We spent a long weekend of March 25-28 in Nimes which is in the south of France. It is the area of France known as Provence so lots of lovely scents and linens for sale. We chose this weekend because the Shaker Heights High School (SHHS) orchestra and chorus was in Nimes for their European tour. We actually missed their concert but was able to see lots of old friends from home. Abby was able to join the kids as they toured the area on Saturday and Sunday. She loved it!!!! We were met by a friend from home who returned to Paris with us.
Nimes is home to amazing Roman ruins. There is the Maison Carree, a Roman temple, was built between 2 and 5 CE and is in great condition. Also the Arena was amazing!!! The Romans design for arenas are the same as ours today. The arena still is home for bull fights and other sporting events.
We also went to Avignon where we toured the Palace of the Pope or the Palais des Papes. Apparently there was a division in Catholism that there was a Pope in Avignon as well as Rome. So the pope in France lived in the palais des papes. The grounds have a beautiful garden at the top of the hill from the Palais.
On Sunday - a rainy Sunday we toured the city of Arles. Arles was another lovely town of small meandering streets. We saw the Arena in Arles and a Roman Theatre. Again both arenas and theatres haven't changed much in their design. From the pictures you can't tell much about the theatre. It had a retractable roof of linen to keep the sun out. Today shows are presented at this theatre.
Finally on Monday which was a beautiful day, Abby said goodbye to the shhs kids and we all went to Pont du Gard. Pont du Gard was an aqueduct that brought water from the Rhone river to the city of Nimes. Again this is another feat of engineering from so many years ago.
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