Plus, it lasts longer.
We left Provence Friday morning, after saying goodbye to Pam, the caretaker for the apartment we rented in L'Isle sur la Sorgue. With our carefully plotted out map from Michelin, we were certain that a 9:30 a.m. departure would give us plenty of time to get to the Avignon TGV station in time for our 12:15 train back to Gare de Lyon on Paris.
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| The view from Pont Neuf on Friday, Sept. 14, 2012. |
Just barely.
The map names bore little relation to the actual names on signposts, not to mention that the French don't sign intersections symmetrically.
As in, after crossing what turned out to be the D900 route to Avignon we wanted and finding ourselves deeper and deeper into (charming!) one-lane road farm country, we turned around. Back at that same road, there was the sign. D900! Yay! Why wasn't it there when we crossed the road in the opposite direction?
Anyway lots of fun sniping between driver and navigator and upon final arrival at Avignon TGV, Carl's words were: "I hate Avignon. I'm never coming back!"
The Avignon TGV is as sleek and modern as the Gare de Lyon is rusty and clackety. There is a lighted sign showing the "composition" of the train relative to spots A-Z on the track. You look at your ticket, see what your car number is then match it up to the letter so there is no rushing to get to your car.
That is if you are there on time. The TGV doesn't wait. Five minute max for people to get off, get on and stow luggage. We did actually arrive pres de l'heure, but threw in getting lost in the rental car drop off! lot to add to the excitement.
Back in Paris, we found our hotel in St. Germain des Pres, wandered for a bit and took in Notre Dame (outside only), Pont Neuf and a bit of the Left Bank. Had a nice dinner (escargots for Katy) and called it a night before heading out to Charles de Gaulle on Saturday morning.
High points of the trip:
* Most definitely Fontaine de Vaucluse and the beautiful source of the Sorgue River. I can't imagine I will ever see such crystal clear water again in my life.* Notre Dame des Anges in L'Isle sur la Sorgue. Pictures inside were forbidden, so words will have to do: The interior of this ancient stone church is a marvel. Royal blue and gold-gilt surround the Italianate altar but the interior, a nave with six bays, is so cool and dark that the fantasy colors mute into humility. When we were there, sunlight from a high stained glass window threw a shadow on a sculpture of Mary, alone on a pedestal, highlighting her hair, upturned eyes and draped shoulders. It was a sin not to be able to photograph it, especially with the tiny dust motes drifting across the sunbeams.
* The Eiffel Tower with Carl. Even though we didn't go up, it was fun to see this masterpiece. It never gets old.
* Buying Preferred Access boarding ($30 per passenger here, only $26 per passenger in France. What gives?) We had one bag apiece (Pam, the caretaker, was impressed!), so we got on board early enough with PA to ensure room to stow our bags. Plus, you zip through security and check-in.
Less high points of the trip:
* I could say getting lost, several times, because of the crankiness that ensued, but that would be poor sportsmanship. We declined a GPS because we don't use one at home and tops on my list for vacation is: Not having to learn how to use a new machine.* Paying for a US Airways Club day pass. Not because the club wasn't nice, but because we didn't have enough time to enjoy it. Note to self: Only buy if layover is 3 hours or more.
* Not flying first class. Oh well.
Hmm, anything else? Mais non!
Les photos:
Photos by Katy Buchanan
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