Great morning, October 19 2015, south of France
Yesterday up early and a lovely drive to Toulouse to pick up my mom, Jim and also to meet my friend Francesco, at the airport by 930 am.
We met and it was lovely. Off to Carcassonne, a fabulous ancient stone castle and fortress within an old town in south of France. Of course the game of the same name, I have seen and also have purchased for family members. I knew of this town before I came to south of France.
The drive through small towns and countryside was again, spectacular. I can’t seem to get enough of the tree lined streets, plane trees I think they are called. Rows planted very close to highways and roads, sometimes both sides of the road. Leaves are very high in the trees and provide shade and incredible visual sights during drives through the countryside. My favourite is on the road to Pezanas from Roujan and it takes my breath away every time I am on it!
Catching up in the car, conversations with Francesco about his travels recently with his mom and dad in Spain, and how he spends his time travelling the world, as well as a contracted agent with GAdventures (which is where I met him last year at this time). Also catching up with mom and Jim about Venice. They spent three nights and two full days exploring the city, the islands and the culture and history of Venice on a Gateways International tour.  
They had a spectacular time and the tour guides were fantastic, knowledgable, on time and full of great information. As well, they highly recommended the boutique hotel where they stayed and they ate two dining meals at the same fabulous restaurant in Venice, so they loved that as well 🙂  
Carcassonne, we stopped and had a lovely little lunch at a restaurant by the old city walls. We then walked around … not sure if we were seeing all there was to see. Not many people around, stores and shops all closed, it is Sunday. Then we stumbled on a road side map and realized were not in the Cite area where the ancient sights are. Ah- ha, it makes sense now.
We hopped in the car and found a parking lot up close to the front gates of the magnificent sight, the Cite and old ancient castle – THIS is what all the fuss is about 🙂 lol
Steve purchased a ticket and went through the sights and got to take pictures from the high castle walls. The rest of us wandered around the cite, shops selling clothes, hats, mementos, chocolate, crepes, glaces, wine, knives and swords, dress up clothes, children’s toys and more chocolate and sweets 🙂 What a beautiful place to hang around! Lots of people watching, of course, all tourists and many speaking English.
I found a great store and spoke to the owner, creator of a clay soap product. She makes the clay dishes and exfoliating “soap” disc and sells also aromatherapy dispensers, all out of clay. All natural products, and she designs the products, and fires them and sells them in this little old walled town. The clay soap disc is rough and hard and solid but also porous and so it you lay it in liquid soap, it soaks up the soap overnight and then you can use it as a soap bar for long time until the soap runs out again, you resoak and voila! I purchased one.  
We are likely going back to Carcassonne on Tuesday to meet our friends Glenn and Maggie from UK – who will be there for a few days. I may go back to the shop and get more soap discs. The dishes to hold the discs are so beautiful and unique but I don’t really have room to pack them in a suitcase….. oh well. I took pictures 🙂
The drive back home was delightful and we got here before dark. The tree lined roadways, and old stone structures in the countryside, as we passed rows and rows of vineyards. The closer we got to home, the more I can really feel how much I love this area. It is feeling so comfortable and beautiful.
The pace is slow now, tourist season is all but over, and the air is cooler (about 18-20 degrees during the day only) and chilly at night so the leaves are changing almost daily it seems. Autumn is settling in this area of the south of France and I am loving the changing of the seasons and all the colourful and bountiful sights and sounds, smells and textures that it brings.  
Ciao for now. I was up early this morning to take Francesco to his meeting place for a ride to take him back to Italy. How fun to see him and he enjoyed meeting and spending time with my family. I feel we have a special kind of international friendship – connection.  
Perhaps a leisurely drive toward the south coast, toward Perpignon and Spain. Although we will not go as far as Spain … there is beach at La Barcares France, and that seems like a fun destination to start.
Follow along on Facebook to the journey:) https://www.facebook.com/pmacdonaldtravel
Have a wonderful day, 
Pamela in France!

