This was probably the longest day of driving I will experience on this whole trip. Over 6 hours on the road. We had breakfast in the hotel which was very nice and were on the road by 10. La Roque-Gageac is particularly nice in the morning when it is only those who have slept there – not the day trippers.

It was long but mostly a pleasant ride leaving the cliffs and entering open farm lands.

When we arrived at our house in Aix, Bernadette was waiting for us. She had done a lot of shopping for us. Water, butter, bread, nuts, yoghurt, etc. Plus tomatoes and eggs from d’Aranajon – the chateau where she is house sitting for close friends. She stayed for a brief visit but left to care for her friends’ dogs.

The owner of the house in which we are staying had left us a nice dinner of chicken stew. But, after being on the road all day we felt like walking into town for dinner. By the grace of the gods we happened upon a wonderful place. Le Petite Prince restaurant. Charming in every way and wonderful food and very reasonable prices.

As we were paying we asked if we could split the check. The waiter clarified what we meant and seemed delighted to learn a new expression he could use with tourists. He asked where we were from and that led to an introduction to the chef who was raised in NYC. We had a brief get-to-know-you conversation and then I asked him for restaurant recommendations for Aix. Something nice to have in my pocket. We walked home by the cathedral which we can see from the house terrace.

From David, his appetiser…