The family went to France for spring break. While we stopped off in Paris for a couple days, we spent most of the time in the south of France with our time split between the Provance region and the Cote d'Azure areas. We did take the high-speed rail "TGV" train from Paris to Avignon, which was a pretty nice trip. About 3 hours by high speed train from Paris (Northern France) to Avignon (South not too far from the Mediterranean Sea) with none of the hassles of flying. From Avignon we took a private bus to Cannes, and ultimately Nice.
For the most part we spent time looking at piles or rocks. Being history buffs we tried to visit the significant Roman ruins, many of which are in the south of France. Based ourselves in the town of Avignon for our stay in the Provance region. During a period when the Pope moved out of Rome, Avignon became the city that maintained the Papal seat so we got to view the religious sites in Avignon, but also saw the Roman ruins in the countryside and towns within driving distance of Avignon. There are several significant Roman sites within an hour or two drive so we managed to get to see most of them.
Tried the HORSEMEAT at a little cafe. Tasted like dry/very lean hamburger. They serve it with a lightly fried egg on top, I presume to add some moisture to the meat?
Overall our best meals were at lunchtime in the little cafes that dot the side streets and town squares. Paris was beautiful, the architecture was stunning. The Louvre was amazing, only had a half day to walk around and that is clearly not enough time, actually 2 days is not enough time to visit the Louvre. I didn't realize the Eiffel tower was so big, its over 1000 feet tall. The little towns were highlights of their own, each was different, each was beautiful.
Pics below:
Eiffel Tower viewed from a boat on the Seine river, Paris
The Blue Train restaurant, Paris
Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris
Papal Palace, adjoining Cathedral, and elephant sculpture, Avignon
Avignon main square, carousel, town hall, theatre
Cathedral, Avignon
2000 year old Ard d'Orange, Orange
For the most part we spent time looking at piles or rocks. Being history buffs we tried to visit the significant Roman ruins, many of which are in the south of France. Based ourselves in the town of Avignon for our stay in the Provance region. During a period when the Pope moved out of Rome, Avignon became the city that maintained the Papal seat so we got to view the religious sites in Avignon, but also saw the Roman ruins in the countryside and towns within driving distance of Avignon. There are several significant Roman sites within an hour or two drive so we managed to get to see most of them.
Tried the HORSEMEAT at a little cafe. Tasted like dry/very lean hamburger. They serve it with a lightly fried egg on top, I presume to add some moisture to the meat?
Overall our best meals were at lunchtime in the little cafes that dot the side streets and town squares. Paris was beautiful, the architecture was stunning. The Louvre was amazing, only had a half day to walk around and that is clearly not enough time, actually 2 days is not enough time to visit the Louvre. I didn't realize the Eiffel tower was so big, its over 1000 feet tall. The little towns were highlights of their own, each was different, each was beautiful.
Pics below:
Eiffel Tower viewed from a boat on the Seine river, Paris
The Blue Train restaurant, Paris
Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris
Papal Palace, adjoining Cathedral, and elephant sculpture, Avignon
Avignon main square, carousel, town hall, theatre
Cathedral, Avignon
2000 year old Ard d'Orange, Orange
