--> Our Untour to Provence was in October - we have found that the fall season is a wonderful time to travel to Europe - no crowds, less traffic, beautiful weather. We were not disappointed this time, either. Rather than a log of day-to-day activities, this is a brief run-down of what we liked!

Our apartment outside of St. Didier surpassed our expectations. In an old farmhouse, up a long winding road, it was the most beautiful and well equipped apartment we have ever had in our seven Idyll journeys. We were so fortunate to have another Idyll couple in the apartment backing ours. Sharing some wine, purchases at the markets, and comparing the day’s activities was great fun.

Looking across the valley from our patio, we saw Mont Ventoux. in the distance. The Rhone and the mountain were our landmarks during our two week stay - we saw them from all different angles!

Of the trips mentioned in On-Site France, there were some that really stood out.

Roussillon - the ochre quarry is a must. Not mentioned in the book, go beyond the parking lot at the top of the town. There is a pathway with a gate and a little guard house - for 3 Euros per, the walk through the quarried area is truly awesome. It took us over an hour. And almost a whole roll of film!

Pont du Gard - because of the flooding in 2002, the river area was closed, but the walk over the lower bridge was a thrill. It was sobering to see the devastation from the flooding. Huge trees just bent over from the power of the water. Amazing to see how this ancient construction withstood the onslaught! The same day we drove through a "barrier" and looked at the Pont St. Nicholas - it is another Roman bridge over the Gardon. The flood destroyed the roadway on top of the bridge, but the foundation held.

Mont Ventoux - not knowing the road was closed, we drove from Maulaucene up D974 and were stopped by a barrier halfway up. Being adventuresome Untourists, that would not deter us, so we turned around and went down (2nd gear up and down). Checking the map, we found our way from Maulaucene to D19 through Bedoin and up to the top of the mountain from the east. How wonderful to look across and imagine seeing us on our patio! In retrospect, we were glad we did not know the road was closed - the views were spectacular and so different going up and down! Following the advice of THE BOOK, we did go toward Sault and through the Gorges de la Nesque.

Orange - ho hum, we thought - another Roman ruin. Not so. We were properly impressed. The English tape we had was fascinating. (Same in Les Baux.)

Camargue - the Rhone Delta is so different from the rest of Provence. And do not miss the running of the bulls in Stes-Maries-de-la-Mer at noon!

These were our favorites. We visited most of the places in THE BOOK, since experience has told us that the research of the Idyll staff really finds the best places to visit.

As for eating out, we cannot give any recommendations. One of the reasons we use Idyll is having our own "home" where we can do our own cooking using local foods. We could step outside our door and pick fresh rosemary, mint, sage. The produce in the area was fresh and so good. We love the lettuce in Europe. Our nightly salad was lettuce, tomatoes and fresh mint with olive oil and vinegar. Shallots were so inexpensive, we used them in everything. And, of course, olives.

Lunches were usually wine, cheese, bread and fruit (or a sandwich from "home") alongside the road. You can always get a sandwich at the local bakery. Rather than hunting for a restaurant and then having a casual (but sometime lengthy) lunch, we would rather picnic. One time we were serenaded by a herd of goats, their shepherd and his dog. Their bells were an interesting contrast to the speedway we heard afar off!

Idyll and its staff does a great job in getting you prepared for your journey. Their suggestions of places to go is more than adequate. The problem is picking the spots to fit into the two weeks! You can’t possibly do them all!