I want to thank my clan, my network, my tribe. For all that you do to support me on my journey. Whether my travels or while at home. I value your witness to my experiences.
I am in process, finding balance, exploring rejuvenation and enjoying cozy autumn experiences. Today while in south of France I can feel the supportive energy around me.
I am in awe of my admiration for and inspiration from women living their life in their own special way, driven by their internal magic and precious uniqueness.
I read somewhere this morning that to follow something or someone is to select to let go of my own path, usually out of fear of missing out on something. When the truth is that is exactly what happens … I miss out on me being me.
I am witness to fabulous women and how they navigate their lives within the rhythm and pace of the world gently turning. I can and do admire and support them. I am worthy of no less. I can remain steadfast to my purpose without needing to join in another’s’ passage,, at the expense of following my own truth. These paths are not always exclusive of each other, when we link arms and follow our bliss, we are unstoppable.    
Another lesson learned, at least for now 🙂 This may not be the first time I have this one to review!! lol
Pamela from France 2015, October 16

“The idea is simple: for women to spend a few weeks embracing a lifestyle that allows them to peek into the region’s cultural heritage. They visit local farmers and flea markets, meet traditional artisans, and back at the château, eat delicious meals from local ingredients prepared by the chef. They visit a lavender plantation, a master weaver, and a mohair goat farm. Each day the women get busy in workshops and create original art atop crafting tables draped with antique linen, integrating vintage materials picked up locally that morning, for a song. Over the course of the retreat, they learn weaving, jewelry making, paper marbling, hand-lettering, and book binding.” Chapter 64, 100 Places in France Every Woman Should Go

Left late this morning from the villa. Stopped to take some pictures of the vineyard. Also waited for the maintenance guy to finish putting cover on pool and put away the lawn furniture for the season.
Beautiful sunny day and we decide to go back to Olargues, le plus beaux village we spied yesterday. I set the gps, put on some fabulous Italian music as I forgot to download French music (tonights project 🙂
We stopped a few times, savoured the moment, the sunshine, the surroundings and took a few quick shots on my ipad. I will share on my facebook site – if you care to check them out … https://www.facebook.com/pmacdonaldtravel
Patrimoine de Cassan was the first stop, less than 10 minutes out of Roujan. It once was established as a monestary by Charlemaine in year 805 AD. So beautiful the site, and trees, peaceful and blowing in the cool wind. The hot sun was more than enough to make this a fantastic experience, warm, and historic.  
Trees lined the two lane roads, high and old, bearing green leafy branches way up high and ancient bark down at my car level. I must have commented 20 times today at how stunningly beautiful these country roads are. Why does anyone take the highway here? I don’t want to miss a thing!! I never tire of the vineyards, row up on row of green leaves turning ever so gently as the autumn falls on the region. Some with old gnarly stems and trunks, some young and vibrant still, bright green leafy tops as if starting a new crop. Some tied to fencing and some standing alone and strong out in the fields – row upon row as far as the eye can see and the mind can imagine. Such a beautiful place. Little homes made of stone and tile, nestled in the fields and between orchards and groves of green trees. Small dirt roads, or gravel pathways for vehicles to reach the destination.  
On many roads we drove we would pass wineries signs that take the driver up a road, and there at the top would be an old huge fortress looking building… perhaps at another time it was a monastery or abbey or fortress or was it always used for a large family farm and winery? Olive groves shining silver leaves in the bright country sunshine. Wow …. inspiring me to paint with words and one day with watercolor.  
A brief 35 kms from Roujan is the hillside town of Olargues, a medieval village, also defined as a Plus Beaux Villages … one of the few identified as such in France …. it was quiet and peaceful. Only the sound of church bells ringing from time to time.  
Walked up to the old ancient Cathar church that is all but destroyed. Some revitalization make it possible to walk around on the grounds but not go inside. It was obviously built at one time on stone ground with stone walls rough from the earth.  
