france

Chapter Five: Carcassonne

~ Julie M. ~ 1 Comment

I am on my final day of my three weeks in France. I don’t even want to guess the amount of croissants I have had in this time, though, miraculously, I feel I am in better shape than when I arrived. Walking around all day and generally eating/drinking less overall have agreed with me.
Yesterday I arrived at my final French destination: Carcassonne. I went straight to my accommodations for the evening, which was a hostel. Having only stayed in airbnbs so far, I thought I might finally have a more social night and meet some people… only to find that I am the only one staying there at the moment. I must say, it was nice. The place to myself, with a little fireplace, kitchen and DVD player.
The location of this hostel is exactly what I had hoped to see when I planned my time in France. In the village of Preixan, just outside of Carcassonne, it is right in the countryside, and absolutely breathtaking. I feel like this stop alone has made the trip worthwhile. Photo below.
Today was rainy but I grabbed my umbrella and headed out to see the medieval city and castle. Now I am just drying my wet feet off with some wine in a little cafe.
After this is two days in Barcelona and then off to yoga teacher training in Mallorca. I have heard that internet use will be kept to a minimum so I will likely write again in early May, when I am finished.
Another update: I have decided to spend the first two weeks in May doing the Camino de Santiago de Compostela (a.k.a. St. James Way). This is an old pilgrimage route that starts essentially anywhere and ends in Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain. It is becoming more and more popular in recent years, not just as a religious trek but as a tourist attraction as well. Just before leaving, I watched the movie The Way, which is about the camino. When we realized short days later that Jasper would not be joining me in May, I decided that this would be my new plan. I will walk the last part, from Sarria to the end, approx 115 km. And I will begin shortly after I complete my yoga training (with a day or two by a pool & beach in between, to energize). Wish me luck!
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Chapter Four: Arles & Montpellier

~ Julie M. ~ Leave a comment

 

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After Marseille was an overnight in Arles where there are really two things to do: See the roman ruins (especially the arena, the focal point of the city) and hone Van Gogh by seeking out the inspirations for some of his most famous works. I did both, and would estimate that a day is sufficient to cover the town. I did find a cozy little dock on the river outside of the city which made for an excellent resting spot.
On to Montpellier, which, despite the fact that it rained almost nonstop, was beautiful. And so, so clean, which was a welcome change after Marseille. I met up with a friend of a friend for some drinks, tapas and a wet but lovely tour of some of the city’s gems. Of the three days I spent there, two were touring the centre and one I spent doing absolutely nothing. It was raining heavily, I had the apartment I rented to myself, some tea and chocolate and an English movie channel on a cozy couch and I planted myself there for the full day. It was bliss. I didn’t realize how tiring touring would be and how much I needed a low key ‘me’ day. On my last day I partook in a language exchange at a local bar, which was a lot of fun. And I think I may have even made some progress in my time here!
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Chapter Three: Aix-en-Provence & Marseille

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I was lucky enough to have my friend Amanda come to visit for four days. We spent the first two in aix-en-provence (aix for short) and the beautiful countryside. Despite the sketchiest (and most expensive) airbnb I’ve yet seen, we had an amazing time. The country is beautiful, the hills are rolling, the vineyards are plentiful and the lavender is lush, though not yet purple. On day three, we hiked the Calonques, just outside of Marseille, and visited the tourist trap town of cassis. The Calonques are like fjords with inlet beaches and incredibly beautiful (photos below).
Our final day together was rainy and we strolled around the old port of Marseille and enjoyed some free movies, chocolates and company at our boutique hotel.
After that, I was on my own again. I spent a few days in Marseille though ended up cutting it a day short. Despite being beautiful and incredibly interesting, Marseille is a very dirty town and unpleasant to visit alone as a female, due to many aggressive men. Where have all the women gone?? That was my general impression the moment I strayed from the waterfront area. That said, I did enjoy a large French metropolis that was so different in every way than Paris. I would go back, but not alone. (Waterfront and Marseille highlights below).
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