Ariane Jenkins > wrote:

> LOL, you've convinced me! We're spending about 3 1/2 days in
> Arles, which probably isn't long enough. But we'd like to at least make a day
> trip to the Pont du Gard, maybe to Les Baux, Avignon, etc. I'm looking
> forward to seeing the differences between southern and northern France.

There is an amazing range of difference in the landscape of southern
France all by itself. I've been to Arles when my daughter was studying
in Montpelier. I think there was a bit of a market going on then and
I bought a pair of siwmming trunks. For things nearby, I think the
Gorge of the Ardeche is quite an impressive sight. Honestly, I could
spend a year or two just exploring the southern parts of France.
Talk to the people, eat late in the evening, sit in an open air
cafe in Montpelier and listen to music and sip coffee or wine late
into the night . . . sigh. Now I want to go back.

Bill Ranck
Blacksburg, Va.