What beautiful days we have had so far this week. Tuesday we drove west to Avignon, to see the Palais des Papes - the Pope's Palace that was the home of the Popes in the 14th century. Very interesting history lesson on that period in the Roman Catholic Church (come to think of it, a great deal of travelling around Europe has involved learning about the RCC). Avignon the town is just beautiful, maybe one of the prettiest towns we've seen. It's all cobblestones and balconies, narrow streets and sidewalk cafes. We saw the Pont St-Benezet, a bridge over the Rhone built in 1177, and meandered the streets until our parking meter ran out. Then it was off to Aix-en-Provence, another lovely town that unfortunately we had to just drive through since it was getting late, the traffic was heavy, and we couldn't find a parking space. But it was a great day exploring Provence.
Yesterday we walked up to the old town of Mougins in the morning. It's perched up on a hill and had spectacular views of Provence, the Alps, and the Mediterranean. In the afternoon we went to Monaco, the one-square-mile sovereign state between Nice and Italy. Monaco is beautiful!!! The most over-the-top glamorous place we've ever seen, a must-see! We saw the guards patrolling in front of the Palais du Prince (Prince's Palace) and took a picture in front of Monte Carlo Casino. Very fancy. How people actually afford to eat and sleep in Monaco is a mystery, but it's well worth a trip just to experience how gorgeous everything is.
Today we drove along the Route Napolean, a road through the mountains that retraces Napolean's journey north to Paris after his escape from Elba, into the Alps to hike. We found one trail head but only walked five minutes before we came to a hand-painted sign that said: "Attention! Danger! Un fou habite plus haut! Meurtre!" (A crazy person lives up here! Murder!) So we left there and hiked Montaigne de Thiey instead. It was a bright, sunny day and we had a great time. Tomorrow we may head back that way to see a canyon that is supposed to be beautiful and maybe do some more hiking. And that will be our last day... Not thinking about it...
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what an amazing journey you have had!! from living in a converted horse trailer at the beginning of your trip to visiting Monaco at the end. you have seen and done so much! Thanks for sharing your adventures with all of us on your blog. It has been fun to be able to share in your travels.
Can't wait to see you home tomorrow!!! Suddenly seems your trip is so short...time for new adventures to begin!!!
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