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SICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023
  • LinaRogersTravels
  • LinaRogersTravels

SICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023

So we have wanted to do this trip since pre-Covid 2019. It has changed a couple of times but our main goals were to finally get to Sicily and to spend over a month in France. That and more - can't wait. Read more
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  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Traveler

    Albi Arrival after Cahors stop

    June 24, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    This morning we had our last lovely breakfast in idyllic Carsac and left on our way to Albi which is in the Tarn area. We decided on a stop at Cahors for two main reasons. Firstly, the market was highly recommended and it did not disappoint. Lots of people, great fruit & veg, lots of colour and it is set in the main square of the cathedral. We had fun shopping and the Les Halles was very well displayed. Cahors has wide avenues and some gorgeous hanging baskets which are huge! Afterwards we walked down to the river to find the old and so beautiful Valentres Bridge - it was worth it but the day was gradually getting hotter and hotter. We needed to stop and have a cool, sweet drink at a bar and then walked back to our car, put the air conditioner on and have some bread and cheese for lunch.
    After this we drove to Albi which was actually another painful drive. Although the roads are good in France, we were sent off on 'deviation' again and it felt like we went such the long and winding way around. Arrival in Albi was very hot but Marie, our host was lovely and helpful and the apartment is very funky indeed.    Read more

  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Traveler

    Apartment and evening walk

    June 24, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    Above are some photos of the apartment which is really spacious and decorated in a very quirky manner. This evening we set out mainly looking for a gelati which we found just around the corner and it was delicious. However we have made it to the centre of Albi and seen many of the amazing UNESCO heritage 12th and 13th century buildings including the cathedral which we will have a closer look at tomorrow. We are hanging around because there is some sort of event about to happen to do with fire and music and a lot of drinking and eating. It seems like all the locals are here waiting in anticipation. We certainly heard folk music and saw the locals dancing and the fire was going to happen later on.Read more

  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Traveler

    Albi beauties

    June 25, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    After it being much cooler overnight thank goodness we set out this morning and first went to check out the covered market which was small but had nice cheeses and more. We also had a look at the amazing Saint Cecile Cathedral which is in decorated in such an over the top manner and is so high in attitude that once again we were astounded. We dropped the cheese home and then set out to go to the Palais Berbie, which used to be the Palace of the bishops but nowadays is a Henry de Toulouse-Lautrec Art Gallery. So even though his name says he comes from Toulouse he was actually born in Albi. As we have never seen much of his art it was quite interesting with a few nice pieces but he won’t remain our favourite but it was still very interesting to see. The ticket included seeing the palace which has been renovated and even more impressive was the Jardins Remarquables. It is a good example of the French parterre gardens.
    So we had a lovely morning followed by an excellent lunch at Les Jardins de L’Archevecche which included prawns, scallops and a yummy burrata and then we went home for a nice rest in the afternoon heat. As we are not coping with the heat we are going to do what the French do at lunchtime and stay in the cool for a siesta. We did try to also go to the Musee de la Mode but it was closed to the general public. So we had a gelati, planned tomorrow and Uzes and watched the final episode of Ted Lasso .... and cried.... again. We loved it so much we will watch it again in the future as we both feel like we will miss it. It has wonderful insights into a good life.    Read more

  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Traveler

    Cordes su Ciel

    June 26, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    This morning we drove out north-west of Albi for about 20 kms to a very pretty medieval town called Cordes su Ciel (Cordes in the sky). This medieval town was very protected and ever so steep to walk up to. As it was Monday morning a lot of the shops were closed so it made it better to avoid tourists. It was so authentic having several doors to the city, a market hall which was set up for trade and is completely preserved. Clearly the locals who live here have to be prepared to live with antiquated conditions. We enjoyed a coffee and shared a small crepe. The streets were very cobbled and somewhat difficult to walk on but it was a lovely morning and we returned easily to have our lunch at home. We are enjoying this for a change! A field of poppies along the way was really pretty.
    After lunch and a little rest I managed to get my nails done thank goodness as Tatiana couldn't speak English and my French was rudimentary.    Read more

