Nimes and Chateauneuf du pape

Quick Layno history lesson. (not necessarily accurate but a good story!)

The Roman Empire lasted 1000 years. 500 to build, 200 in glory, 300 in decline. Started in 500 BC, it was done like dinner around 500AD. Julius Caesar (armed with the concept 1 man - 1 ruler) crossed into France around 49BC and started the expansion of the Roman empire. At its height it included England to the north, Spain, Egypt and part of modern day Iraq. Quite the empire. So the finest examples of architecture from the Empire are not necessarily found in Rome.

The coliseum in Nimes (1 hour from Montpellier) is the best preserved of all in existence.

The coliseum/area is now used for bullfighting and concerts. This summer the likes of Sting, The Offspring and many others will fill the medieval walls with sound. The ubiquitous bullfighting is something that I have a bit of trouble with and would not attend an event. That said, what about the Calgary Stampede with the calf roping and bull-riding. It's all a matter of perspective. If you've never seen the you tube video of the bull getting out of the area you should have a look. I've included it here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWAIjYs9Lws

We watched this clip after another night of observing bull -taunting and felt a bit better for the bulls. I have a new-found respect for these magnificent animals.


The Nimes Coliseum was very important to the Romans. Built in the 300 AD it became not only a base of operations for campaigns to the north but also an excellent holiday get away. With a pool, slide for the kids and 24 hour adult TV, it was perfect after a campaign of killing and plundering. In fact, its said that the 24 hour adult TV precipitated the decline and collapse of the Roman empire - who knew?

Brigitte loved this particular matador even though I explained that he was made from bronze and not real. She later bought him dinner and offered drinks in exchange for a night on the town. He, not surprisingly said nothing.

Next we went searching for great wine. We have enjoyed wine on most nights since we got to France and we have not been disappointed even once even though the wines are generally around $5 Canadian. We are in the region of Provence which roughly surrounds the Rhone river.

 

We made our way to the Chateauneuf Du Pape region which includes about 100 labels. We toured and tasted our way through 2 wineries sampling some very good examples of what the region provides. Some of the vines date back as far as the first world war. This label on the left is the one we chose (about $25) hoping that for that kind of money it should be pretty good. I think its one of those bottles that you buy and hold, we drank it with a steak dinner. It was as good as any wine I have ever tried, but likely the best considering the adventure that has gone along with it.