Provence, abridged

After the sky has cleared, we're ready for some excursions. Near the station at Arles, there's a ruined bridge that used to cross the Rhone in the pomp and glory of 19th century French railways. Curiously, this is reflected by the much more famous ruined bridge at Avignon, 20 minutes away by rail. We find that, like at Carcassonne, the free view from a distance gives us a better look than ticketed entry on the bridge itself.

Another day trip, a 40-minute bus ride through the marshy Camargue, takes us out to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. Rather quiet on a Monday afternoon, it's a cut above some of the English seaside resorts I could mention!

Finally, a "10 depressing things about this view" comes from the suburban area outside Aix-en-Provence where we make our last stop. The number 8 bus however takes into the elegant city centre, which is like Paris on a small scale. Every corner boasts a palace, statue or fountain, plus the lively Thursday market. The street furniture reminds us that Paul Cezanne made Aix his home.

Aix is as near the international airport as is Marseille, so we take a taxi from there. 50 years since my last visit: it can't be 50 years till the next one, so maybe 50 months or 50 weeks. The Pont du Gard on the 5-euro note will have to wait till than.Läs mer