Our first trip to France in François the rental RV. We spent most of this trip in Burgundy and Provence, but did stray a little bit into southeast France.
François parked on the beach in Spain.
François parked on the beach in Spain.
The first of many canola fields.
The first of many canola fields.
The tasting room in the Bailley Lapierre Caves. Caves is the French term for cellar, but in this case it is really in a cave that was used to provide stone for construction for hundreds of years.
The tasting room in the Bailley Lapierre Caves. Caves is the French term for cellar, but in this case it is really in a cave that was used to provide stone for construction for hundreds of years.
Part of the canal system in France, near our campsite in Vincelles.
Part of the canal system in France, near our campsite in Vincelles.
Ron thought these bird nests were interesting. We are not sure what kind of bird it is.
Ron thought these bird nests were interesting. We are not sure what kind of bird it is.
In Burgundy the vineyards were still pretty dormant looking.
In Burgundy the vineyards were still pretty dormant looking.
This winery in Beaune also has a facility near our home in Oregon. We were a little intimidated by the requirements so we were not able to compare the two.
This winery in Beaune also has a facility near our home in Oregon. We were a little intimidated by the requirements so we were not able to compare the two.
The Church in Beaune. The first of many churches we will be exploring.
The Church in Beaune. The first of many churches we will be exploring.
The Hospice De Beaune. The roof is a traditional style of Burgundy. Ron is listening to his audio tour not on the phone.
The Hospice De Beaune. The roof is a traditional style of Burgundy. Ron is listening to his audio tour not on the phone.
The hospice was a working hospital from the 1400’s to the 1970’s.
The hospice was a working hospital from the 1400’s to the 1970’s.
The museum is really well done. The layout was quite interesting with a similar concept to what you see in modern hospitals, except the patients are end to end in stead of side by side.
The museum is really well done. The layout was quite interesting with a similar concept to what you see in modern hospitals, except the patients are end to end in stead of side by side.
The kitchen was capable of preparing meals for several hundred people.
The kitchen was capable of preparing meals for several hundred people.
Beaune was having a police film festival, so there were display’s of “police cars”. We are not sure the Italian police are really driving Maseratti’s.
Beaune was having a police film festival, so there were display’s of “police cars”. We are not sure the Italian police are really driving Maseratti’s.
We are also not sure if the Oklahoma Highway Patrol were driving Cadillac’s in the 50’s.
We are also not sure if the Oklahoma Highway Patrol were driving Cadillac’s in the 50’s.
A real French police car.
A real French police car.
Typical wood timber homes found in France.
Typical wood timber homes found in France.
We liked the roof on this winery.
We liked the roof on this winery.
Another shot of the roof with the vines in the tiles.
Another shot of the roof with the vines in the tiles.
Enjoying our private tour of the Cave at Bernard Rion Sari winery.
Enjoying our private tour of the Cave at Bernard Rion Sari winery.
Saw this guy along the river in Dijon.
Saw this guy along the river in Dijon.
Downtown Dijon. In the background is a carousel, we were surprised how many towns in France featured a carousel in the town square.
Downtown Dijon. In the background is a carousel, we were surprised how many towns in France featured a carousel in the town square.
Dijon Mustard, it is delicious.
Dijon Mustard, it is delicious.
Another timber building that has not been restored.
Another timber building that has not been restored.
Ron liked this building.
Ron liked this building.
The owl on the Dijon Cathedral. if you rub it with your left hand it is supposed to bring you good luck.
The owl on the Dijon Cathedral. if you rub it with your left hand it is supposed to bring you good luck.
Fresh ingredients are critical to the French, this is the downtown market in Dijon.
Fresh ingredients are critical to the French, this is the downtown market in Dijon.
Another shot of the market showing the fresh food available, the most popular stalls were the cheese stalls.
Another shot of the market showing the fresh food available, the most popular stalls were the cheese stalls.
The clock in the market, the building is an iron frame building.
The clock in the market, the building is an iron frame building.
We enjoyed this restaurant.
We enjoyed this restaurant.
The gargoyles on this church were quite interesting. Many of them were reconstructed around 1900.
The gargoyles on this church were quite interesting. Many of them were reconstructed around 1900.
The owl that guides you on your walking tour of Dijon.
The owl that guides you on your walking tour of Dijon.
Rental bikes and a nice square in Dijon.
Rental bikes and a nice square in Dijon.
Typical cafe in Dijon.
Typical cafe in Dijon.
