September 17: Last Saturday I arrived at Le Beaucet, a pretty little town not far from Avignon. I’m sharing the house with 10 others including the bhoys, their wives or partners, and some new friends. The village is really just a collection of homes, 2 restaurants, and a very old church and chateau. Our home is on the pilgrimage route of St. Gens about 200 metres from the edge of town.
The house itself sits on the edge of a small ravine. There are 4 large bedrooms on the main floor and 2 on the lower level. . Each has a bathroom and the remainder of the main floor is the living / dining area and kitchen. I have a smaller bedroom on the main floor which is unique because it has no window and an “Italian shower” which means I have to squeegee the bathroom floor every morning. There’s a pool in the back which is unheated, and the weather hasn’t been great for swimming, so it hasn’t seen a lot of use. Overall, we’re really impressed with the high quality of the house, the furnishings and the location.
We have been off exploring Provence. There was a convoy to Chateauneuf du Pape and a second to the Ardeche gorges. Although it threatened rain and was unbelievably windy, we went to St. Remy and Les Baux de Provence yesterday. There are plans for the Cotes du Rhone wineries and Mt. Ventoux if the weather co-operates.
I have often daydreamed about living in France. Having been here for an extended time I feel that I’ve adapted in some measure to the lifestyle. But there’s an obvious and real difference between “holidaying” and “living” in a place. As my Sister pointed out yesterday, the first couple of days going to town for a baguette can be fun, but when you have to do it everyday it can become tedious.
My trip has been a success because I have had the time to do as I please. Staying in a new home for a longer time would take that to the next level, and it’s something that really appeals to me. Worth considering…
https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/2188271