  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Traveler
    1

    Last night in Albi

    June 26, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    So this afternoon I ventured out to get my nails done and it was fine (although not as good as lovely Antoinette on Hutt Street). Tried a lovely blue colour! Then we walked out to explore some of the newer parts of the city and saw a great statue of local hero, Laperouse and the war memorial and then spent some time looking for a new light top for me - it's getting warmer and warmer! Eventually we stopped for a drink in the main square. The 'pichet' of rose ordered was bad so we sent it back and settled for a slightly better 'blanc' and ran across the road for a bag of chips! We decided this is typical of eating in the main touristy spots - not as good and more expensive! We then went for a quick look at the Saint Salvi church whose bells we have been hearing regularly from our airbnb each day. Dinner in with the leftovers and we have been happy to do this for a change. Tomorrow is our next big adventure - long drive to Uzes where we are staying for 10 days. Looking forward to a more relaxed time!Read more

  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Traveler
    1

    Uzes finally

    June 27, 2023 in France ⋅ 🌬 24 °C

    After breakfast we needed a couple of trips to the car park to make sure we have everything. Our host Marie arrived promptly and with her very smiley friendly manner said goodbye to us. Her assistance and her apartment were both excellent. The driving today, although longer turned out to be easier than on some other occasions mainly on the motorway but we have wanted to arrive in Uzes since pre-Covid and currently I am waiting at the garage for ‘Maggi’ to arrive. One particular highlight was the bridge in Millau which we have seen before but never got to drive over.
    Well our place is lovely but is actually on three levels and has a lot more stairs and we expected. Very pretty nevertheless. We are a bit concerned about how Phillip will cope and have been in contact with them. We also spent quite a bit of time trying to work out air-conditioners etc. Ultimately we sat out for a walk and Uzes is extremely pretty and we are excited about being here for the next 10 days. After a little supermarket shop because there is a market tomorrow morning we set out looking for a restaurant. We had a nice walk followed by good dinner and I really looking forward to our next nine days here.    Read more

  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Traveler

    Uzes, Day2

    June 28, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    We slept fine up on the top floor - nice overnight breezes - and this morning we first set out for the Uzes bi-weekly market. It was lovely and we bought some great cheese, beans, strawberries, etc, and excellent chorizo sausages - tiny ones. We had breakfast and did some round-the-house necessities e.g. Craig finally got the air-conditioning going in the guest's bedroom!! We then set out to find the Medieval Gardens which are open later on. We saw many pretty areas and Craig did take ages looking for shorts which he still hasn't found. Home to cook the goodies for a lovely lunch and shortly afterward Phil and Di arrived via transfer with their great driver, Sebastian. It is good to get them here safe and sound.Read more

  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Traveler

    Uzes day 2 continued..

    June 28, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    Later this afternoon we went for a little walk around the town and it is in fact very pretty indeed. We did pop into what I would describe as a very funky arty place where we couldn’t even afford to look at the stuff. We also did spend time trying to plan tomorrow and hoping it goes okay with Phil and Di hoping it’s not too hot. This evening we ventured down the road for dinner to a lovely restaurant called MIDI a Lombra where we sat in the courtyard garden and had really nice fish and lamb. It is quite warm still.Read more

  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Traveler

    L’isle sur la Sorgue

    June 29, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    This morning we got up a little earlier so that we could get going just after 8:30 am to beat the heat. Craig drove us all down to Lisle sur La Sorgue, which is a pretty village with the River Sorgue circumnavigating it completely with lots of water everywhere and wheels and pretty bridges to cross. There was a market on unexpectedly but it was quite good and we enjoyed walking around and purchased a little blue and white bracelet and we also bought a stainless steel fish for decorating our back patio. We did walk around to see the water wheels which were used in the past for grinding flour and making various products for trade for this pretty village. Eventually we met up with Phil and Diane again and had lunch at L’Isle Le Beaute. It was good that Phil went quite well today thank goodness. Tonight we are staying home in the cool.Read more

