Merci France

It’s been a great two week trip traveling through Southern France and Lyons and tonight I am back where it all started, sunny Montpellier. The first five days were a press trip, self cruising the Canal du Midi with some European writers and that experience was terrific. The sites along one of the world’s prettiest canal systems will linger a long time in the memory banks. Food, wine and water have always been favorites for me.

The rest of the time I spent solo returning to 2 of my favorite places in France, Arles and Avignon both in Provencal. They maintained their positions with flying colors. I now have 2 new favorites that I hope to return to again, regal Lyons and stately Carcassone. Many miles by foot and many more by rail have been covered. I can only hope my flight tomorrow will be a third as comfortable as my last first class ride on the TVG from Lyons to Montpellier!

As I sit writing this I have the windows wide open and the Mediterranean sunlight is fading with all its subtle beauty. An ancient church is in view and below the blue of a pool mixes with the green of olive trees. A bottle of Chateau De Costis is breathing. I was reflecting over the wonderful treatment I received here in France as an American. My thoughts then turned to my arrival back to Cottekill NY, family and turning of the leaves. Times to rest before my next trip as several are in the works, I am a lucky man! Viva Belle France.