On Friday we were taken to visit the castle by Virgine & Stephan, who were very kind to us (we apologise if the spelling is wrong). Neither of these people spoke English, however Kym’s French got us through the day, with the help of a dictionary.

The castle was magnificant as you can see by just the outside photo. Inside was just as iporessive with marbled halls, paintings and tapestries. The gardens were huge (including great conical trees that I adore) and the rear of the castle is surrounded by a huge forrest of trees. Thankfully there weren’t many tour groups that we saw either!

Afterwards we also visited a small lovely town called Barbizon – which contains a lot of modern impressionist paintings as well is very arty little shops. One of the museums also contained a picture that inspired the movie the gleemers.

Here is a photo of a bike with baguettes attached. (Ok it’s not mine)

I understand the obssession with baguettes; They are really very good and best fresh!

The food at the wedding was magnificent!

We started with apertif, then the first course was foie gras – yummy. Then there was a fish pie and scallops – fantastic! Afterwards there was a sorbet (unsure what kind but it tasted great). For the main we had beef, which was very tender with shredded potatoe and tomatie with breadcrumbs on top. After which we then had cheese and bread followed by the wedding cake which was profiteroles ans a cake with strawberries and cream and toffee. C’est magnifique!!! Not to mention an abundance of wine throughout the meal. While everyone arrived at the reception 7pm, we didn’t sit down to eat until approximately between 9 & 10pm. But the meql itself was not finished until 1:30ish in the morning. We left at 5pm!

At the wedding reception we were greeted by a giant papier mache kangaroo. It was great!

The kanagaroo’s pouch accepted gifts from the guests.

We understand that in France the wedding is themed according to the wishes for the future of the couple. Christophe and Vanessa wish to return to Australia.

et voila the Kangaroo!

Each table was named after an Australian city. We sat at the Adelaide Table, which was the head table. There was a picture of Victoria Square which had the unfortunate consequence of me thinking about work for about … hmmm 10 seconds. Sorry guys!! Hey any interesting news on the restructure (oops make that 20 seconds – and no reply is neccessary!)

What a beautiful wedding! When we left the church Christophe’s we saw fire trucks. But fortunately there was no fire.

The fire trucks brought Christophe’s colleagues to greet the newlywed couple. Here is a good photo of them. They provided an honour guard as Christophe and Vanessa left the church.

We were glad that there were no fires to occupy his colleagues at the time.

Church in Tarascon: To get this shot I reckon there was a few hundred steps up the castles tower.

Helen took this great photograph. But I think that we will need to remove the bridge.

Some of my colleagues wanted proof that we were actually cycling. I hope this is sufficient.

It is damn hot.

Barbentane is a gorgeous small town on the side of a small hill. Very few tourists here.

I am typing this while I upload some more photos. I hope you enjoy them.

This cycling trip is occuring during the pleasant temperature range of 30 (in the morning) to 35 (in the afternoon). To test us, our first part of the trip involved a hill climb to see the Abby of Frigolet.

From there it has been reasonably flat especially in the Camarague.

The food has been everything we expected – very tasty and breakfast fulfilling in a very French way.

I thought coming to France again would break some of the stereotypes Australians have about the French. But it is true that there have been many French people cycling with baguettes. For that matter there have been many French people walking with baguettes.

The one shop that you can guarantee will be open at any time in provence is the Boulangerie.

But I understand why!

Any way off to send some photos.