The long awaited trip report! Part 2 France
 

Goodmorning! For those who are new . .let me start by linking the thread from London so that you can get some background to the drama that began our journey.

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ng-the-way.cfm

Now to France we go!

This time we went to London City Airport with no stress what so ever! The hotel had a late check out of 12pm so we were able to take our time and go walking in the rain in Hyde Park one last time and then go to the Hummingbird Bakery one last time for coffee and cake!

I checked in online and chose the seating. The flight was with Air France using City Jet and can I say they were just wonderful!

The kids loved that the flight was only a little over an hour and a half and during that time we were given food and drink as part of our fare.

Getting a taxi from Avignon wasn't the easiest of things but thankfully a kind French women asked if we wanted a taxi and then told me in her limited English to find the lady in Black and order one with her.

The car rental line was huge! There was maybe 4 other groups waiting for a taxi but I assume as our ride was to Uzes the taxi came to us first due to the huge fare they were going to collect. It ended up being a little under 150euros . . we just rounded it up for the taxi man. We did have a little stop as my son had to go to the toilet but all in all I think this is what it costs to take a taxi to Uzes.

We are so lucky that the sun didn't go down to late because the apartment where we are staying was a little tricky to figure out and no one met us to help. The instructions given were great but a small little detail as to how to open the font door once the code was pushed in was missing which in turn meant we couldn't just walk on in.

Again a old French man staying in the apartment next door came to help. He didn't speak a DROP OF ENGLISH and since my French is VERY limited I am sure you all would of laughed watching us try to communicate how to get in.

It was also at this stage that my son decided to do his "daily" toilet business . .thankfully I had packed pull up nappies in case something like this might happen and much to his disgust we put one on so he could do his business while I tried to figure out how the hell to get into our place before the dark set in!

Thankfully the little café next door spoke a little English and I was able to use there phone and call someone to help. Then went back to have closer look at he door. Finally I figured out how to work it . .it wasn't that hard ..and then the time came to carry up two flights of steep winding stairs our luggage!

ARGH! This certainly wasn't a highlight! The backpack was a lifesaver! I am going to be making this the heaviest bag for when it is time to leave. The little old man who tried to help also helped carry up our luggage. Then didn't leave. I assume this is because he wanted some money. Now ...we had euros but only in 50's so I wasn't going to give him that so again in our limited communication I told him that tomorrow I would give him 10euros? Not sure if this was right but he did leave.

The property manager did call and when explaining what had happened he then got in touch with the owners who then called me directly and since this old man had seen the code to enter the apartment they decided it would be best to change it. Which they will be doing this morning at 9am.

SO although it wasn't anywhere near as bad as the start to my last report it certainly did begin with an interesting and dramatic start!

This town is like something out of a dream. I can not even begin to describe how amazing it is. I'll report later today once we have had a wander. Wish me luck with this limited French that I have! The children are loving saying Bonjour but then are getting a little confused with the fact that the children don't speak English . .well the ones we have met so far.

The markets are being set up downstairs ...I am loving sipping on coffee from the living room which has a Juliet style window/balcony and watching it all unfold.

Be in touch later today.

Great to see you safe and sound. Funny about the old man.

I'd love to see photos of your accommodations when you get back. I understand if you don't want to post them now.

PS: Avignon to Uzes should have been about 60€ at the MOST.

Following

Relatively speaking, sounds like a smooth transfer.

Bonjour and merci from your kids will charm the French, particularly the 60+ age group.

A pen and note paper is useful for you / locals to write down numbers if you are struggling - I also found it useful to hold up fingers to supplement my m,angled pronounciation as I ordered pastries, coffee etc!

following, up the ladders, down the snakes :-)

I'd say too, a good start. Enjoy...

Well what an amazing day! Walking the streets with the weekly markets was just sensational. At one stage I got so emotional just being amongst such a beautiful culture.

Yes I shopped! I just couldn't resist the prices and supporting the locals and I figure tomorrow and Monday everything is shut so I will save money there.

We plan on catching the local bus to Avignon tomorrow . . you will be very proud that I went to the tourist information centre and managed to find the local bus timetable! Let's just see if I manage getting on the bus tomorrow!

Thanks for the great tips . .so far the locals have been wonderful . .they are speaking very fast French to me and I just smile and nod where I think I should and then I ask if they speak English . . it's not too bad . . so far so good. I have no idea what is what food wise. I know cheese and chips but that won't get us far :)

Tonight we have cheese, cold meats, paella, champagne, fresh orange juice and baguettes ... I can also run downstairs and grab a pizza if needed :)

I will post photos when I return. I am devastated that I lost the photos I took in London. But if that is the worse thing then I really can't complain ...although it was photos back from March I think :(

Glad you are soldiering on with your report! thanks for sharing your trip with us!

interested in the next chapter . . .

following

I have forgotten how long you are to be there, but are you sure you don't want a car?

Hi Claire
I am following your trip, but missed how you lost your pictures in London.

More soon, please!

HI Gretchen . .here for the week and yes I am not comfortable to have a car. There is so much to do here. I am sure we will manage. The tourist information is great and so we don't get ripped off again by a taxi driver they are getting quotes etc for us. But after the full on week in London it is nice to slow right down and have nights in and get my washing done etc.

Itr I lost the photos because I thought the phone was stolen and therefore deleted the data which meant I lost the photos. But only the days worth ...it just happened to be our site seeing day of London :(

I can not speak more highly of Uzes . . the local so far have been wonderful and the sites/buildings are just beautiful. From the balcony I look up onto the castle wall/turrets...that's pretty amazing in my books!

well, i'm glad you made it to France, crazy, and i too am looking forward to following your adventures.

Travelling along with you, and enjoying it all very much!

Don't forget to shop their pottery shops. It is a charming little town.

Regarding the bus to Avignon - be sure to check on the times for the return buses. There aren't that many, especially on the weekend, if I recall correctly.

<<Tonight we have cheese, cold meats, paella, champagne, fresh orange juice and baguettes>>

Yum! Your trip sounds great. I love France, but have never been to Uzes. I just looked online, and the town and the farmers market look really nice.