Day 6: Spain to France

Bonjour from Arles in the region of Provence, France!  Today was a travel day with a few stops along the way.

Our first stop, other than the restroom, was in Carcassonne, France.  We had a few hours to wander around the old town within the walls and to eat lunch.  It was a very quaint town with many shops and cafes.  There is still a castle within the walls as well.  It was a fun stop for lunch!

Our tour director has been teaching us how to identify the difference between Gothic, Neo-Gothic and Romanseque styles of architecture.  The Romanesque architecture is more rounded while Gothic has a more pointed arch!

We took a quick peek inside the Basilique Saint-Nazaire.  This is the second Basilica we have been to, and we still have at least one.  The name "Basilica" means it has been visited by and blessed by the Pope. Ooh La La!!

After another three hour drive, we stopped in Arles, a town Van Gogh once lived in! He lived here from 1888-1890 when he cut off his ear and was hospitalized in the mental hospital here - Hotel Dieu.  While not a very happy time, he created some beautiful and memorable paintings including 

"The Starry Night" 

and "Le Cafe de Nuit".

So, our wonderful tour guide, Miriam, arranged for us to eat in the same square as the cafe which was the object of his inspiration!!!

So, here we are across the street!  Do you see it?  How fun!! It is amazing how someone (like me) can not really be a huge fan of art but suddenly actually care about an artist and his works after learning about them and their art!  I hope some of your students are coming home with the same thoughts!!

After a little walk to the bus, we drove about 15 minutes to our hotel which we love!!  It is a small hotel owned by locals.  I think we may be eating fresh eggs in the morning because they have their own chickens on the property.  The kids took a dip in the pool.  The adults have enjoyed a few hours of relaxation in the courtyard, and we are all going to bed soon to be ready for a new adventure tomorrow!!

Feel free to leave comments or questions, if you'd like!!