drron29

It was another tender port and then we were off to the Villa Ephrussi De Rotschild. Many went to Monaco but it holds no interest for me. Beside on this excursion we drove around it anyway so can say we have seen it. So from the bus on a lengthy ride. They call this a beach? A distant view of Monaco. And then we wizz around it. Many of the new buildings are built with Russian money. And then we were there. Some good views then a walk up to the villa.

The next morning we were steaming in to Menton France.

For some reason they were not very popular when we sailed. Same went for the Explorer. On warmer cruises the Medallion suites on the Explorer were excellent with a much larger balcony than the Silver suites.

A great position. Close to midship. Convenient to stairs and elevator as well as La Terraza and La dame. 50% bigger than a verandah suite and large enough for us to be comfortable. The verandah suites on the older classic fleet were a little too small for Rojaan as she sometimes is claustrophobic. But sometimes significantly cheaper than a silver suite. As I said despite it's position we were never bothered by noise. As well on a day of rough weather much less distance to your suite from the elevator.

And the restaurant. The food starting with the bread. Rojaan started with the lamb skewers and I the tuna. Then Rojaan had the chicken and potatoes and I the beef stew and pasta. We both had the local dessert.

Dinner was in the SALT Kitchen. Not really to our liking. Meant to reflect the cuisine of where you are and didn't seem true. The menu.

On our tender back to the ship. The only time I got the desired seat with a clear view to take some photos. And from our balcony. Hoons. Listening to an opera singer on Venetian Society night. So naturally you have champagne and caviar for canapes.

The last of the village. Now on our way back to the ship. Passed quite a few nurseries selling very old olive trees. The former natural environment of the St. Tropez area.

A very interesting village. And there is the Dawn. I am now climbing up to the castle.

The flags were flying for the upcoming anniversary of the Allied landing in southern France in WW 2.

Now on our way to the village of Grimaud in the hills. Past a lot of grapes. The old village is up a lot of stairs from the main road. Though we used the lift! At first you are outside the old part of the village. But everyone is heading for the tunnel which takes you into the village. In the tunnel you could exchange books.

Then back to the electric boats to wait for our canal cruise. A little delay so I popped into the minimart. A lot of wine especially Rose for which this region is known. Plus a little of other styles. And now for the canals.

The next morning we awoke steaming into Saint Tropez. Our excursion was to Port Grimaud. Presumably the inspiration for Mike Gore. For the non Australians he was an infamous property developer on Quennsland's Gold Coast. He got Frank Sinatra and Whitney houston to open his Sanctuary Cove Resort. It was OTT. just before he was to be sentenced for tax fraud he disappeared to the USA his valuable art and antique collection was never found. His son also became a property developer on the Gold Coast and did end up in jail. In other words like this resort gore's resort was OTT. The conspicuous flaunting of wealth everywhere. this pic sums up my thoughts.

Some more views as we were eating. And by the time we had finished the sun had set.

So to the food. First the Antipasti. Entrees. Octopus for me,carpaccio for Rojaan. Next the pasta course. Spaghetti for me, mushroom risotto for Rojaan. Then I had the tomato zuppe. I really like this. And for mains it was the beef for me and the veal for Rojaan. The beef wasn't as good as in the main restaurant but still nice. We didn't need desserts.

As the ship left Marseille it was time for dinner in La Terraza. The menu for La Terraza. Americans seem to love this restaurant so although officially reservations not needed it is best to book. We think the food is nice but not brilliant so we normally eat here only once or twice per cruise. This time we probably didn't need to have booked. The menu

Now back on the Dawn and a few views. And we used to sing a little ditty about this fellow back in medical school.

From the bus back to Marseille. The last of the large cruise ships was preparing to depart.

The last of the bridge and some pics from the part of the Town Wall you can access from the bridge. Back to the old town. We now sat in the shade and had an icecream. It was then about 30 minutes to our bus pick up so we wandered back to the pick up point. Plane trees aren't great for paths. And now we say good bye to Avignon.

Now we visited the bridge. A little of the history.

And on it goes. At least an English commentary. And now a street cut through the rock. It was where smelting was undertaken. Now we wandered around the main square. The most important building for the Popes -the Treasury. We decided we weren't going to bother with the Popes so had a slow stroll around the old town.

We had to wait for one coming the other way so they decided to cram a few more on.I lost my window seat. Without being on the side it really isn't worth it. Handed the camera to Rojaan so some pics.

We made the right choice. Within a couple of minutes of going into the palace the heavens opened up and those outside queuing for the Papal Palace got soaked. Some displays were down right sadistic though. Notice the guy being pulled apart by the horses. As we exited there was a last about to be gory painting. The lines were still long for the Popes so we went for a trolley ride.

Now we walk into the old town.The Palace De Papes. We hadn't booked online and the walk up queue was quite long so we went to the Cardinals Palace which was free. And now for the Cardinals Palace.