One of the original gates in Dijon. The wall came down in the 1800’s to allow the buildings you see.
One of the original gates in Dijon. The wall came down in the 1800’s to allow the buildings you see.
The vineyards are starting to come alive.
The vineyards are starting to come alive.
A chateau near Cluny.
A chateau near Cluny.
An old college that was now a museum. It was an art college that moved in the 1970’s to a more modern facility in town.
An old college that was now a museum. It was an art college that moved in the 1970’s to a more modern facility in town.
The hallways of the college, it is now being restored as a museum.
The hallways of the college, it is now being restored as a museum.
Cluny from the top of the Tower of Cheese. It was quite a climb but worth it.
Cluny from the top of the Tower of Cheese. It was quite a climb but worth it.
These cafe’s are in every town. Note the ashtray’s on every table.
These cafe’s are in every town. Note the ashtray’s on every table.
The rolling hills and green reminded us of Oregon.
The rolling hills and green reminded us of Oregon.
Typical country scene in Burgundy.
Typical country scene in Burgundy.
Wine making museum in Chateau de la Greffirere. The wine was also good.
Wine making museum in Chateau de la Greffirere. The wine was also good.
Chateau de la Greffirere. The vines are starting to wake up.
Chateau de la Greffirere. The vines are starting to wake up.
The canola was getting taller.
The canola was getting taller.
Ron at the gate to Domaine Mortet in Beaujolais. This was our first French Passion site.
Ron at the gate to Domaine Mortet in Beaujolais. This was our first French Passion site.
The church in Rommaneche-Thoins.
The church in Rommaneche-Thoins.
Countryside in Beaujolais. Each of these villages was it’s own appelation and they were only about one or two miles apart.
Countryside in Beaujolais. Each of these villages was it’s own appelation and they were only about one or two miles apart.
It takes a lot of cows to make all the cheese.
It takes a lot of cows to make all the cheese.
Remnants of volcanoes near Orcines. Taken from the top of Puy de Dome.
Remnants of volcanoes near Orcines. Taken from the top of Puy de Dome.
The train to the top of the mountain.
The train to the top of the mountain.
The first snow we saw on the trip. These mountains were about 5000ft.
The first snow we saw on the trip. These mountains were about 5000ft.
The center of Salers, one of the "most beautiful villages of France”.
The center of Salers, one of the "most beautiful villages of France”.
Sunset from the aire near Salers.
Sunset from the aire near Salers.
The Cantal region of France is famous for it’s cheese. We agree that the cheese is great.
The Cantal region of France is famous for it’s cheese. We agree that the cheese is great.
The River Tarn in Albi.
The River Tarn in Albi.
This was one of the first pieces of art Ton and I ever purchased when we were newlyweds. (A poster not the original!)
This was one of the first pieces of art Ton and I ever purchased when we were newlyweds. (A poster not the original!)
The gardens of the Palace de la Berbie. This is the old archbishops palace and the current Toulouse-Lautrec Museum.
The gardens of the Palace de la Berbie. This is the old archbishops palace and the current Toulouse-Lautrec Museum.
The archbishop had a nice place to stay.
The archbishop had a nice place to stay.
The River Tarn was near flood stage.
The River Tarn was near flood stage.
Lots of roads lined with trees in France.
Lots of roads lined with trees in France.
With the owner and winemaker of Domaine Escausses. She is the seventh generation winemaker in the family. Ron thought her wines were the best we tried in France.
With the owner and winemaker of Domaine Escausses. She is the seventh generation winemaker in the family. Ron thought her wines were the best we tried in France.
A goodies shop in Carcassonne. We managed to escape without any.
A goodies shop in Carcassonne. We managed to escape without any.
The castle at Carcassonne. The roofs on the towers were added in the 1800’s.
The castle at Carcassonne. The roofs on the towers were added in the 1800’s.
Stained glass from the Cathedral in Carcassonne.
Stained glass from the Cathedral in Carcassonne.
A clever sign on the route to Spain.
A clever sign on the route to Spain.
Vineyards in Languedoc. The area is much warmer and drier than Burgundy. This is the largest wine producing region in France both in area and volume.
Vineyards in Languedoc. The area is much warmer and drier than Burgundy. This is the largest wine producing region in France both in area and volume.
We liked the old knarly vines and the ruins.
We liked the old knarly vines and the ruins.
This river does not normally reach the sea, the day we were there it was about 4 feet deep.
