Rest of France - Day 3

We spent the night at a bed & breakfast in Chatauneuf du Pape and woke early after trying a couple of local varieties of the famous wine!!!.  Had a wonderful conversation with Michel (the owner) while we were having breakfast.  He told us about the street market in Sourges, just up the road, and was telling us about the selection of olives....especially his and his oil (Euro.15).  Claire now wants an olive tree.  Anyway, off we went using our GPS.

Chatauneauf du Pape

We arrive at around 9:30 in the morning and finally found a parking spot in a lot.  We took our time browsing around at everything from clothes, shoes, jewellery and food.
 

Olive vendor

OO LA LA Section!!

Cheap wonderful flowers



When we arrived back at our car, we were basically boxed in as the market had steadily gotten busier and people parked their cars whereever they wanted! In the car park where we were, cars were parked behind us so that it was very difficult to get out - someone even scratched the side of our rental vehicle (good thing we paid $200.00 extra for no fault insurance).

We then headed off to Arles.

The trip started off on a good note and Arles is one of the areas that Vincent Van Gogh painted in.....Then.. it was as he painted....Sunflowers, Lavender fields etc.......BUT....today, it is a sprawling mess of farming implement suppliers and related commerce.

They seem to have buried its tourist importance......We were glad to continue to drive out of Arles.!

The GPS gave us a route in the countryside towards Aix en Provence and that prove to be a better experience. We meandered through many vineyards on a road that no one else chose. Tree lined with vineyards on either side. The earth is a glorious reddish hue...Lots of iron oxide  and eventually a pottery appeared. Someone was at least taking advantage of this wealth!

Upon arriving at Aix en Provence city centre it was impossible to find parking....It was a Sunday!!!..(the rest of the week must be a nightmare). The tourist information office was closed and so we headed out of the city to find accomodation for the night.....and an internet connection!

A friend of Mick's told us about Fomula1 hotels....we found one close at hand and booked in for the night.....yaeah! Internet, breakfast for 2 and a good clean room for 40 Euros!!!1...excellent deal.

We will see what this areas holds tomorrow.