October 5 – Les Baux, Provence and Pont du Gard aqueduct

Getting to Provence by car turned out to be surprisingly easy.  We were quite concerned about driving in Europe, especially after witnessing the driving habits in places like Rome.  However, we were far enough away from the bigger cities that the drivers were far tamer.  I would say that their aggression level lies somewhere in between Portland and Los Angeles.

Look out!   An American driver in France!

We woke up lazily after a good night’s sleep and slowly made our way to Le Chateau Les Baux, the prime attraction.  Le Chateaux Les Baux is a small, medieval town built in the 12^th century by the Balthazar family, who is rumored to be descendants of one of the magi.  This is an A-list attraction.  It has interesting history, interesting architecture, is well preserved (and restored) and is in an extremely scenic location.  We both enjoyed this visit very much.  So much that we are going to make Les Baux our home base for our 3-4 days in Provence!

The lower village of the medieval hill town of Les Baux

 The view from our hotel room.  Poor us for having to endure such things!

Overlooking the Alpilles mountains and the valley floor below Les Baux

The 12th century ruins of Chateau Les Baux

Brian’s punishment is to be locked into a stock listening to information about Chateau Les Baux on an infinite loop.

Later in the day we visited the Pont du Gard Aqueducts.  Wow!  Built around 19 B.C. by the Roman Empire, this aqueduct supplied water to Nimes.  The grand size of the aqueduct surprised us both.  The remains span 100 meters and have three levels of arches.  One of the more interesting facts (and there are many) is that the average grade of the aqueduct is 25 centimeters per kilometer for a distance of 50 kilometers. We are now glowing from such a good day.  

Leave it to Napoleon's 'gangs' to graffiti a national monument.