Our time in France was divided into three parts. We first spent three days in the south poking around old walled towns and Roman ruins. We based ourselves out of Avignon where we found a great little hotel inside the walled city. We explored Nime and Arles via short train trips. My first impression of France was “no more dollar beers and free tapas”. Food is expensive and drinks are really expensive (even nonalcoholic). The Roman structures were very impressive especially since some of them are still in use. Nime was the sight of our first official pickpocket attempt which we survived unscathed. The second part of our France experience was spent in and around Paris. We first visited with friends Nathaly, William, Marie and Victor) in Velizy, a suburb of Paris. Next stop the big P itself where we rendezvoused with Dad and Phyllis who shared a week of museums and sights with us. Michele and I found a nice hotel in Montmarte not too far from the Champs Elysees where Dad and Phyllis were staying. The weather was erratic but we managed to stay dry. The highlight for me was the impressionist section of the D’Orsey, WOW! Our last blast in France was a couple days on the north coast in San Malo and Mont Saint Michele. Both of these towns are on the water and are famous for the extreme tide swings. They can experience a 15 meter swing in one day! San Malo was largely destroyed in WWII but has been faithfully restored to maintain its medieval feel. Mont Saint Michele is famous for its Abbey built on a small island just off shore. The weather remained unsettled but we were not hampered in our explorations at all. Other than the expensive food and confusing train schedules France was quite enchanting.
© 1998 michele_drew@hotmail.com
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