France!

So far, the trip to the south of France has been unbelievable.  Perfect weather, the Mediterranean, amazing people, a free helicopter ride, amazing foods and wines, biking along the coast, and more.  And all that in just over 2 days.  Doing it right in France!

In Marseille, we stayed with Julita and explored the town, hiked the mountain to the Notre Dame church on top, and then watched the sunset over the Mediterranean.  The next day, we took the bus out to the airport to be picked up by Philipe, a French guy who along with Febrece, owns a airplane maintenance company.  They said they had a special day for us, and wow, were they right.

We were taken by their helicopter on an unforgettable ride around the Cote D'Azur. First we flew up to an old monastery that is now a boutique hotel.  Landing on top of a mountain, with one of the coolest buildings wasn't even the start.  Lunch was taken care for, a 72 euro 3 course meal starting with Sweetbreads, working it's way through fish and local produce from the daily market and followed by a kiwi ice cream.  Yes!  Life is good!

From the monastery, we flew over along the coast for a while taking in the view, with the pilots having fun flying super low and claiming they were testing the helicopter.  A few tricks and then back to get dropped off at the train station.  Living it up in France!

We're staying in the very south, in a small town called La Londe Les Mares and have spent the day biking around, through vineyards, orchards, chateaus and more, out to the sea and back.  Total relaxing day in the sun, in Provence!  Amazing!

Here are a few pictures of the good times in France.

What's that? Flying around France in a helicopter?

Living the good life at 20m off the ocean

Appetizer of sweetbreads.  If you don't know what these are, don't look them up.

Amazing fresh fish dish served up by an award winning chef

Yeah, we flew here in a helicopter for a 3 course lunch

mmmm, Mediterranean sun so tasty!

Cruising through vineyards in Provence

Provence!

Made it to the beach!

How bout the royal summer home out on the coast?  Definitely worth a bike ride there

Provence beach town