Ouzo, Schnapps, Rosé & Prosecco

Gem56 · Jun 24, 2019

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.

Gem56 · Jun 24, 2019

Marseilles

Gem56 · Jun 24, 2019

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

Gem56 · Jun 24, 2019

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 present basilica was built on the foundations of a 16th-century fort erected by Francis I of France to resist the 1536 siege of Marseille by the Emperor Charles V during the Italian War of 1536-38."

Gem56 · Jun 24, 2019

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

Gem56 · Jun 24, 2019

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 us for a few days.

Jacques Vert · Jun 24, 2019

Gem56 said:
Walking back to the hotel and we heard music so decided to check it out. It was obviously some sort of celebration - lots of wine glasses and platters of hors d'oeuvres. As soon as the music was over we left - just in time it appeared because they were locking the door, probably to keep people like us out.

On returning to the hotel when I had internet connection, I discovered it was a Women's Fashion event. I can assure you that none of us looked the part! We enjoyed it just the same.

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Other than the photographer and the musicians, I think @Mattg & I were the only males in attendance

Gem56 · Jun 24, 2019

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.

Gem56 · Jun 24, 2019

Jacques Vert said:
Other than the photographer and the musicians, I think @Mattg & I were the only males in attendance

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

Susan Marks · Jun 24, 2019

Gem56 said:
Inside the Basilica - note the ships hanging from the ceiling.

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Why are the ships hanging from the ceiling?

Jacques Vert · Jun 24, 2019

Susan Barker said:
Why are the ships hanging from the ceiling?

The Basilica Notre-Dame de la Garde (literally: Our Lady of the Guard) has been, and still is, a landmark for seafarers that can been seen for many miles out into the Mediterranean. It is not uncommon in France for churches near the ocean/sea to have models of ships or fishing vessels on display and for the vessels to receive a blessing from the local priest.

I remember a day on the Ile de Re many years ago when the Bishop visited to bless the fishing fleet and ask the Lord's protection; although as many years have passed I don't remember that much about the party after he left

Gem56 · Jun 24, 2019

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 Women's World Cup was being played in France during our visit, we hadn't taken any notice of who was playing where. We then realised that the Aussies must be playing in Montpellier soon. On checking, sure enough, they were to play the following night against Brazil. Of course, we felt obliged to purchase tickets.

Couldn't believe our luck. It was only a tram ride directly to the stadium from our hotel.

The hype at the stadium (inside and out) was fantastic and we were so pleased that it worked in our favour. The Aussie team had basically been written off, however they proved everyone wrong and won. Very exciting.

VPS · Jun 24, 2019

Now getting all nostalgic about the south of France - I've spent quite a bit of time around there. Loving the TR

Jacques Vert · Jun 25, 2019

Gem56 said:
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 Women's World Cup was being played in France during our visit, we hadn't taken any notice of who was playing where. We then realised that the Aussies must be playing in Montpellier soon. On checking, sure enough, they were to play the following night against Brazil. Of course, we felt obliged to purchase tickets. Couldn't believe our luck. It was only a tram ride directly to the stadium from our hotel.

The hype at the stadium (inside and out) was fantastic and we were so pleased that it worked in our favour. The Aussie team had basically been written off, however they proved everyone wrong and won. Very exciting.

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I've attended Australian football games on about 10 occasions over the years, both women's and men's teams, and this is the first time we have won!

Very exciting.

Mattg · Jun 25, 2019

Gem56 said:
We enjoyed having @Mattg along with us for a few days.

And it was a pleasure joining both of you for a few days in a part of the world that I had not previously discovered.

Gem56 · Jun 25, 2019

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.

Gem56 · Jun 25, 2019

More pics around Montpellier

Gem56 · Jun 25, 2019

Gem56 · Jun 25, 2019

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.