A late report on an August dawn cruise.

[drron29]

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.

 

 

 

[drron29]

Now we visited the bridge.

 

A little of the history.

 

[drron29]

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.

 

 

[drron29]

From the bus back to Marseille.

 

The last of the large cruise ships was preparing to depart.

 

[drron29]

Now back on the Dawn and a few views.

 

And we used to sing a little ditty about this fellow back in medical school.

 

[drron29]

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

 

 

[drron29]

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.

 

[drron29]

Some more views as we were eating.

 

And by the time we had finished the sun had set.

 

 

[Lois R]

All I can say is WOW.......your photos are simply fantastic. Thanks for sharing them with us🙂

[silkismom]

Aren't we all thankful for the inventor of digital, can you imagine the many rolls of film--waiting for developing etc.

[Gourmet Gal]

12 hours ago, cruiseej said:

I won't hold it against you; I just want to know why you're slumming it here on Silversea when you could be sailing on a mega yacht, where there should be no questions about cruising in true luxury! 😉 

I didn’t say I had mega-yacht owning friends but I’m not slumming on CC at all.  Most of my travel is land-based so I don’t cruise very often.  When I do I have questions and enjoy the research and I find plenty of helpful people willing to share their experiences here on CC.  This thread is a good example.  
 

 

[drron29]

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.

 

[drron29]

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.

 

 

[drron29]

 

[drron29]

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.

 

 

[drron29]

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

 

[drron29]

A very interesting village.

 

And there is the Dawn.

 

I am now climbing up to the castle.

 

 

Edited November 5, 2022 by drron29

[mysty]

Awesome pics!  Love the one of you both!  And Canadian flags warm my heart!

[drron29]

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.

 

[drron29]

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.

 

 

 

 

[drron29]

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.

 

[QueSeraSera]

Having a blast here keeping up with your posts!  Thank you.

 

[drron29]

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.

 

 

 

 

[drron29]

The next morning we were steaming in to Menton France.

 

[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.