Day 8: Les-Baux-de-Provence to Avignon, September 6th

Saturday night was our last meal with Charlotte and we were all sad to see her go. Unfortunately for us, she was scheduled to begin another tour in Avignon on this Sunday morning so Stuart showed up to take Charlotte's place and help Pierre guide our group through another hike in the Alpilles. Because the winds continued, it was another "red day". We parked near the trailhead and hiked up more rocky trails to the ruins of an old fort. The foundations for huge catapults (trébuchets) were visible on what remained of the fort floor. The catapults had been mounted to fire on enemies below.

at the ruins of the old fort

From the top of the fort, we could see the small medieval hamlet of Les-Baux-de-Provence down below. 

 Les-Baux-de-Provence

We continued downhill from the fort and came out onto a road just a mile or so above Les-Baux on our left. We turned right to an abandoned quarry site and enjoyed our last memorable picnic lunch among the ancient ruins.  

After lunch we returned to the road, walking up to the small village of Les-Baux-de-Provence.

  
At one time Les-Baux had over 4,000 inhabitants; today there are merely 22 full time residents. Known as one of the most picturesque villages in France, it’s now devoted almost entirely to the tourist trade with quaint little shops, museums, churches and cafes. We spent the afternoon in the usual pursuits - exploring the shops and museums, and sipping our last café in the sunny outdoors.

road up to Les-Baux on the hill

entrance way into the village

the scene looking down from Les-Baux into the countryside below

 

the last cafe.....

As we left Les-Baux at 4pm that afternoon, Pierre cheerfully told us we simply had to see another Abbey. Though the Abbaye Saint-Michel de Frigolet was in nearby Tarascon, we were exhausted and not sure any famous edifice would be worth another stop. Fortunately, as usual, we were proved wrong. It was the most elegant abbey we visited, the ornate architecture contrasting sharply with the austere interior of Sénanque Abbey earlier in the trip.

The grounds were as striking as the Abbey itself. We walked around in ones and twos, marveling at the views.

It was with a bit of sadness and nostalgia that we dragged ourselves back into our vans that afternoon for our ride back to Avignon where we would again stay at the hotel where our adventure began. We checked in and prepared for our farewell dinner at La Cour D’Honneur in Avignon. I'm sure it was a great dinner, but I didn't get to enjoy it. Unfortunately I awoke that morning with laryngitis and during the dinner my condition continued to deteriorate. After appetizers and salad, I said a quick goodbye and returned to my room. I am still saddened that I never got to say a proper goodbye to my fellow travelers but I hope we’ll all keep in touch now that we’ve become friends. 

The Group