This year's show at the Carrières de Lumières

[Chris]

I've never been to Carrières de Lumières, so I can't comment on that. The touristy shops and the touristy restaurants are the same as you would find elsewhere, but I really think going to the top and seeing the chateau itself is worthwhile, at least once. It's a fascinating ruin and the views are spectacular. I think everyone assumes it is more of the touristy stuff that you see as you walk through the village, but once you enter the castle grounds, there is no more commerce. I love the Roman sites too, but there is more to France history than just the Romans.

 

[Pauline]

I love the Roman sites too, but there is more to France history than just the Romans.

IMO everything after the 12th century in France is rubbish. But that's just me.

I would like to point out that you, me and Steve were standing on the street in Les Baux looking up at the castle and you said we should skip it and you took us to Glanum (Roman) - which I loved!

 

[Chris]

Rubbish! The fortress at Les Baux was built in the 10th century, so maybe it's only partly rubbish.

It's true that I suspected you might prefer Glanum. (Also, I'd already seen the castle at Les Baux, and I hadn't been to Glanum.)

 

[chachalaca]

Thank you all...I think we'll play it by ear and see what time allows.
No comment on the rubbish.

 

[Roz]

We went to Les Baux during a December stay in Aix several years ago. Although it was one of the coldest places I've ever been (it was an especially frigid day and we didn't have warm enough clothes), it was worth freezing because we were one of only two couples there and had none of the usual tourist crowds to deal with. It was a great place when it was almost completely empty. I'm sure it would have been a totally different experience with crowds.

We went to the Picasso show at Lumières a few years back (when it was called something else -- what was it before, Kathy?). I thought it was an amazing, unique experience. Totally different from a museum, but we felt completely immersed in the art and I'm glad we went.