A view from the palace garden

The fortress across the river

A view of the river and plaza from the palace garden

These kids having fun on an obstacle course.

Many activities and entertainers in the plazas

The river walk monuments