We went by a museum – not open. We wandered and took pictures for over an hour. One tiny store open, in what seemed to be the “centre-ville”, selling products from the region. One woman sitting at the table making what looked to be ornaments for hanging on string from a tree?? Made of fabric and ornamental decorations, perhaps glued to wood or cardboard? For sale was honey, jams, wines, oils, soaps, jewelry, and some antique nik naks.  
The views included stone structures far in the fields, indications that once people lived in them or used them for farming. One such structure had a large olive tree growing up inside, likely since the roof had collapsed so many many years ago!
The Eiffel bridge, red, and constructed very similarly to that of the famous Eiffel Tower in Paris. This bridge is painted bright brick red and crosses a ravine, people walk and ride bikes across it. We could see that from where we climbed.  
A river flows down below and glistens in the strong autumn sunshine. Also we could see old bridges of Roman design …. high archways of stone and brick. And below, shorter archways likely for letting water run through for human use. Brilliant and spectacular views.  
Bright blue sky, hot yellow white sun, terra cotta red roofs of tile, buildings of stone still standing and huge old doorways with heavy wooden doors and shutters still in their place doing the duty for which they were designed.
People live here. Evidence of mail post delivery, flower pots on the stone shelves and in hangers outside of windows. Cars parked and a school yard full of young people, looked to be elementary school at recess 🙂
We saw a few dogs and cats wander and no more than half a dozen people in the time we wandered. Quiet sleepy town, likely napping in the warmth of the afternoon? Even the tourist information center was ferme! No cafes or restaurants were open, although it looked like they may have been in the busy tourist season of summer. Now only quiet cobblestone streets and tiny alleyways welcomed us to their town.
We followed the same route home to the villa. All in all about 5 hours we drove and walked today …. a mere gentle 35 Kms, 70 round trip 🙂
In Herepian, we pulled a uturn and stopped in a bar restaaurant and told no kitchen till 7 pm. It is not even 4. Haha. Cool to watch the triple kisses on alternating cheek of locals greeting each other. L’artichaud is the name of the bar. It is an Americanized bar, with signs showing the distance to Miami beach, lol. Bathroom has a large poster of yoda, “may the force be with you”. 
Must be 15 people in here now. Loud with French voices, heavy accents and laughter. Coffee and beer, as well as wine being drank.
Saw two men in tight bicycle pants arrive and leave. Left at bar, two Demi casse cups from their espresso. I think they were in the bar maybe five minutes tops!  
Looks like they may have live entertainment later in the evening? We pack up and drive on from this small town. We weave our way back to Roujan.
Once we arrive we take a walk, not wanting to miss the chance to enjoy the view from the villa property in the sunshine, before we rustle up something wonderful to eat 🙂 I take another 50 photos of vineyards, grapes, vines, individual leaves and the vistas from almost every step I take.
I love this vacation! I am in love with south of France. The pulse of this place is now part of me. I will always carry with me the views, the sights and sounds of this place. I am changed by my ten days so far in France.  
So much more to write. Time to post this for now and have a drink of rose …. and a light snack while I wait for dinner 🙂
Thanks for staying with me, for travel with me and for following the blog posts.
Bon soir, and au revoir for now, 
Pamela in France!

Today was amazing! We got up leisurely and set off to take Mom and Jim to Toulouse Airport to catch their flight to Venice for a few days. How lucky are they? A special birthday gift for mom … Gateways International is the travel provider I booked with … Flights direct, transfers, hotels overlooking the bridge and canal, tours each day etc. I will pick them up in a few days 🙂
We used gps and maps to get there. It was a challenge at times … And we used major highways, 130 km most of way. Almost twenty euro for the toll! Phew. Safe, and sound.