  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Traveler
    11

    Rainy day today Uzes

    June 30, 2023 in France ⋅ 🌧 20 °C

    Overnight and this morning it has been raining and has continued to do so until lunchtime. Although light it has been persistent and we have enjoyed hanging around getting things done specially because I had a message yesterday which indicated that my passwords may have been compromised so I had some time to deal with that thank goodness. We did walk into Uzes to the main Square to have a coffee and then went round to the Monoprix where Craig finally made a choice on his needed new shorts. We also had a nice ‘Italian’ lunch in Place de L’erbe. Check out that handsome man in the yellow jacket. 💕
    After a rest Craig and I walked to the Medieval Jardin linked to the Duke's castle. The garden itself was mainly herbs etc (nothing on the British ones), however, it was set in the grounds of the castle with jails and towers, etc. In fact, it was 100 steps up to see magnificent views of this amazing city. On the way home we purchased amazing-looking 'jamon' and some calissons for gifts. This evening we went out down the road for a quick drink and then ate in. It was a lovely, relaxing day.    Read more

  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Traveler

    Uzes Market day

    July 1, 2023 in France ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    This morning we first set out for the market to get our food supplies. The market is great - huge in fact and one of the best we have seen. We returned home to drop off our food and had a coffee and almond croissants - could have been better we thought! Then we set out for the markets again - looking at the outer, non-food items. Basically, the market is held all over the town and we certainly ventured into pretty areas we haven't seen before. We also went inside the Igles de St Etienne - both of us were disappointed as it is very dark inside. We did buy some callisons for us, a french blue top for me and some gifties for our grandies😁.
    We hung around and actually cooked our own dinner tonight which included delicious chorizos and prawns and other tapas style vegetables. An after dinner walk with gelati followed and today Craig watched Lawrence of Arabia again….    Read more

  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Traveler

    Pont du Gard

    July 2, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Today is Sunday so everything is 'more' closed including the supermarket selling the water! So we set off after talking to Luke and the boys and drove to Pont du Gard. This is a beautiful Roman bridge crossing the Gardon River and it is very very well maintained. Built by the Romans (of course) and then upgraded by Napoleon, it was a great site to see on a lovely morning - but it is certainly getting hotter quickly. On the way home we stopped at Collias, which was actually ho hum and then we also did some shopping at the Carrefour on the way home. Next we walked down to our corner and had a great lunch at 'La Bolee' which is a creperie. We had delicious galettes and Phil & Craig had the extra crepes for dessert. Long rest was needed in the hot afternoon! Plus planning time. This evening we had a humid walk around areas we haven’t yet seen including the cathedral.Read more

  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Traveler

    St Remy de Provence & Glanum

    July 3, 2023 in France ⋅ 🌬 29 °C

    This morning Craig and I set out on our own for a longer day. We first of all drove to Glanum, which is a site for ancient Roman/Greek/Gallic ruins south of the pretty Saint Remy de Provence village. It was quite large and there were some very interesting/preserved parts. It does pale in comparison to Sicily but we did enjoy seeing it and it is amazing how much has been found. We then drove into 'Remy' managed to park the car - not easy and then found the Tourist Information Office. We wanted to follow the Van Gogh trail and see the institute he was admitted to which was a mental asylum he stayed in for a year after cutting his ear off. However, it was Monday - so we briefly followed the trail which was interesting and then had a nice lunch in the main square (called Place here). We saw another very dark, Gothic church (St Martin's) with some good remains but once again the Italian ones are SO MUCH BETTER!! I am sure France has gorgeous churches - just not in rural Provence ...so far. When we left we aimed to go and see the Tarascon Castle - a fortress on the River Rhone but the car park was not accessible and when we followed the road it took us over the river to Beaucaire which was a pretty town with a canal and lots of boats. Onto our home in Uzes, however for whatever reason "Bridget" our car GPS (which is actually better than "Madalena" our own GPS), took us a completely different and easier way home... wtf it is beyond us. Nevertheless, Craig's driving continues to amaze.Read more

  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Traveler

    St Quentin la Poterie

    July 4, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    This morning we set off for St Quentin la Poterie which is literally 10+ minutes up the road from Uzes. It is as the name says a village specializing in pottery and there are many 'ateliers' of the craft there. It was breezy and we had a lovely amble through the quiet town looking at the pottery shops, little town square, and church. France has so many pretty villages and the drive there was through vineyards and other rural areas and my first glimpse of a lavender field - certainly hope to see more.Read more

