Provence

10-19-2007. We're having a great time in Provence. Our little gite is a great jumping off point for seeing the area.

Tuesday - Started the morning with croissants and cafe, of course, then meandered over to the crumbling town of Oppede le Vieux. Unlike many of the other hill towns in Provence which are being restored slowly as folks buy up property, Oppede is still mostly in ruins. There's an effort underway to restore the church, but the rest of the city inside the ramparts is as it was when the population died down in the mid 19th century. It was a bit surreal exploring old homes and the decaying castle on top of the hill. Hardly any tourists, sweet.

Wednesday - Rented a bike for Melissa in Bonneiux, and we pedaled over to the south side of the Luberon range. Stopped in Lourmarin for coffee, then continued riding through vineyard after vineyard. Almost Napa-like, without the fancy homes. Melissa was a trooper on her clunky rental bike; all told we covered about 40 kilometers over not-too-flat roads and saw many cool little hill towns.

Luckily, we had plans to gain back all the calories burned that day - 8pm reservation at Domaine des Andeols, one of renowned chef Alain Ducasse's restaurants (thanks for the tip Jon!!!). Most delicious, artfully prestented seven course meal we've ever had. Wow. And how nice, the fixed course menu was Melissa-friendly (fish and poulty). Words can't describe how amazing this dinner was - consisting of only what was local and freshest....but here's the summary: scallops in a cauliflower foam, fois served with a fig reduction, lobster tail with a lime and hoisin sauce, sole with many textures/preparations of butternut squash, tender chicken served with stuffed cabbage, chevre with micro greens, and a caramel-pineapple medley with contrasting textures that was to die for. Champagne to start, and a Cote du Luberon wine. Mmmmm.

Thursday - Exausted from the bike ride and hearty eating, finally we slept in a bit. The famous Provence Mistral Winds were in full force, blowing hard all day. Skies were clear and the temps not too bad though. Had a mellow but surprisingly good lunch at the internet cafe we've been frequenting. Quiches and salad with a tray of delicious little accompianments (radish gaspacho anyone?). Then we hit the road to the Pont du Gard near Avignon to marvel at the ancient roman aquaduct. Hardly anyone there, it made for a nice walk.

Having not been in a city for a while, we wandered Avignon for a few hours. Those Popes sure lived it up, in their fancy Pope Palace. We caught some views of the city and the ancient bridge across the Rhone, before the sun started to go down and we made our way back home.

Jeff "proposed for us" a light dinner of Provence inspired omlettes (with fresh truffles and cheese, of course).

We've got two more nights here (staying one extra) before heading towards the Pyrennes. We'll be in Barcelona for sure on Wednesday and Thursday night before we fly home on Friday. Where'd the time go?