Saturday September 24, Tarascon

The Chateau de Tarascon

No blog from yesterday, but as I suspected, I tested positive too. At least we have got it together and will get over together. 

We woke to rain this morning which I am sure was extremely welcome to this area. Feeling a bit brighter, and taking Paracetamol every 4 hours which certainly helps. Sue and Ian delivered our breakfast to our room, all wearing masks as the last thing I want is to pass it onto them.

As it was raining  so we left our check out till 11 and Ian walked down the road in his raincoat to bring our car up to near the hotel, then we dodged the puddles and loaded all our bags and we drove down to their car. It was still pouring and there were huge puddles everywhere.

They headed to St Remy and us to Tarascon. I had made a major blue when I booked it the other night, must have been my Covid head, but thought it was only 4 kms out of St Remy but turned out to be a 25 minute drive away!!  With the rain pouring down and large lakes of water on the road it wasn’t the most inspiring day to be driving in Provence.

It took us just over an hour and first stop was at the supermarket to get a few supplies so that we could be independent. Wore our masks and kept our distance. After eating our lunch in the car we went for a walk. Tarascon is on the Rhone River and it is overlooked by the Chateau of Tarascon which was built in the 1400’s as a fortress. And in the 1700’s until the 1930’s it was used as a prison. A pretty impressive structure.

We arrived at the accommodation at 3pm, and have to see were rather disappointed. Looked a bit rundown, lawns not mown and the outdoor seating had very wet cushions, but it was very clean inside! Just not what we expected. Covid had caught up on us and we both had a sleep and later we decided that this was not working so have decided to leave here on Monday and have booked 5 nights at what seems to be a much better place only 5 minutes from the town centre of St Remy de Provence, and we will be able to catch up with Sue and Ian at outdoor cafes for meals. It also seems a good place to base ourselves for awhile. 

Welcome rain in Provence, but not for tourists!

 

The Rhone

The rain and grey skies makes this street look a bit dull.