This river does not normally reach the sea, the day we were there it was about 4 feet deep.
Sunset over the beach.
Sunset over the beach.
The world heritage aqueduct at Pont du Gard.
The world heritage aqueduct at Pont du Gard.
The aqueduct from the river bank.
The aqueduct from the river bank.
This used to be part of a 30 mile aqueduct system built by the romans. The bridge at the base was in use until the early 1900’s.
This used to be part of a 30 mile aqueduct system built by the romans. The bridge at the base was in use until the early 1900’s.
Ton liked the skinny walk/no-walk icons in France.
Ton liked the skinny walk/no-walk icons in France.
An exit stairway at the theater in Orange.
An exit stairway at the theater in Orange.
The emperors statue in the theater. The statues were designed so that the head was removable. When the emperors changed a new head was inserted.
The emperors statue in the theater. The statues were designed so that the head was removable. When the emperors changed a new head was inserted.
Roman artwork from the museum in Orange.
Roman artwork from the museum in Orange.
A cyclops statue.
A cyclops statue.
The arch of triumph built by the veterans of Julius Cesars legions.
The arch of triumph built by the veterans of Julius Cesars legions.
The markers from the Vincent Van Gogh tour in St. Remy de Provence.
The markers from the Vincent Van Gogh tour in St. Remy de Provence.
This scene inspired one of Van Gogh’s painting.
This scene inspired one of Van Gogh’s painting.
The entryway to the Sanitarium where Van Gogh stayed for one year. It is still an active Sanitarium.
The entryway to the Sanitarium where Van Gogh stayed for one year. It is still an active Sanitarium.
The building that housed Van Gogh is now a museum.
The building that housed Van Gogh is now a museum.
Street scene in St. Remy.
Street scene in St. Remy.
Apothecary stand.
Apothecary stand.
African Flamingos.
African Flamingos.
There were thousands of flamingo’s, mostly sleeping.
There were thousands of flamingo’s, mostly sleeping.
Beach scene at Saintes Marie de la Mer. Surprising amount of people in the water for April.
Beach scene at Saintes Marie de la Mer. Surprising amount of people in the water for April.
More Flamingos.
More Flamingos.
Fruit and vegetable stand.
Fruit and vegetable stand.
The marina at Saintes Marie.
The marina at Saintes Marie.
The doormen at the 600 Euro per night hotel in Gordes. Ton liked their outfits.
The doormen at the 600 Euro per night hotel in Gordes. Ton liked their outfits.
Gordes is really a spectacular site.
Gordes is really a spectacular site.
Another view of the town and the valley.
Another view of the town and the valley.
Ton really liked the stone walls in the Gordes area.
Ton really liked the stone walls in the Gordes area.
Sunset near Gordes.
Sunset near Gordes.
Gordes in the Morning.
Gordes in the Morning.
Rousillon is famous for it’s red soil.
Rousillon is famous for it’s red soil.
You learn to watch these road signs as you are moving around on the back roads.
You learn to watch these road signs as you are moving around on the back roads.
Nice stairway into Roussillon.
Nice stairway into Roussillon.
Roussillon is also a “most beautiful village in France”, it is indeed quite beautiful, and unlike Gordes pretty quiet.
Roussillon is also a “most beautiful village in France”, it is indeed quite beautiful, and unlike Gordes pretty quiet.
The visitors center and mayor’s office in Roussillon.
The visitors center and mayor’s office in Roussillon.
Ton liked this security bar in Roussillon.
Ton liked this security bar in Roussillon.
The blue shutters set off the red tinge of the building nicely.
The blue shutters set off the red tinge of the building nicely.
Looking down on someone’s garden.
Looking down on someone’s garden.
Vineyards in Chateauneuf de Pape.
Vineyards in Chateauneuf de Pape.
These rocks were in all of the vineyards in Chateauneuf du Pape. Must be hard on the machinery.
These rocks were in all of the vineyards in Chateauneuf du Pape. Must be hard on the machinery.
Ron enjoying some wine to end the day.
Ron enjoying some wine to end the day.
We spent the night at Chateau Cabrieres winery.
We spent the night at Chateau Cabrieres winery.
François posing at the entrance to Chateau Cabrieres.
François posing at the entrance to Chateau Cabrieres.
Vineyards overlooking Tournon sur Rhone. These vineyards are supposed to be the original source of Syrah.
Vineyards overlooking Tournon sur Rhone. These vineyards are supposed to be the original source of Syrah.
