Nimes and Theatre antique d'Orange

Our last two days have been paced a little slower. As my battery is running pretty low, I'm afraid the blog will be a little briefer and perhaps less regular.

Yesterday, Brett Snr and I returned to St Remy de Provence's Wednesday markets, primarily to try to buy a watercolour painting from the artist there. I really loved two, one smaller than the other - one of Senanque Abbey and the other of a little stone house near Eygalieres. They are really lovely and now awaiting a spot on the wall at the Robinsons!

Wednesday afternoon, we set off to Nimes to view its amphitheatre - built in 70 AD and the best preserved in the world. Bull fights still occur there and the audio guide really helped it come to life. We also visited two other of Nimes' Roman ruins - the temple, "La Maison Carree" and the tower called "Tour Magne," that once helped protect the walls. Nimes itself was a large city, but beautiful and more relaxed than Avignon. We had a lovely time.

Nimes fountain

Brett, Sean and Eloise outside Nimes Amphitheatre

Buses in Nimes are streamlined and eye-catching

Nimes Amphitheatre, 70A.D.

Brett and Sean explore the rim of Nimes Amphitheatre

Brett, Nimes

Sean, Nimes

Eloise, Nimes

Sean and a gladiator, Nimes

Eloise defends herself from a bull, Nimes Amphitheatre

Boules, a common sight in Provence

Autumn adrift, Nimes

Tricia and Eloise peruse their shots

Les Jardins de la Fontaine, Nimes

Cherub of Les Jardins de la Fontaine

Tour Magne, Nimes

View over Nimes from Tour Magne

Young pranksters added bubbles to Nimes Fountain

Theatre antique d'Orange

Roman emperor, Orange

Today, the boys wanted to visit Orange's famous Roman theatre, while Eloise and I spent a few hours browsing the local shopping centre in Montfavet. It is sad to think our time in Provence has come to an end, as our house has been cosy, our village friendly and our daily escapades eye-opening and forever memorable. Au revoir et merci, Provence!                          Tricia