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The poppies are still in flower :D

The Millau Viaduct - a couple of hours drive out of Montpellier. They starting discussing the viaduct in 1988 and it was opened in 2004. Wikipedia: The Millau Viaduct (French: le Viaduc de Millau, is a cable-stayed bridge that spans the gorge valley of the Tarn near Millau in southern...

Carnon (on the coast about 20 mins from Montpellier) ... La Grande Motte

During our stay in Montpellier we discovered that the annual "Fan Fare Festival" was going to be on. Street music throughout the city. Music was loved by all ages. This little tot bounced around the whole time - so cute!

More pics around Montpellier

On returning to the hotel after the soccer, we found that a new tango event had begun and was proposed to continue on a regular basis. We don't know too many details about it, however it did include dinner and there were lots of attendees. Obviously tango is big here.

Getting back to Montpellier. A little while after we checked-in, a large group of Aussies dressed in green and gold Aussie football shirts arrived (the Green and Gold Army). Apparently there were 94 of them, not all staying at our hotel though. Although we were very aware that the FIFA...

And just because we swapped the stilettoes for walking shoes and the Gucci bags for backpacks I don't think we were that obvious. :D

Montpellier Accommodation was at The Marriott Courtyard. A little out of town but 3 tram lines almost at the door. It was comfortable however on 3 mornings we had trouble getting hot water.

Accommodation in Marseilles We stayed at the Ibis at the airport as @Mattg had a very early flight the following morning, he checked out at 5am. 10 minute walk and they have a shuttle, although it was full at the time Matt needed it, (only takes 8 people). We enjoyed having @Mattg along with...

Inside the Basilica - note the ships hanging from the ceiling.

Views from the Basilica Notre-Dame de la Garde The site was a lookout point along the coast and also a landmark for sailors. The first chapel was constructed here in 1214 and was replaced in early 15th century. Wikipedia: "Charles II d"Anjou mentioned a guardpost in the 15th century, but the...

Lunch at Le Petit Pernod - one of our favourite haunts although the pastries were no match for the profiteroles they used to serve.

Marseilles

The Roman Theatre - a 5 minute walk from the amphitheatre. Built during the reign of Emperor Augustus, this theatre is also still used for concerts. It's condition is not as good as the amphitheatre, still worth a visit just the same. The entry ticket for both theatres was €9.

Views from the top of the amphitheatre Gladiator School

The Amphitheatre in Arles. Built in 90AD and seats over 20,000 spectators. As with most of these arenas, it was used for chariot races and bloody hand-to-hand battles. It's still used today for bull fights and concerts.

Arles The markets in Arles have been held every Wednesday and Saturdays since 1584. Some 400 stall holders attend and you can purchase just about anything that you might need, eg, fabric on the roll, floor rugs, mattresses, doonas, kitchen utensils, along with all the normal market items ie...