Provence’s welcome – Rows of Sycamores arching over roads and lining the vineyards.

Fall means Provence without lavender or sunflowers in bloom so not postcard perfect but wonderful weather.  Our visit was based in the walled city of Avignon, 14th century home of the Popes.  The palace/fortress and gardens dominate the city and this prescient sign welcomes visitors.

Arles, with it’s Roman Colosseum and Theater (bread & circus), attracted Vincent Van Gogh, who spent several years here.  He lost his ear in Arles and his painting of the courtyard garden of the hospital where he was treated is displayed in that beautiful garden.

Van Gogh’s night painting of the Rhone, a favorite Arles subject.

The 10th century castle ruins at Les Baux de Provence meant wonderful views and netted many fitness steps.

Romans built the Pont du Gard around 60AD as part of a 31 mile aqueduct to bring water from a far away spring to Nimes.

Wine, WiNE, of course.  Visited a famous Chateauneuf-du-Pape winery whose vineyards look strange to us from California.  The plants are very short and the soil very rocky which retains the sun’s heat and ripens the grapes faster.

Be ready for it…when you’re in Provence it’s the 3 kiss greeting – (Right cheek-Left cheek-Right cheek).  So French.  As we head to Lyon, we’re in 2 kiss territory.