For the entire stay at the mas, we have used the outdoor shower. There many things about the mas we will miss, but this particular feature will become a highlight of our stays here.
We were back at the mas by noon hour and between Bocelli playing on the stereo (computer), the amazing vineyard views and the distant hum of the harvesters, we had a great restful afternoon. This is what we came to France for. Ambience!
Thursday was another great day spent at the mas while we awaited the arrival of friends Betty Roe and Gary Swernik. It was a real treat to have them come to visit us since we hadn’t seen these former Canadian, now LA California, friends for many years. They had flown direct from LA to Zurich the day before and with some difficulty finding us - surprise, surprise! - they finally got to us around dinner time a little weary but in good spirits. It was wonderful to catch up!
Friday we played tour guides and did a little circuit of the area starting with the small market at St. Quentin de la Potterie. We then made our way to Uzes, for a short walking tour of the city on a non-market day. By lunch we made our way to Pont du Gard and had a picnic under the olive trees before walking to the site. It was a gorgeous day, which made the visit even more enjoyable. Then it was off to do some wine tasting, with the first stop in Tavel followed by a walk about Chateauneuf du Pape. Having worn out our guests, we returned to the mas and walked down through the vineyards to Chez ma Mere for dinner.
Saturday meant packing up and leaving the mas for the last time. Although sad, we also felt ready to move on and make new lodging discoveries. With little Cleo packed to the gills, we lead the way through Avignon to our next stop in the Luberon. We arrived at Apt just as its huge Saturday market was winding down. We’d only ever driven through Apt in the past and never stopped, so we quite enjoyed the opportunity to explore the
town a bit while trying to find Betty and Gary accommodations. They found a B&B close to the tourist office and we wound our way up the hill towards Saignon, an incredibly beautiful perched village overlooking Apt. Our spot at the mas de Genets, was actually about half way up the hill. Our new place was on two levels with bed and bath upstairs and kitchen/living space downstairs. In this renovated mas our apartment was originally the tractor and tool sheds. The large windows afforded a wonderful view of the valley.
Betty & Gary joined us for dinner and before that, Betty drove us up to Saignon for a look see. Visibility was outstanding and we walked up to the rock outcropping topping the village for some memorable views. After our little walking tour, we returned to the mas for dinner and a rousing card game of Bite Me until the wee hours.
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