Steve and I decided to adventure home. We programmed GPS to go to Albi first. If you do not have this town on your bucket list …. Time to add it! Maybe the most beautiful town …. ever! We found a place to park near the Cathedral. I had read about the red brick masterpiece just the other day in that fabulous book I was reading …. 100 places every woman should go in France. Well, she was right!
After we toured that magnificent structure, I bought a flag of Albi for the grandboys for three euro! It is beautiful and we walked around the corner to the information tourist building. Beside that and sharing the ancient red brick wall, was the Henri Toulouse-Lautrec museum. I also had read about this.  
Back in my younger days in high school or so, I remember writing a school report on old Henri. I remember his story a bit and know of the Moulin Rouge fame ….
We decided to go inside. Also as a secondary exhibit was a photo gallery of Marilyn Munroe.  
Once the museum sights were out of the way, we checked out the Gardens and the fantastic FABULOUS SPECTACULAR view of the river and buildings on the other side. We took more time than planned as it was so amazing. We even tried to sit and just take it in.
Then grabbed a sandwich for Steve, worried we would lose the sun for the drive home, to Roujan and the villa.
We set the GPS. Maybe to the most direct but not the fastest route, and without tolls. We wandered and meandered through the most amazing countryside.
Farms, sheep, cows, horses, fields upon fields. Ancient stone structures that must have at one time been someone’s home! Windy twisty roads. Speed bumps through little towns barely bigger than the speed bump and a few houses and a church. Always a church!  
Shutters closed, cars parked, no one put walking. Little tiny closed up towns, one after another, interspersed with farm land and old stone bridges and walls. Looked like long abandoned structures. They drew our attention. As did the rolling hills and tree lines. Still light enough to see …. And precious few cars on the road, luckily!
And then we saw a vision. A sight of a town on a hill and we were going right toward it. We see a sign for a Plus Beaux Village …. 
Now that I am home, I see it is Olargues. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olargues

We will go back there. Depending on weather, tomorrow … Or Saturday after the Saturday market at Pezanas.  
Perpignan is another area I want to explore. Perhaps the day we pick up mom and Jim…. Sunday. And Francesco is supposed to meet us there at the airport in Toulouse. Francesco was our CEO guide with GAdventures local living in Sorrento last year when I travelled with the gals after my retirement from government …..A drive south toward Barcelona and the Spanish border.  
On Tuesday next week we plan on meeting Glen and Maggie we met on Cunard cruise last year … In Carcassonne. They are vacationing from their home near Darby UK. That will be fun!  
So much to do. The time is zipping by and we are having an amazing holiday! Must go eat something now :). 
Ciao all, 
Love Pamela of France!  

We decide to wander slow roads toward Minerve. We stop in Pouzolles due to interesting sky line … Despite the gps encouraging to keep going straight, we take a turn and endure her pleas to do a u turn hen we can.  

We see old steeples, stone walls, church steeple …. We walked for an hour or more. Nothing open, beautiful doorways, window boxes, vistas of surrounding area … We see old stone buildings and walls, and interesting balcony structures. Lovely walk on this sunny fall day.
Back on the road. Only moments later we spy a sign: Moulin de Lene. We follow the road, again ignoring instructions from the gps gal. We find a wonderful old structure in a valley about two Kms off the main road. Are they open? We discuss that they probably won’t welcome us. We were wrong ….
 A small winery, still developing the property since purchase. I am scribing as I am the driver. The rest of the group settle in for much Inc tasting! A wine growing estate of 55 hectares. Crossed by the Lene River between the Mediterranean Sea and foothills of Cevennes mountains. Wine aged in oak barrels or stainless steel tanks and vinification in Demi-muids (600 litre oak barrels) or concrete vats. All harvest by hand to keep best grapes, pure aromas, smooth and silky tannins. They collect grapes at night to prevent oxidation to guarantee freshness. 
