“Beaucaire prides itself on being at the crossroads, ‘entre le roseau and l'olivier’ - between the reeds of Camargue and the olives of Provence. Its location has made it an important settlement since Roman times and the site of many a bloody conflict. Dominated by the ruins of a magnificent castle high on a rock and bounded by the Rhône on one side and the Canal Du Rhône à Sete on another, the town used to be a magnet for traders from all over Europe, who came for its renowned annual fair. Today, it remains largely untouched by time and below the tourist radar, a chance to enjoy a genuine taste of French provincial life”. So, this is where we are for a week. For those familiar with Provence, we’re on the west side of the Rhone, only about 7 miles from Arles to the south on the east side of the Rhone. Avignon is to the north. 
We’re in a three bedroom, 1.5 bath apartment in a massive stone building about 200 years old. There is a narrow street between us and the dike which is designed to keep Rhone flood waters out of this city of 14,000. We’re on the second floor which is really like the third because the ceilings are so high and we can see over the dike and glimpse the Rhone. The apartment owner’s
mother-in-law is across the hall. It is Tuesday morning and we’re still without hot water and the hallways and “garage” are still without lights. It seems that the building owner hasn’t paid the electric bill…… : ). Ahhhh, France…..
Our apartment owner, Barney, has been here for a couple of days and invited us to an aperitif with his wife and mother-in-law on Monday evening. Madeline, the wife, told us about a time several years ago when the Rhone was at flood stage, the huge iron gates at the entrances to the town were closed, and they watched the water rise to within two feet from the top of the dike. Very scary!
We’re in a three bedroom, 1.5 bath apartment in a massive stone building about 200 years old. There is a narrow street between us and the dike which is designed to keep Rhone flood waters out of this city of 14,000. We’re on the second floor which is really like the third because the ceilings are so high and we can see over the dike and glimpse the Rhone. The apartment owner’s
mother-in-law is across the hall. It is Tuesday morning and we’re still without hot water and the hallways and “garage” are still without lights. It seems that the building owner hasn’t paid the electric bill…… : ). Ahhhh, France…..Our apartment owner, Barney, has been here for a couple of days and invited us to an aperitif with his wife and mother-in-law on Monday evening. Madeline, the wife, told us about a time several years ago when the Rhone was at flood stage, the huge iron gates at the entrances to the town were closed, and they watched the water rise to within two feet from the top of the dike. Very scary!
The weather? Gorgeous! At times a bit hot, but not humid. Sunshine every day. A couple days were super windy, but not the last two. Cool nights, days in the 80’s.
It's late at night. Thank you for the vivid descriptions and the lovely pictures. Wish I was there with you. ...but you all seem very happy.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy!
Jayasri