  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Traveler

    Goudarges

    July 4, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    Secondly, we drove on to Gourdarges which was about another half hour further north. Another delightful little village which has a little canal running through the centre of it and plane trees everywhere - and they are so green and lush. At the end of the canal, there is a restored wash house and the 12th-century church is worth a look. There were also some nice shops to browse in and we had lunch sitting by the canal called L'Ecluse. Whilst Craig didn't love his Nicoise salad (it was missing the Serena tuna), I did finally eat some red meat - it's been a long time - I had a 'brochette' of lamb which is a skewer. Good to work that out and yummy in lemon marinade with salad. Lovely day thanks to Jenny Godson's recommendations.Read more

  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Traveler

    Uzes market & local walk

    July 5, 2023 in France ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    This morning Craig and I went to the Uzes market again - Wednesday was much smaller than Saturday but the figs were huge and cheap compared to Adelaide. Afterwards, we took a historical walk around Uzes with a local guide and it was very informative and enjoyable. We learned a lot about Uzes's history. I did manage to purchase myself a 'scarfe top' and then met Phil & Di for a great lunch at Cebo which is pretty close to where we live and yum yum.Read more

  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Traveler

    Uzes Final Day!

    July 6, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    So after all the planning and longing for our little sojourn of a 10-day stay in a French town, today is our final day in Uzes. Craig went for an early morning walk to find the Roman aqueduct. We all went to the Uzes art gallery to see the exhibition of the successful local artist, Cesar Chabaud. We were not allowed to take photos and Craig said they didn't trust me because the security guard followed us into every room!?? Interesting paintings - he was mentored by Picasso who was also his friend. He also became famous for compressing items together (is it cubism?) e.g. like cars and cans. We all enjoyed the small but interesting exhibition. It was also good to see the building it was displayed in. Our last coffee in Place D'Erbe was followed by a quick look in the Maison Des Artistes - which also had gorgeous 'objets d'art 'made by local artists. Gorgeous jewellery and other art pieces which were very, very expensive. Home to change was followed by a delicious lunch at Racines. This restaurant is just a five-minute walk from our home but the 28 Euros lunch included a great razor clam entree, delicious beef, and poached pear with pistachio icecream dessert. Good value, excellent lunch enjoyed by everyone.
    After lunch Craig and I went to the museum which was simple but very historical about all the locals including Xavier Sigalon, Gide and Pichet!!    Read more

  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Traveler

    Annecy

    July 7, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    This morning we left lovely Uzes and drove off to Annecy in north eastern France. For many years I have wanted to come to Annecy as it looks very pretty and is described as the Venice of France. Although we had some Wi-Fi and check-in hassles it has not disappointed at all. Annecy has lovely old mediaeval buildings, gorgeous canals which goes out to a lake. Phil and Diane are staying at a hotel and we have our booking.com white place which although not air-conditioned, the fans are pretty good and it is in a great location. After minimal shopping for breakfast we set out and sat by the canal sharing a very nice Caesar salad which is more than enough for both of us along with the two boules of icecream. Lovely Belgian gentleman named Marc sat next to us and he was really nice to talk to. We also enjoyed the walk around Annecy afterwards. There are a lot of tourists here right now this year why not as it is such a beautiful place.Read more

  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Traveler
    1

    Annecy Day 2

    July 8, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    This morning we initially went for a lovely walk through the Jardin. We managed to find the Tourism Office for a map and more information. Then we met Phil & Di at their hotel and walked them down to the lake to get 1.5-hour boat tour of Lac d'Annecy. Although it was completely in French we saw many pretty areas, castles, lovely homes, mountains, and all the little villages located around this beautiful green-blue lake. A good way to avoid the heat also. Afterwards we bought some amazing food from a gourmet food shop and had lunch in our booking.com very white room❤️Read more

  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Traveler

    Hot afternoon saunter

    July 8, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    After lunch and a rest we did saunter up to there Palais De l’isle. It feels so very hot but I bought some Loccitane products, Had a good look inside the pretty building which is the Palais and so very photographed. There was plenty of old and modern history explained and finally we went up the hill to the Château. Certainly feels too hot today.Read more