Reds, whites, rose, and orange wine! Orange is white wine same as Romans did it … Crushed grapes left for long time with the wine juice. Roundness of red and freshness of white, she says, and we will taste it last after the Reds.    
Chardonnay predominating in first taste. Then vermentino grapes. Very dry, refreshing. For with cheese, pasta or clam chowder. Wow, unique. Clair de Lene. They harvest only at night. A pun and play on word. Fruit is more crunchy. Less oxidation. Much better for wine.  
Next: Two blends with mostly Chardonnay and Muscat … One is 2014, is pure citrus, honeysuckle aroma. Then same blend but with oak barrelling … Good with cream, mushrooms, carrots. Justine … Best seller. Named after grandchild. Two, With oak is ‘mademoiselle’ by name. :). 600 litre in oak barrel every year … Clams, scallops, blue cheese, Roquefort, toasted bread. Unique flavour … Smokey they say.
Two Rose… Zanzibar, ok. Similar to the white of same name.
Clair de lune again, typical rose blend. Crisp, anytime wine. With tapas, pizza. Even while cooking! Vendanges nocturnes. Fruity ..
Frayssinett is surname of the owner.  
We love Frankie, she is speaking very good English. And so fun. And it was not open for wine tasting when we arrived. We pull up and she came out and expected to see local media with cameras.  
But she introduced us to the owner and began opening bottles twelve so far. Lol. I am watching. Perhaps we won’t get any further. Ha ha. My family, all three of them are blushing, laughing and enjoying stories and wine. It is very fun to watch. I am the scribe.  
Red wine, first easy drinking, Shiraz and blend … With fish, meat. Good quality, value. Alphonse is name of the wine … He owned the place before… In 19 century and planted the vines.  
Second red, Romanus, petit Verdot , (small berries, high in tanin). Shiraz, merlot, cab sav blend. Creamy cheese, quiche, more structured than previous.  
Le Reve de Marie … Cabernet Franc, age in oak, excellent with meat and fish. Have to cool it down to have with fish, Frankie suggests. Loire valley wines but warmer weather here, soil different so it is special and unique.
The Reserve, gold medal. One year oak, half Shiraz and merlot. Strawberry, raspberry smooth and fruity. It won Gold Award from over 8200 submissions. Frankie says REALLY YUMMY.
Cesar, blend all of the best … Less quantity. Nick name is THE BOMB. 600 litre barrel. Sort grapes by hand, those who had most sunshine. Grapes crushed by feet. Kept for over a year. Tasted regularly. Then laying down with cork. 2011 vintage. Gold medal in London last year. Steak or venison. She calls it pure happiness! Even with chocolate cake she says.  
Romanus popped in between tastings of white and reds …. and is handling the reporters …. Media. Last year Frankie was auditioned and interviewed: results was 92% of 100 and highest of all of them.
This was a spectacular stop. So much information about wine, grapes, and process. Great stories and fun for all.  
Orange wine, best for last. She had them use white wine to rinse glasses and palette … First vintage … Owner decided to do this Project To become ‘master of cellar’. Skin with wine for five months.  
Romans used this technique …roundness of red, freshness of white. Flower, curry, oysters, tuna, 2014 pure verantina. Cheese like Roquefort. Surprising, unique, different. Called Apicius! Crisp.
This is the story of south of France! How spectacular. We conclude our purchases. We see how the next phase happens, bottling, corking, wax dipped tops, labels placed carefully and rubbed to raise the embossing signature.  
Please support this fine place, and read about thei family http://www.moulindelene.com, on route de Fouzilhon, Magalas, France.
Frankie recommends we go to Narbonne. And road from Pezanas toward Paul Mas wine cellar. Overlooking view of mountain. And keep on road. Mas de Novi … Refurbished. Driveway is fantastic. Pilgrimage road, old chapel from 17 century. Old oak barrel cellar. 2 km after Val magne. The spot for tourism in area. Old abbey, cloister, church … Wine cellar converted there. Organic, lovely tasting. Olive oil and beer also.  
