Day 8 - Allauch to Les Baux-de-Provence
Trip Start
Apr 02, 2011
1
7
14
Trip End
Apr 16, 2011
Where I stayed
Les Baux de Provence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
Saturday, April 9, 2011
I eventually gave up, and we headed for the Vieux Port - the harbor in the center of the city. After sitting for what seemed like hours in traffic - apparently many streets are closed on Saturdays for markets - we finally found a spot in a parking garage. I exchanged most of my remaining U.S. dollars at a horrible rate at a touristy change shack, and then we looked around the harbor a bit. Some sort of festival was in full swing, and we watched some acrobats on stilts for a while before returning to the car, where we waited in more traffic, and eventually onto the highway toward Arles.
Once in Arles, we found a parking spot along the Rhone, decided not to pay the parking meter, and walked the twenty or so blocks to the Roman sites in the center of town. It was quite warm in Arles - probably upper 80's F - and I found myself gravitating toward shady areas. We visited the Roman theater and amphitheater (Colosseum) - bringing back memories of a previous trip - before succumbing to the heat and tired legs and returning to the car.
The drive out of Arles and to the hotel was an easy half-hour trip, and we were both relieved that the pool was open. We spent a refreshing couple of hours relaxing in and around the awesome, but chilly, pool (I'm never satisfied). After a shower we headed out to find something to eat, which turned into a lengthy quest, complete with closing supermarkets and closed restaurants. We finally ended up eating at a McDonald's in Cavaillon. During this process, I was desperately searching for a gas station that would accept my visa card, and failed at that, too.
We made it back to the hotel after dark, but the car is on empty. All in all, it was a day filled with frustration and miscues, interspersed with moments of awe and relaxation. I'll try not to dwell on the gas tank as I fall asleep tonight, and we'll see what tomorrow brings.
Hotel Mas De L'Oulivie: The best part of the hotel was the landscaping and pool areas. Very relaxing. The room was somewhat small and the cooling didn't work, but otherwise it was quite comfortable. The wi-fi only worked in the lobby area.