Tournon is a stop on the European river cruise tour. This one was just coming in.
Tournon is a stop on the European river cruise tour. This one was just coming in.
The pedestrian bridge over the Rhone River. Note the vineyards on the hill in the background.
The pedestrian bridge over the Rhone River. Note the vineyards on the hill in the background.
The tri-color against a beautiful blue sky.
The tri-color against a beautiful blue sky.
The river cruise leaving Tournon.
The river cruise leaving Tournon.
The Port at Tain L’Hermitage, Tournon’s sister city.
The Port at Tain L’Hermitage, Tournon’s sister city.
Outstanding chocolate, and all you could taste. We later regreted not buying a kilo or two.
Outstanding chocolate, and all you could taste. We later regreted not buying a kilo or two.
It turns out Valrhona Chocolat is famous thru out France.
It turns out Valrhona Chocolat is famous thru out France.
Last shot of the hills of Syrah.
Last shot of the hills of Syrah.
More canola entering Flavigny sur Ozerain.
More canola entering Flavigny sur Ozerain.
This road was really spectacular.
This road was really spectacular.
Flavigny sur Ozerain was also one of the most beautiful in France, and we really enjoyed the quiet.
Flavigny sur Ozerain was also one of the most beautiful in France, and we really enjoyed the quiet.
These mints have been in production for over 400 years in Flavigny.
These mints have been in production for over 400 years in Flavigny.
Ron liked this antique RV.
Ron liked this antique RV.
Flavigny was used for the movie Chocolat. This home was used in the movie.
Flavigny was used for the movie Chocolat. This home was used in the movie.
A nice fountain in Flavigny.
A nice fountain in Flavigny.
We managed to squeeze by this guy a little later.
We managed to squeeze by this guy a little later.
Ton enjoying the canola.
Ton enjoying the canola.
The last canola shot of the tour.
The last canola shot of the tour.
We really liked this snail art on a farm house.
We really liked this snail art on a farm house.
Honey shop. It was never open when we went by.
Honey shop. It was never open when we went by.
Small village cafe.
Small village cafe.
The village office.
The village office.
Every church is full of really impressive art.
Every church is full of really impressive art.
Nice gate and garden.
Nice gate and garden.
A typical village street and church.
A typical village street and church.
These little valley villages are everywhere.
These little valley villages are everywhere.
Ton liked these purple flowers.
Ton liked these purple flowers.
A peek in the courtyard.
A peek in the courtyard.
Photographers gallery in Vezeley.
Photographers gallery in Vezeley.
Honey for sale in Vezeley.
Honey for sale in Vezeley.
We were not sure what was in the window.
We were not sure what was in the window.
The rain in Vezeley really cut down on the cafe business.
The rain in Vezeley really cut down on the cafe business.
Montmartre in Paris, Toulose-Lautrec’s stomping ground.
Montmartre in Paris, Toulose-Lautrec’s stomping ground.
Electric bus in Montmartre. You have to be good to drive in the narrow streets and hills.
Electric bus in Montmartre. You have to be good to drive in the narrow streets and hills.
We really liked this house. Not sure we could affort it.
We really liked this house. Not sure we could affort it.
Cute delivery van in Paris.
Cute delivery van in Paris.
The home of the composer Erik Statie in Montmartre.
The home of the composer Erik Statie in Montmartre.
The tourists are out.
The tourists are out.
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Montmartre.
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Montmartre.
Grafitti in Paris.
Grafitti in Paris.
Interesting light at the Basilica.
Interesting light at the Basilica.
It’s good luck to rub her breasts.
It’s good luck to rub her breasts.
Cafe nightlife at night.
Cafe nightlife at night.
Basilica by night.
Basilica by night.
The Eifel Tower from the hill in Montmartre.
The Eifel Tower from the hill in Montmartre.
You have to take a picture of Notre Dame in Paris.
You have to take a picture of Notre Dame in Paris.
Apartments from the River Seine.
Apartments from the River Seine.
Marine Police on the River Seine.
Marine Police on the River Seine.
We think this is an official building.
We think this is an official building.
Even the construction is artful.
Even the construction is artful.
The Eifel Tower.
The Eifel Tower.
Roman art from the non-crowded part of the Louvre.
Roman art from the non-crowded part of the Louvre.
The ceiling in the Louvre is as impressive as the art.
The ceiling in the Louvre is as impressive as the art.
Inside the glass pyramid at the Louvre.
Inside the glass pyramid at the Louvre.