And on another day we are to drive Toward Spanish boarder, Collioure, sea side, painters. Port wines … Vineyards to sea.  
Now to find our way home. Fouzilhons. Distracts us, but we get to Roujans, decide to get groceries and then head home for some dinner. Probably did not travel more than 20 Kms from villa, all in all today.
It was lovely. Tonight mom and Jim are packing, tomorrow we drive them to Toulouse to catch flight to Venice for three nights away. Steve and I will stay at the villa for a few days and perhaps explore by walking around the area. We have enough food to last, and now some new wines to enjoy.
Anne and Barb are on cruise in Greece. We are so enjoying our time in south of France! Wish you were here!   
 

Reflections of France, so far
Beautiful little quaint villages nestled in the green hills and valleys of this southern region of France.  
Close to the moderating affects of being close to the sea, we experience breezes and beautiful sunshine weather 
Vistas of light terra cotta colored tiled roof tops, with peach, gold, and beige colored buildings holding them up. Surrounded by leafy greens of every description in clusters and in rows marking distinct growing fields of vineyards and other growing crops. Grasses, vegetables, fruit trees and low bushes in neat rows for easy farmer access to the riches.
Italian song on the car stereo system while driving through the ever changing microclimates of the region. Music of passion and fancy, deep resonating voices, and cheery buoyant sounds all taking turns to introduce the listening ear to the culture of the nearby country.
I am learning about France by reading about France. Some of this country once was part of Italy.  
Les Plus Beaux Villages in France. The most beautiful villages in France are numbered, recorded and celebrated. We have been to one so far and there are a few hundred I think in total. So charming and rich with history and story. Beautiful old wood doors, red flowers adorning high up window boxes surrounded by wood shutters that will close as the sun goes down. Homes for generations of families in France.
The sound of Franch language being spoken, rapid words, authentic accents and trying to be understood. Different pace and sound than italy. Passion sill belongs to the Italians!  
Red sand, white sand, sea shells, rocky soil, big boulders
Herons, egrets, small birds flitting around, sea birds
Small cars, mostly standard transmission, cute rounded, unique license plates from where we are from. Convertible sports cars, Mercedes.  
Speed limit 90 Kms an hour on back roads, 130 on highway. Great roads, toll highways.  
Lavender scent. Sunflower fields, past their prime.
Honey infused with lavender, rosemary and thyme.  
Herbs de Provence
Pink sea salt abundant with nutrients from the sea.
Rice from Camargue marshes, grown in this region
Tomatoes so tasty, and laid out with goat or Buffalo cheeses and covered with drizzles of balsamic, olive oil and fragrant spice and herbs.
Sea food, fresh fish, shell fish …. Gifts from the sea
Bright colors of cloth, reds, orange, yellow, gold, white and blue
The Rhone and Seine rivers flow through it
Wines: red rich full bodied, white crisp fruity clean, rose off dry part sweet and lovely pink colour for afternoon drinks and people watching

Today we ventured out.  
Yesterday we stayed at the villa, made a lovely Thanksgiving meal and spent the day relaxing and making plans. It was good, some laundry and lots of food and wine.
I have been reading an amazing book 100 Places Every Woman should see in France. And around 28-29-30 are in the general vicinity of the villa. In particular I liked the description of the Camargue region. It is some marsh lands south of Arles. A very big stretch of land where there are plentiful black Bulls, white horses and pink flamingoes.  
We mapped out the route to Ste Maries de la Mer and began our drive around 11 am, or perhaps even after that. No early start today.. Ha ha. 
Using gps in the car – which I am just learning to program – and paper map of Southern France I bought before I came, from Chapters, as well as the iPad photos I snapped of directions to and from this area to Roujan … We four began to find our way.  
