France 2014 – Monday June 30, 2014

Hi Stampers

Suitcases packed and we are en route to Avignon – with a stop in Aix en Provence for a quick tour and lunch.      Christine, our French Guide will be with us until Avignon.

Stopping in Aix we took a quick walk through the city as Christine pointed out some of the sights.    This is definitely a city I would have liked to spend more time in.   There were many alleys, shops, sights to see …. and so little time.

First stop was Cathedrale Saint-Sauveur.    Christine was so happy that the Church was open as we walked by (it was suppose to have been closed).   After going inside, I understand why she was so excited.      Check out the link on the Cathedrale above to read the history.   Amazing!

You can’t go to any town in France without seeing a market.    Of course we are heading deep into the heart of Lavender land so it is everywhere.    And there is nothing more enticing than a market stand of fresh fruit.

Why I love Europe.   Every corner you turn there is history.    The building  below was the hat shop / home of Louis-Auguste Cezanne – father of painter Paul Cezanne.    If you look closely at the first picture you can see faint wording of the name of the shop (under the balconies).

Christine, Lori, Judy and I had lunch on the rooftop patio of La Fromagerie.

When in Aix, the weather reached 92F .     Judy cooled her toes in a sidewalk fountain – La Dolce Vita 🙂

We arrived in Avignon late afternoon and our home for the next 5 nights is at the Mercure Pont d’Avignon.     A 3 minute walk in one direction and you are at the Avignon Bridge.    A 3 minute walk in the opposite direction you are at the Palais des Papes.

We gathered in a meeting room of the hotel for a demonstration on Aromatherapy.    Claire, our instructor, taught us about Aromatherapy and the benefits of the different essences.     We then got to mix a vial based on our own needs.

Dinner this evening in Avignon was at Restaurant 46.   It was a very short walk from the hotel and the food was amazing.   So much so, that we ate there again the last night in Avignon.    This should have been called the Food, Wine and Market tour.     We ate / drank / shopped very well!

After dinner we turned up a short alley and came upon this sight.      The Palais Des Papes.    Absolutely stunning.      Tomorrow we will be taking a guided tour of the Palais.

We walked a bit further into the next square and came upon this carousel.    It is very common to see Carousels in the towns.    This one is in fantastic condition.    Hum…. is there a ride in my future?

 

 

Thanks for stopping by,
Elizabeth, Your Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
www.StampScrapAndMore.com