Provence

Provence has been written of often enough that I will refrain from waxing too poetic on how beautiful it is, how hilltop towns and rich fields of farming contribute to the overall sense that this is a place that is lovingly preserved and tended.
We stayed in Aix en Provence for our base, which proved to be pretty perfect. We could not only wander the town but take feasible day trips to a myriad of spots.

This region is probably best known for it's artists. Paul Cezanne claimed Aix as his own. Regrettably, for Aix, all the fine Cezannes are elsewhere in the world but we found the town to be charming and welcoming.

We stayed at an Airbnb apartment, a third floor walk up which made it a challenge at the end of a day and to bring suitcases up but lots of light, well appointed and plenty of room. The caretaker was most helpful but it was a good lesson to read the rental descriptions carefully and consider your personal challenges. Nights were quite noisy as there was a very popular bar across the street. Small city streets funnel the noise into the only direction they can go- upward and outward. Sleep was a challenge on weekends and we were glad to see the nights the bar closed!

We were near the main promenade Coeurs Mirabeau which has market days, restaurants and one of my favorite fountains ever ( the Piazza Navona in Rome notwithstanding). Everything was walkable and we parked the car not too far away to slip in and out for our day trips.

Wandering into France

It isn't far from the Italian Piedmont to Nice, France. Several hours through vineyard hills and secluded mountain villages got us situated in the hotel and off to the airport to pick up my cousin.

Our next stay was in Vence, outside the city of Nice but very accessible to charming towns, cultural sites and day wanders. On such wander led us to St. Paul de Vence, a walled town with some remarkable galleries, restaurants and substantial photo opportunities. I had had the opportunity to visit some ten years ago and found it mostly the same except for more tourists than ever. I recommend morning strolls or evening and leave the mid days to the busses.

The Foundation Maeght is located on the side of town- a jewel of a museum. The other landmark for culinary hounds would have to be the Colombe D'Or.
A historic and well known restaurant, they have a lovely garden area for dining in the summer months and a stunning dining room with world class art. The artists were often cajoled into swapping their art for the meal, probably could no longer be done. Certainly not by these artists- Calder Picasso, Miro, Chagall, Braque and others. The hotel no longer gets stellar reviews but we had a Delicious lunch, were well treated and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Chicken with morels in a cream sauce, rack of lamb with perfect mashed potatoes made our dinner for the day.
For more information and history of this spot check out their website
http://www.la-colombe-dor.com/indexEN.html
 Wandering the village offered picturesque photo opportunities, interesting galleries, pleasant shops of lavender and souvenirs, and insight to a long running game of petanque. (These fellows also seemed quite comfortable being photographed.) Cats defended their turf from unsuspecting tourist dogs and all was well for the day.

The Italian Piedmone

The long flight across the pond- From Oregon to New York to Milan airport to Milan train station to outer points ....
Often flying into Milan is an attractively affordable way to approach Italy. One takes a train, bus or taxi to the main train station in Milan and can head out from there. Once you buy your ticket, and before getting on the train be sure to have your ticket "verified" in the yellow stamping machines. Board the train and presto, you're on your way.
We followed that route in a recent visit and ended up in Alessandria, chiefly because we did not want to drive a rental car out of Milan, a harrowing way to be introduced to the Italian road.
Regrettably it was a three hour wait for the Alessandria train and we were pretty jet lagged upon arrival. It made for a long day... A nap a dinner and a walk through the night festival, we're good to go-

We headed out of Alessandria the next day to head to Alba, in the truffle/Barolo/Barbaresco region of Italy. delightful impressive country and full of castles, friendly people and great food.

This piedmont area is spectacular in beauty and culinary delight. The dramatic landscapes roll with vineyards and medieval towers. Many of the small towns have culinary events and offer specialties of the region. The white truffle is particularly popular in this area.
We stayed in a Locanda, like an inn, often with food. The rooms were pleasant enough and the location on top of the vineyard hills was spectacular. The chef however had an over inflated view of his cuisine and we did not find it worth the penny pinching teaspoons of his presentations. With a kitchen staff of 7, a dining room staff of 5 and a restaurant that served 25 tops we suspect we were paying many salaries.

Driving in the countryside was a delight. Small roads with eye candy towns and vineyards made wandering a treat and we indulged our culinary desires with lunch rather than dinner
Wines we have enjoyed- Barbaresco, Barolo- became towns centered on
what they do best. Some towns, like Barbaresco were little more than a cluster of homes and of course, several wine stores. The local church has been made into the wine information and sales center, still sporting the angelic ceilings to the Wine Gods.
The towns follow the contours of the hills so in addition to being able to taste your favorite grape, you also get a bit of exercise between glasses. Barolo is a large town with shops, hotels, restaurants and all things wine. The long and rich history of these places weaves the wine story from the ground through the grapes.

The West Coast

It is always interesting to me to see different areas of the world and how distinctive they are from each other. There can be no doubt that the land shapes us besides inspiring us.
The West coast has it's own character of being storm shaped through the millenium creating interesting beaches and rocks. To get seaside  from inland you can pass through vast forests of moss sleeved trees and creeks. Redwoods and ferns create a primeval character to the thick growth. This is old land and thanks to the powers that be wherever it is being preserved in many parks, campsites and walking trails.
There were no people around as we traversed back roads heading west. No animals either, that I could see. I suspect there is enough room for them to avoid human contact. With the craziness of people nowadays who can blame them!
The forests give way to the sea which was stunning. We drove from Pacific City to Depoe Bay, a very small segment of the inevitable beauty that awaits our next visit. At Depoe Bay we were treated to grey whales and seals in the cove under a beautiful sky and a surprisingly good meal. (It was a very ordinary restaurant with a superlative view.

From Maine to Oregon

A wedding called us to the West coast in a long anticipated trip to Oregon's wine country.
The weather was superlative, post harvest, still warm and bright clear days. We understand that this is not always the case.
We went from our Portland affair to the Willamette Valley not far from the city. They specialize in Pinot Noirs and a wide assortment of agricultural products. Many fairs, events and activities take place during the year in this area and I suspect there is no wrong time to visit. Vineyard tasting rooms, local culinary events and beautiful countryside is a draw at any time of the year. We stayed in Yamhill at a Bed and Breakfast that felt more like a guest house. Comfortable enough although a little fussy for our taste. The higher priced room also promised a view of the vineyards which it sort of had a small slice of, over the parking area. The best view was not available from any bedroom but on the deck which was not set up for  leisurely enjoyment. It also ran out of water- a first. "oh yes, it does that sometimes when two people take a shower.." What?

Check your interests carefully before booking a bed and breakfast. Each one has it's own distinct personality. We felt as though we were intruding in someone's house. Some Bed and Breakfasts have a separate private area of the innkeepers. This one was directly in the home. Lots of personal pictures, a television constantly on, etc.
 The location was pretty good though although Yamhill does not have the restaurant availability that other spots- like Carlton do. It is an agricultural area and if you want a rural getaway this may be the spot for you.