It was so exciting to see the flocks of hundreds of pink flamingoes in the marshy areas. Also we saw herons and white egrets. Some flying overhead, some fishing and standing around the bull rushes. One white egret was catching a ride on the back of a large black bull. And one we saw on the back of a white horses also native to this area.
We drove through Grande Motte and to the parc ornithologique …. Spectacular flocks of many kinds and colors of birds.  
My iPad was plugged in to keep a charge and it all of a sudden synced to the car and began playing Italian songs, in English, that I had downloaded several months ago for the trip to italy with the women’s travel club. We were surprised. I am delighted. Dean Martin sings “that’s amore” and we all join in. A magic moment. O sole mio also comes on for a lovely moment as well. Andre Bocelli shares his voice as well. All in all, fabulous experience!
We arrive in Ste Maries de la Mer and stopped quickly at the fist cafe we see. Restaurant Brasserie, outside seating with a view of people walking by and an antique flea market across the road. We have some difficulty ordering and reading the menu. All they had for food was written en Francais. We made effort and ended up with some authentic food. I had a fantastic salad of tomato, lettuce and goat cheese in balsamic and French Prevence spices. Healthy and huge it filled my plate. The rest had meat, pommes frites and small salad and shared a large bottle of red wine that Steve had seen in our previous travels. They enjoyed the wine, I had Evian water:). I am the driver.
This town is famous for the black Madonna, and has a church to that name. Gypsy folk from all over the world come together here in May of each year and apparently third weekend in October. Today there are some tourists wandering, some cute shops open… Mostly it is closed. 
After lunch we walked through the town, to the beach, bought postcards and gelato …. And then onward driving to Arles. Before we leave I purchased some pink sea salt to take home to enjoy.
We are now in Arles and having some challenges with finding free parking. Steve and Jim have gone to see the amphitheatre and my mom and I are in the car ensuring no tickets or towing takes place …lol
I purchased, finally, some stamps so I can post some cards to the grandboys.  
We set the gps and found our way home. Arrived just after dark. Time for wine.  
Bon soir, 
Pamela

We are back on the train after a full two days of Paris. Let me try to recall the highlights!  
As we exited the train, we had all our belongings and started to walk. Enjoying the sunshine, bright sky and new sights, I was full of awe to be back in Paris!  
Jim found a great patisserie. An almond croissant for Steve and a delightful French toast for Jim, to walk around with. He said one of best he ever ate and wanted to go back. With map in hand we began the walk to the hotel, Best Western Jardin de Cluny on Rue de Sommeraud.  
We had to cross the Seine River, we select Pont Augustins close to Notre Dame cathedral. We stopped to get a bottle of red wine close to the hotel so we would have it later :). The hotel is easy to find, pleasant and very clean. We arrive and one room is available, we dropped our light overnight bags and head out to explore.
First stop at Cafe Village Ronsard.  

Shirley had beef Bourgogne, Steve had duck something, Jim a Caesar salad with chicken and I had tomato and Buffalo cheese salad. Mine gluten free swimming in olive oil and tasty green basil and spices. We had wine and enjoyed people watching. Back to the hotel and got directions for hop on bus.  
We walked on banks of the Seine, got on bus near Notre Dame perhaps a little after three pm. We rode it for an hour or two, top of bus taking great pictures and taking in the scenery. All the highlights of the city. Busy traffic on Champs Élysées and toward Arc de Triomphe. So beautiful and great weather. Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Tuileries, Pallais de Chaillot, Esplanade Invalides, and the river. Ahhhhhh the beautiful river!  
We walked by and stopped in a Swarovski store to see what they have in the way of bling. A crystal Eiffel Tower was very nice, just a few inches high. Bracelets like the one I wear.  
We walked around the Galleries Lafayette (we found the Starbucks in the third floor). The incredible ceiling I remembered from my last and only other time to Paris. We stopped at a cafe, sat outside and people watched, then strolled the Opera House district. We got back on our bus and continued the sight seeing until returning to the stop nearest the hotel.  
