Deeper into Provence.

Fontaine de Vaucluse is a closed valley with a deep spring of crystal clear water.


Early morning I followed the churning water to the the source. Jacques Cousteau dived 45m here in 1948. Recently divers went down 85m.



The abundance of flowing water enabled the establishment in the 1500s of paper mill which today produces high quality hand made paper.

We visited the well preserved Theatre in Orange which seats 10,000.

Built in C1stAD it was seen by the Roman authorities not only as a means of spreading Roman culture to the colonies, but also as a way of distracting them from all political activities.

Entry was free and up to 100 days a year were asigned to performances.

In Avignon we visited the Plais du Papes; the grand papal palace built over 20 years in the 1300s by two Popes: the austere Benedict XII and the flamboyant Clement VI whose styles are reflected in the architecture of their buildings.



The life of John the Baptist is portrayed in a chapel; however Salome looks far from enticing !







More Tromp d'Oeuil ...

We enjoyed a Truffle menu that evening ...and admired the largest one found thereabouts...over several glasses of wine.