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
