Mmmm...wine.
Plants grow on the walls of the vineyard structure to provide insulation.
Perhaps Patrick got into too much of the wine!
Those specks on the lower bridge are people!
Narrow and winding streets are fun to wander down in Arles
Mmmm...cheese
Following the one evening in medieval Carcassonne, our next destination was
Arles, which is a town known for its Roman ruins. However, before that we
were to have a lunch and wine tasting at the Chateau des Hospitaliers
vineyard. We were given a short tour of the grounds prior to the tasting and
lunch which was fascinating as they practice sustainable agriculture and are
environmentally friendly. For example to provide better insulation part of
the warehouse is built into the side of a hill while the exposed wall is
covered with vertical plants.
The wine was excellent. Gen and I were surprised how much we liked the chilled rosé which was especially good on a warm afternoon. Needless to say we took a few home with us.
Following lunch, we boarded the bus for the Pont du Gard. Wow -- it is massive. You don't fully appreciate how immense it is until you're on it and see the huge arches and stone blocks. Gen and I spent quite a bit of time touring the structure itself as you can hike up and down the river valley to get a wider perspective. We also went into the museum which is quite worth the time. It provides background on how it was built and how it works.
The wine was excellent. Gen and I were surprised how much we liked the chilled rosé which was especially good on a warm afternoon. Needless to say we took a few home with us.
Following lunch, we boarded the bus for the Pont du Gard. Wow -- it is massive. You don't fully appreciate how immense it is until you're on it and see the huge arches and stone blocks. Gen and I spent quite a bit of time touring the structure itself as you can hike up and down the river valley to get a wider perspective. We also went into the museum which is quite worth the time. It provides background on how it was built and how it works.
After that we headed to Arles to get settled in our hotel and have a short introduction to the town by Patrick. Arles is a charming little town with ancient ruins everywhere and narrow, twisty streets that one can endlessly wander. The coliseum was nice but no where as impressive as the Pont du Gard!
The following day was a guided tour with Jacqueline who took us all across
Arles, its streets, and its Roman ruins. It was a beautiful day to walk the
city even though it was a bit chilly and the
Mistral winds picked up.
The following night was a group dinner at a place called Corazon where the food was excellent. I've never had much of a taste for duck, but after this trip, I have a new found appreciation for it. Duck confit is delicious!
The following night was a group dinner at a place called Corazon where the food was excellent. I've never had much of a taste for duck, but after this trip, I have a new found appreciation for it. Duck confit is delicious!