We left Domaine de Rhodes in Avignon yesterday morning and went directly to the Uzes Saturday market. It was all over town, with vendors selling everything from arts and crafts, to underwear, to cheese and produce. We made our usual purchases of a few croissants and some fruit and enjoyed looking.
We got on the peage to make some time as we drove north. The sky was clear, the Alps were glistening to our east and we enjoyed the drive mostly along the Rhone River. We had reservations at CarpeDiem Bed and Breakfast in the village of Massangis, with 87 residents. CarpeDiem was very nice and we liked our space but the owners were the least friendly of our whole trip. The one owner met us as we arrived and told us the story of how they bought the barns and stables 26 year ago, and how they renovated it into their home and bed and breakfast. They bought the property from the farmer who has lived across the street all these years, but he said, "we are not friends." They set the breakfast table with a terrific breakfast, left the room and never came back. I always need more coffee!
We left CarpeDiem by 9:30 this morning and drove north on back roads with the sun shining the first 90 minutes or so and then the deepest of fogs rolled over us and enveloped the whole north of France. We drove slowly as there were times when visibility was down to 100'. We arrived in Pierrefonds by 2:30 in the afternoon and drove directly to L'Ermitage, our bed and breakfast for the night. It is beautiful! The owner was welcoming and we are happy to be here!
http://www.ermitage-pierrefonds.fr/
We drove into the village of Pierrefonds and were so happily reminded of our trip 20 years ago with the girls to this special village with an oversize castle, the largest military castle in France. It sits on a lake, with beautiful chateaus all around. It is an idyllic spot, and only a bit over an hour from Paris. We had lunch and walked around, exploring the castle, remembering our previous visit, and so happy to be back!
Tomorrow we fly from Paris to Amman for more adventures with Claire, Emerson and David!
http://www.ermitage-pierrefonds.fr/
