Sète, France

 Next we went to the Abbey de Valmagne, which was originally founded under the Benedictine Order in 1138, but  only twenty years later was attached to the Cistercian Order  by decree of Pop Hadrian, where it remained until the French Revolution when monasteries in France were confiscated by the state and either sold or destroyed. Valmagne escaped demolition and was sold intact to a Monsieur Granier-Joyeuse in 1791 who converted the abbey church  into a wine cave for the maturing of wine in large barrels , a function it continues to serve today. There is a gothic church and chapter house. This was later bought by someone who made it a winery and business. It was all so picturesque. After wine sampling we drove to the port, dropped off some things and headed into Sète. 

Sète was a little disappointing and not so charming. More like a little rough around the edges, and we walked a ways trying to find something interesting.We stopped into a bar which we didn't realize was connected to a hotel, but we needed wifi and ordered 2 glasses of Rose, since our guide told us all the hip people order that. They didn't speak English but were so nice and helpful, and tried to help me with directions, and I really appreciate that since all I can say is "Bonjour" and "Merci Beaucoup" . The French have been so nice to us...as long as you try to say hello in their language, they are more helpful. We try in each country to learn the basics. So we walked back to the ship and packed our bags because we leave the next day to go home. 

We disembark in Barcelona, but we have been there before for a few days so just decide to head home. 

I love the Mediterranean and is our favorite by far. Really anything in Europe is our favorite. My husband even has thought about retiring in Pezenas he loved it so much there. I think maybe we should try it out first for a couple months to see how we do. 

#Sete #France #Pezenas #Mediterreanean #travel #travelingtheworld 

Sète, France

 Sète known as Cette until 1928, is a commune in the Hérault department in the region of Occitania in southern France. Its inhabitants are called Sétois.

There are a lot of excursions to pick from in Sète.

I booked an excursion to Pezenas and The Abbey of Valmagne, and I'm so glad I did that one. It was a 4 hr. excursion and about a 30 minute drive from the port to Pezenas. Pezenas is a charming, small village with boutiques, shops and restaurants. There was a short guided walk and a little free shopping time. Honestly I wish we had more time to walk around because we felt a little rushed, and we are fast walkers. Walking through old town we got to experience the 17th century mansions with elegant balconies and ornate doorways. Some of these were turned into apartments. 

At the end of our trip, my husband said he could see himself retiring to this little village, and still talks about doing it. You never know!

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#Sète #SèteFrance #Pezenas #travellingtheworld

#vacaylife 

Toulon, France

      Next stop is Toulon, France. We did the Mediterranean a few years previous, and one of the ports was Marseille. We did a shore excursion to Aix-en -Provence and a small French village Lourmarin, so we decided to just hang out in this cute little beach town of Toulon. You can ride the little train for €7 or €10 for 2 stops. One is the city center and the other is the beach, but only 1 time. However we decided to walk to the town, which is extremely easy. You walk out the port and follow the sidewalk along the outside cafes, and we turned down the street to the market with fresh vegetables, olives, fruit, and everything else like clothing, etc. It took all about 10 minutes.

Then we turned left and ended up on a tiny street which is an art district with olive oil and candy stores.

 We bought olive oil at a nice shop and some other souvies. We ended back up where the cafes were for granita, beer and wifi. We are in the middle of a heat wave here, so anything with ice sounds good. We decided to be brave and walk to the beach which it about 25 minutes. It wouldn't of been so bad if it wasn't so hot. If we brought towels we would of jumped into the ocean, but we didn't plan for that, plus no bathing suit. So of course we ended up getting a couple iced cold drinks oceanside before we head back. 

We took a side street which was shaded and ended up at the cruise terminal which had some really cute original Christmas ornaments. I  got the ornament for €7. Lavender is everywhere, and reasonably priced, even in the cruise terminal. For €4 I got a lavender soap and satchet. 

Walking to the town is easy. Going to the beach I would bring towels, bathing suit , and take the little train. There is no shade unless you eat at one of the restaurants. It was more of a chill day  for us which was needed after all the long excursion days. 

#Toulon #France #ToulonFrance #Travelingtheworld #Lovetotravel

Nice, France

 

We also drove along the Grand Prix circuit which is a big deal in Monte Carlo. We added in Nice because a couple people on our tour were continuing on that for portion. So we took a scenic drive to Nice and walked though old town, had lunch at a French restaurant for a caprese salad and bruschetta, with an aperol spritz. I had to have one, and this was the perfect time with the heat, and also needed wifi to check in. 

Then we walked along the boardwalk by the beach which we could see was very rocky. 

Walked by the main square for some photos then back to our tour guide.

 It was a great day, and lots of dreaming. At night I went up on deck to take some night time photos. It was amazing. A beautiful, safe, little city that I can only dream of. 

#Nice #NiceFrance #montecarlo #Monaco

#Frenchriveria