We opened a bottle of wine and had a snack of goat cheese and baguette. We found another cafe, Rives de Paris, for dinner, a short walk from the hotel. We had only an hour or so as we made reservations for a private taxi to tour the four of us around to see the city of lights at ten pm. Dining was quick and very tasty! Even time for dessert! Shirley paid a handsome tip and the waiter, who provided very great service was appreciative and told his buddies before we even left the cafe! His appreciation was appreciated!  
Back to hotel, a man named Lee picked us up in a lovely van. He followed a suggested route and the lights and sights were beautiful. All of us a little tired but willing to keep touring. We saw the Eiffel Tower in the dark, lit up and sparkly. Then we went down below it and took pictures up. It is so festive, like a party going on all around us!  
We saw the Diana memorial at Pont d’Alma and I got out of the taxi to take pictures quickly. We drove up the Champs Élysées and then to Arc de Triomphe. It was a beautiful tour and we thanked Jim for arranging it for us. The city is so alive at night, people out in cafes and walking and streets busy with traffic … Adding to the lights and festivity. Lovely.
Midnight and exhaustion saw us safely back at the hotel for a good night sleep. Up around ten … Really ….. Eleven by the time we headed out for breakfast. Comfy beds, clean, crisp white sheets and updated bathrooms. Much nicer than most three star hotels I have stayed in the past!  
 The locals were setting up for the market yesterday, and today it was in full bloom. Bags, fruit, fish, breads, clothes, hats, and more. So colourful and fun to walk around. We took our time, having left our bags at the hotel for the day while we toured around the city. The lady at the front desk gave us some great suggestions and after the market we made our way over to Marais district.  
We stopped at the shop for Berthillion glacé. I remember from my research how flavourful the sorbet of this name from my previous trip to Paris. Now getting used to my surroundings I was excited to enjoy the tastes once again. Yum. Everyone tasted and we walked along the Seine on isle de St. Louis … 
Heading over to the Bastion. The buildings are unique, old and very well kept on the outside. Beautiful grounds, red flower boxes on shuttered window sills. I took pictures of old wooden doors and window boxes. I can’t seem to get enough!  
We walked on cobblestone walk ways and roads, trying to stay off the main areas so we could enjoy less traffic and more quiet. Little alleys were inviting. Mostly window shopping we saw Mademoiselle Chapeaux, on a street in Marais district where I bought a wool tam, made in France. Oh la la! My mom bought one as well.
We walked back to the hotel however we stopped along the way at a cafe across from the bridge to enjoy the sights before catching the train back to the villa. We took pictures and drank wine … Ate mussels and fries and salad and local fare. It was so fun and beautiful.
Then to the hotel, we picked up a taxi to gare de Lyon and so here I am now on the fast train to the south with a stop in Beziers where Anne will be waiting to take us home to the villa.  
Tomorrow is my moms birthday. I have bought her a book of watercolour images from the Languedoc region … I am sure she will love it.  
The sun is starting to fade on the train, we departed at 1807 pm on 10 October from Paris. Not doing very well facing backwards in a moving vehicle, I am now seated in an aisle row beside my mom and across from Steve. People around me sleeping and enjoying the gentle sway of the train. The greenery and fields are beautiful and it is nice to be heading back to the quiet of the villa.
As the sun begins to set I can see silhouette of trees and some cows, sheep and goats in the dark fields. Some lights on in farmhouse windows as they are finishing up their working day, no doubt and maybe settling down to supper.  
Paris is always a good idea …. And it was perfect this time!  
The weather, the pace, the company … The touring, the food, the wine, the sights, the French tams, the tomatoes, the market, olives, olive oil, flowers, bright colours, green wooden boxes along the Seine, artists painting, brides being photographed, swans, ducks, pigeons, trees changing colours for autumn, lights of the city, old beautiful buildings, well dressed men and women.
Je t’aime….