Yes it was hard to get a park. I do want to say how helpful French people are. As our car park was a bit tricky to get out of, a passerby stopped the traffic in both directions and explained to others why so that we could get out easily. That would never happen in Australia. We have been shown so much kindness by French people who are complete strangers who have gone out of their way to be helpful. Loving France.

Yesterday was a domestic day in that we had to do some shopping. In our alleged but we had allowed expenditure for sheets, pillows and a bbq. The reason I say we have an alleged budget is my husband thinks we do, and I know we don’t lol. All items purchased successfully and worth noting to buy a gas bottle id is required. Currently waiting for the roast pork to cook.

Today we went on a lovely drive to Anduze and then the Bamboo Gardens. We followed the sign to Bambouseraie. Love that word.The entry fee is €11,80 pp with a senior discount of 1€ for those over 65. While it says you can walk the 2k to the gardens from Anduze it is not advisable as it could be very dangerous walking along a winding road with no footpaths/sidewalks

It is a spectacular garden, and we loved every minute we were there. The variety of bamboo is amazing, and it is so well set out and easy to walk around. The whole landscape of the gardens takes your breath away. The golden bamboo set among red Japanese maples was magnificent. The Laos Village is not to be missed as I have never seen chooks like they had there. The total visit was two hours and would have been longer if the snack bar was open. It would have been perfect to sit and have a glass of wine there.

We are finding that whenever you see something spectacular, the next day you see something more impressive.

it is 3ks from Anduze. and so beautiful. Maybe I haven’t named it correctly

https://www.french-gardens.com/garde...lanbuisson.php

sorry incorrect link posted above. This is the right one.


https://www.creme-de-languedoc.com/L...aie-bamboo.php

The last day of having the hire car today thank goodness as it has been at times a stressful experience. Took the 50 minute drive to Les Baux De Provence to see the Vincent Can Gough work at the Carrieres Luminers exhibition. Being a weekday there was not a queue and after paying the €12 entry fee ( one euro less for seniors) we entered. Once inside you see the dimensions of the cave, and the limestone is really beautiful. It is advisable to take a warm jacket as it can be a bit cold inside. Then the show began. The Japanese art is fabulous and you feel that you are right there beneath the ocean, in the waves, or in a tea house. This part of the exhibition lasts for about 25 mins.

Then the Vincent part of the show began. What a fantastic show this is. You feel like you are walking amongst the sunflowers, and it is done so very well going around the whole cave. The music that plays it’s the art is perfect and at times I was close to tears as it is so moving. That is not normally like me. Whenever you have exhibitions, the designers can include items not related. Not here, the way that this exhibition has been produced is so respectful of the artists work, Such a moving and memorable experience that I can’t really describe it, and my words don do it justice. All I know that this exhibition we stay with me forever and saying that I loved the whole thing isn’t enough.

We will now spend a few days around Nimes, as we have an event on Saturday that either could be very good, or one of those things when you think what on earth were we thinking.....

A few days after our arrival the owner of our accommodation emailed to tell us of an event it Nimes from Friday 18 October - Sunday 20. The event is called Costieres De Nimes Toquée. There are different events on each of the days you can attend. The Friday Night was 4 different restaurants and with traditional French food from the south paired with appropriate wines. We didn’t attend this one.
Todays event was held in and old building belonging to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry with beautiful ceilings and frescoes on the walls.

On arrival you are given a program, a hat, glass and small pouch. You then have one of the five courses that is signed off in the program as you receive the meal.There is also a list of thewines that go with the each meal. A funky band was also playing. You can keep on going back for wine and you can stay the whole time from 11.00 am - 6.00 pm if you wanted to. There is no seating and it is standup eating. The cost was €35 pp.

it was a fabulous couple of hours. You get to taste the local wine and it is very good. Apparently the average price per bottle is around €6-7. We were the only non Europeans there and the local paper took our photo. Not sure whether it will make the cut.

The event is held every year at this time, and tickets usually go on sale around 3 October.

I have to say how friendly and welcoming the locals are. Every person today made us feel very welcome, and were sorry that Australia lost to England in the Rugby. Many people also acknowledged how far Australia is from here, and appeared to be happy that we have chosen Nimes to stay for so long. They winemakers also commented on how good Australian wine is ,not quite as good as French but nearly. They great thing about going on our own was that it made us talk to other people.

The event tomorrow is visiting the different wineries close to Nimes. As we don’t have a car at the moment we will not be attending. All my concerns of would we be understood, and I only drink white wine were not warranted. Another fabulous day n this beautiful country.

Am so enjoying your TR cheska, thanks for taking us along on the ride. The wine and food paring event sounds so much fun, we’d have loved it.

We unfortunately weren’t able to make it to les Baux and missed seeing the Carrières de Lumière last year, maybe when we’re in Paris next year...

rhon I know you are with me in spirit lol

geetika you can never see everything. Even being here a long time there is only so much we can see. We don’t like packing and unpacking all the time. Once a month we will go away for four days. Trouble is the remaining five months will go so quick. Have just booked Lyon for 4 days next month.