Monday, February 4, 2008

Provence in 4 days

Some say Provence is shaped like a giant wedge of quiche. As a food focused person, how could I resist making a visit. Avignon became my home base from which to explore all the Roman, Medieval, and artistic wonders situated a stone's throw in all directions. Camping on L'Ile de la Barthelasse of the Auberge Bagatelle's hostel and campground, Avignon lights up the night sky and Provence hotspots lie waiting within 30-50 km. I anticipate retracing vanGogh's footsteps in Arles, imaging bullfights and gladiators in action at the Amphitheatre of Nimes, and exploring the cold hallways of the Palais de Papes of Avignon.

The journey from the Savoie allow me to navigate from 1850m Courchevel down valley through Albertville (the home of the 1992 winter olympics), on to Chambery (the Savoyard capital), through the Combe de Savoie (agricultural region at the foot of the Bauges Mountains and home to Savoie winemaking), on to Grenoble (known as capitol of the Alps complete with views of Mont Blanc), over Le Col de la Croix Haute with views of Mt. Ventoux to access Nyons followed by Provencal villages, and eventually landing in Avignon with sun setting on the Rhone River. With broken French complimented by broken English, I secured a campsite and set out to explore night life in Avignon. Le Place du Palais is found quiet while la Rue des Teinturiers is glowing with lights, food, and French fashion. The streets are alive, buzzing, and magnetic to explore. I wander through tight streets lined with quaint home facades and find bearings to my new surroundings. Returning to my campsite, I fall asleep with Rick Steve's Provence pleated on my chest ready for exploration the following day.

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