Tour de France 2004

(Bedoin - a town near Carpentras)

Paris may have the gliters but a traditional French vacation traverses Burgundy and Provence on route nationale 7 for "l'amour joyeux est là qui fait rosette (the merry love is there which makes nice smile)" according to crooner Charles Trenet. Just think about it, while the world slaves away in the face of geopolitical uncertainties, nothing beats driving amongst fellow motorists outside of Paris to visit the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes of Champagne, pay homage to the La Chapelle in Hermitage, brave the wind of Mount Ventoux, peek at the big dig of Vaison la Romaine, see the red rocks of Chateauneuf du Pape, and bath in the full glory of papal decadence in Avignon.

Of course, there is no point in avoiding wine when traveling through Champagne and the Rhone Valley. And, in the best Michelin tradition, there are restaurants to fuss over while Le Club des Croqueurs de Chocolat shows the way to chocolate shops. With or without gliters, there is much to recommend of Paris from the exotic ham, treats, to art works.

Extremely unfavorable exchange rates be damned.

Route nationale 7 awaits.



(Gotta love 'em Greens)

France 2004 October and November for 10 days.

Special thanks to Rob M who provided the technical support for image capturing and Joel P who oversaw the Champagne logistics.

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