Bonjour Provence Hilltowns...

Another photo heavy post.  I find it very difficult to condense over 2000 photos into just a few to share with you.  When Mr. C and I travel we love to explore the old town centers as opposed to the newer parts of any town.  So on our recent trip to Provence France where we stayed in St. Remy we drove to many hilltowns and explored their ancient charms.  We also take very different photos.  I like charm and he likes life scenes.  I turn the camera to the right and he turns it to the left.  We balance one another very well.
Welcome to Arles, France.

This ancient Roman Arena was featured in a few scenes in the movie Ronin starring Robert De Niro.  Arles is not a touristy town so the authentic old charm feel was quite prevelant.

Breathtaking Les Baux.  Crowning the rugged Alpilles mountains the sights are spectacular.  With its medieval castle you are transported back in time.  These were some bicyclists who climbed over a wall.

Rugged limestone softened with flowers and living trees and vines. Now this is charming.  See the hand carved face in the stone in the right front?  These are details I enjoy.

This current cemetary dates back to the ancient times and is peaceful and beautiful.  I seemed to be very tranquil while visiting this part of history.

Very rugged terrain and it was sunny and quite hot this day we visited the castle.  We had driven to Les Baux a few days earlier but couldn't even get close as it was celebrating and full of visitors enjoying the reenactments of medieval pageantry, tournaments and demonstrations.  Thankfully our day of visiting was much less crowded and we went early when they first opened.
 

I am always awed by the fortitude our previous ancestors must have had to endure building and living in such forebidding circumstances.

This is Pont Du Gard.  An ancient Roman Aqueduct built in about 19 B.C.  Truly awe inspiring work that still exists today.

There is a grotto from ancient times when the river flowed through.

This is part of the grotto.  I can only imagine the power of the river and its waters back then.

Today the river is all but a stream.  There were lots of day-trippers who come and play like it is their day at the beach.  Pont Du Gard actually sells a yearly pass for locals to enjoy it.

On to Uzes for us.  Officially Uzes is in Languedoc, not in Provence, but we did not notice.  We were hot and tired as we had just visited Pont Du Gard and were parched and ready to sit and enjoy a break.

After parking, which is a feat in itself, we wandered through this archway not knowing what we would find.

Ahh...feeling better and refreshed.  Nothing like some beautiful shade trees and a cool drink while sitting in a plaza enjoying the people watching.

After eating a delicious lunch we wandered through a wonderful artisan open market.  I regret not buying some of the items I found and loved.  I should have then as I won't be visiting here again anytime soon. Maybe I should learn a lesson.  It seems I have missed out on some special momentos from just about every place I have traveled.  The one that comes to mind is the amazing artisan mask in a tiny little back street shop in Venice.  By the time we decided we should buy it, the store was closed and we were leaving the next morning at dawn.  Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda...
I hope you have enjoyed my wanderings.  There are so many more places I wish to share with you.  Maybe another time soon.  Traveling is such an eye-opening horizon-expanding experience and I am so very fortunate to be able to enjoy the journey with Mr. C.  We are both still adjusting to getting back into our regular routines.  I have signed up for my favorite Chamber of Commerce volunteering.  Mr. C is helping a friend with his computer issues.   Mr. C is also working on his cars which he loves doing...as long as it allows them to go faster. We are both working in the yard as the weather permits.  It is so hot and dry here.  We are having an issue with Voles (yes you may Google Voles) who are destroying our lawn.  I can only imagine the orgy that field mice, gophers and moles had to beget Voles.  I actually saw one yesterday and they are furry and fast!
May you be enjoying your lazy days of Summer (and for my Winter friends...brrr).  Spending time with family and friends and just soaking in the slower paced life that we should be experiencing.  I don't however believe the world clock is any slower paced.  I am losing full days at a time and have no idea where they have trotted off to.
Creative Bliss My Friends...