  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Traveler

    Final dinner tonight in Annecy

    July 8, 2023 in France ⋅ 🌙 25 °C

    This evening we got more dressed up than usual and actually caught a taxi to the brasserie Irma Restaurant which was up the road from Annecy in a lovely location. Wonderful Craig had done the research and this Paul Bocuse was very nice. We all enjoyed our main courses which included fish and veal dishes and desserts were pretty good as well. Afterwards we had a walk around the Annecy gardens which had a summer festival music night which reminded us of the Fringe. We saw various artists entertaining us in trees and many of the locals were out enjoying each other’s company in the warm summer evening with all the pretty lights out. This morning and again tonight we saw the bridge of love better known as the Pont d’amor. It did seem rather crowded to be romantic!Read more

  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Traveler

    Today sucked but we did get to Lyon!

    July 9, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 34 °C

    This morning we packed and went for a lovely walk around the Annecy markets - what a lovely place this truly is. The markets were awesome. We left and drove to Lyon with few hassles. We dropped Phil & Di off at the Hotel Carlton where we are staying and then Craig and I spent nearly the next three hours trying to return the car to Hertz at our chosen location. Between Bridget the GPS being inaccurate and Hertz being closed we went round and round in circles in the car and then on foot. Hertz also gave misleading vague details about where to return the car precisely. Added to this it was 38 degrees and we went spare. Eventually, we did find it and took a taxi back to the Carlton. Exhausted and dehydrated we showered, rested, and then eventually went out for a reasonable only meal of pizza and Caesar salad. The buildings here in Lyon so far, are beautiful, huge and so grand. France has been so expensive - much more than Italy and even a bit more than the UK. Anyway, we still worked well together, loved each other through all this, and thank god the f.....ing day is over!Read more

  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Traveler

    Lyon morning

    July 10, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    We woke up fairly early after a good sleep and went for a walk to find the Les Halles market. It wasn’t too warm and we did find it but it’s Monday so we know what that means and only a couple of stores were open which was disappointing. We did have a coffee and croissant for breakfast nearby and then walked back over the Lafayette bridge and so beautiful buildings like La bourse, Saint Bonaventura church, The hotel DE ville and magnificent Opera house. Lyon does seem large and Ostentatious and beautiful. We also saw quite a few businesses barricaded probably because of the riots that happened that a couple of weeks ago. After a rest we went out again initially to find me a black Singlet top and then down to the tourism office where we got wonderful help from a lovely young woman called Pauline. On the way back we saw additional magnificently beautiful buildings. For lunch we walked around to Nosch and had delicious food - I had the white fish and Craig had the veal cooked with roasted peach. Yum yum.Read more

  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Traveler

    Hot day again in Lyon

    July 10, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    After lunch, we had a quick look at the Rue Mercier where there were lots of great-looking restaurants. And also a lovely LARGE fountain. After a rest, we set out to find the Traboules and facades in Vieux-Lyon. Tricky to find these traboules are narrow, 'secret' passageways in between houses. We went through the doors and found several of them. Very interesting to see - used as shortcuts, to avoid the rain and for the silk merchants. There were also some lovely Renaissance facades on the outside. The St Jean cathedral looked amazing but it wasn't open?? Too hot perhaps. Back home again as we were all over hot.Read more

  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Traveler

    Fourviere cathedral wow

    July 11, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    This morning we woke up and took the Finicula up to the Fournier Cathedral area. It was hot but it is such a magnificent cathedral with beautiful mosaics at the loveliest cathedral we have seen so far in France. Up there there were also wonderful panoramic views of Lyon. We left the lovely Hotel Carlton by taxi and after we got into our Delling Viking boat Craig realized that he had left his handbag with our passports, his credit cards, wallet, etc in the taxi. The crew was most helpful and after a couple of worrying hours he did get it back thank God. And I had prayed!! Light lunch followed by rest and organization. This evening we had the safety drill and enjoyed our first dinner. My Lyon specialty fish with lemon was really nice.Read more

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