Last Day! 15 Septembre 2011

Today was our last full day in France, so we decided to take a day trip to Aix-en-Provence (pronounced "ex")

We really liked the area - cute streets filled with stylish boutiques and cafes.






The city prides itself of being the home of Cezanne! Beth posed in front of his home!






Later, we visited the Musee Garnet, which displayed the art collection of artist/art collector Jean Planque. Works included Cezanne, Picaso, Van Gogh, Degas, an many more from the Impressionists and post-Impressionists.




Le Petit Prince! Such a classic...and the only French book we've ever read in it's entirety.


Bagel shop! I doubt they were as good as NY!



Took a rest at Unic Bar for some vin and people watching.







Aix is a city full of students, and we witnessed some fraternity hazing. We can't think of much else worse than being loosely taped to a tree in the middle of a busy square. Poor guys.




Last meal in France, so we decided to finally eat some crepes!



Back to the US tomorrow...quelle dommage!

Au revoir France!

Fin.

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Location:Aix-en-Provence

14 Septembre 2011

After a six hour train ride, we made it to Marseille, the second largest city in France. We spent most of our time in Vieux Port, the main tourist area. The rest of the city was a bit too 'rough around the edges' for us.









Hundreds of boats in the port!


Took yet another trolley around the city!





Chateau d'If, fortress turned prison Chateau which was made famous in the Counte of Monte Crisco!





La plage (the beach) was further down the Marseille coastline but we didn't get a chance to check it out.


Nice view of the city...









Tomorrow, we'll be checking out Aix-en-Provence. We can't believe we only have one day left!

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Location:Marseille

Pau - 13 Septembre 2011

Took a day trip to Pau, the largest city in the Pyrenees. We were pleasantly surprised by the shopping options and spent most of the day strolling












Beth liked the sign, in English it means "a slice of life"









We thought we were in France!

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Location:Pau

Lourdes - 12 Septembre 2011

Lourdes was a good home base for the Pyrenees region.



At the Pic Du Jer, took a tram to the top to see beautiful views of the Pyrenees.













Sanctuaries Notre Dame de Lourdes







One of the many religious trinket shops



Needed a break from the Pilgrims and so we headed to Cafe Leffe






Jurancon is the regional white wine.



Religious mints.....they tasted like mints


One of the lavish meals we enjoyed at the hotel.


Asparagus and parmesan salad


Lamb


Trout


Cheese plate!


Finally, Sorbet to finish!

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Location:Lourdes

11 Septembre 2011

Bonjour! Sorry it's taken us so long to update! Been so busy!

A few pics from our last morning in Avignon. We tried to be productive which meant we walked around a lot



We missed the ferry!


Where's Monika?!






Watched a 10K race...good for them



It's official! France is cool!



Pit stop in Toulouse




Finally in Lourdes, the second largest city in Les Pyrenees. We got a special deal at the nicest hotel in the city, Gallia & Londres (thanks Ceil!). It was a treat!



Nightly torchlight processions of those who visit to pray.



Hotel lobby


Private dining room, ohh lala!




The region's red wine, Madrigan.

X


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Location:Avignon and Lourdes