Our free day today so we did a bit of shopping (la la la la) and then went visiting the ancient Roman ruins 6 centuries BC; the museum and amphitheatre was truly amazing felt very small as we appreciated the share size of the structures, viewed the tools they used and listened to the history when we were in the museum. Off for a spot of lunch and then to worry the shop keepers again.

We are trekking from Le crestet to Vaison la Romaine today which is on the banks if the Ouveze river. It was such a delightful walk and our pace much slower. We captured views of Mont Vonteaux in the distance trying to entice us up its steep slopes all the while viewing innumerable cyclists zipping past us on the way to try and emulate the Tour de France climb up this imposing mountain. We are not succumbing, tomorrow is our rest day Instead we continued our lei...

Fort de Buoux and Sivergues In 1660, King Louis XIV ordered the forts destruction and from that date on the nearby village abandoned its defensive location. On the fort grounds Steve saw a section of the rampart and the walls of the chapel. This served as a refuge for the local population during the wars of religion. The fort is built upon a rocky protrusion, which has sheer cliffs right round. The whole area has sloping ground upon which a small village, church...

We travelled again by taxi from our Auberge to Gordes - what incredibly narrow streets and courteous drivers. I am quoting from parts of our itinerary now... Gordes is a village clinging to the southern face of the high Vaucluse plateau. Above which is a 16th century castle.... End of quote. It is market day and what a delight to the eye and the nostrils. I found a beautiful tablecloth and placemats the much sort after oil of lavendar named lavande essentially ...

We all met together after breakfast and were transferred by taxi from Avignon to Bonnieux which is nestled in the heart of the Luberon. Massif the village of Bonnieux is crowned by its 12th century Church and a place to enjoy far-reaching views of the plains the Rhone valley and the medieval villages that sprinkle the landscape. Also the home of Pierre Cardin, who has purchased the bulk of a village with an imposing chateau of course. Rather ironic that the name ...