Gym's Ramblings: Fall 2023 - A Euro Roadtriip

Pont du Garde, near Collias, France

September 24, 2023

In France, the dynamic duo were staying in Montpellier, at the Courtyard Marriott, right next to the l'hotel de ville (city hall). The building was on the banks of the River Lez that flows through the city to the Mediterranean. On both sides of the river there are beautiful tree-lined pathways and that was one of the reasons that Gym chose that hotel. Gym and his dear companion used these riverside trails extensively during their three days in France.

On the morning of the 24th though, the travelers had arranged to drive north to Collias, France. There, Bill, Allison, Zack and Kristen had rented a big house right in the middle of the village and had become 'locals' for several weeks. In fact, they had fallen into the whole French scene. Every morning, Allison and Zack would go to the patisserie and buy a baguette and some pastries. It became important mom-son time but it was also setting the family up for day, with the quintessential element of the french household, the daily bread. Now Gym has never lived this lifestyle but he believes in it. Buy only enough for the day and don't waste anything. The French don't buy in bulk and when they go to buy bread it is fresh that morning.

Gym and his dear sidekick, experienced no trouble at all making their way to Collias from their hotel in Montpellier. Aside from some pretty narrow roads, they made their way through the lush farmland along the beautiful tree-lined country roads. They were to meet up with Zack and Kristan in the parking lot of the village patisserie. Siri unerringly guided them to the rendezous point. From there, Zack guided Gym to a parking spot about two block from their house, where they could park along the side of the street for free. This is where Bill parked his car because the street in front of their house was very narrow. Gym was pleased that he could minimize the chance of upsetting the nice people at National Car Rental by not returning them a Volvo with someone's doorknob embedded in the front quarter-panel.

After a tour of the house, Gym learned that what the home lacked in on-site parking, more than made up for with beautiful gardens, a private outdoor pool and a spacious stone home with a big, fully equipped kitchen, spacious reception areas and 3 large bedrooms. Everyone enjoyed a brunch of quiche, salad, bread and cheese at the large country-kitchen table. Unfortunately, there was only half a bagette available to the diners because Zack had been hungry on his way home from the patisserie that morning. Gym and Mrs. Gym enjoyed this meal very much.

The Bill family had not been idle during their time in Collias, They has thoroughly explored the rural areas surrounding the village and after brunch everyone piled into the two cars and Gym followed Bill to a very, very cool historical site just minutes away. Only 10 minutes from town sits the Roman aqueduct known as Pont du Garde. It dates from 60 AD and it is still standing in all its glory after more than 2000 years. It is the tallest aqueduct the Romans ever built and the lower archest are also among the most massive ever constructed by Roman engineers. For over 500 years this aqueduct carried water 30 miles to Nimes and for its whole life the bridge beside the aqueduct has been in use as an important connection across the Gardon River. The adults surveyed the site as Zack and Kristen swam in the river beneath the impressive structure.

After Pont du Garde, Gym and Mrs. Gym said goodbye to Bill, Allison, Zack and Kristen and wished them continued good fortune on their epic journey around the world. They then returned to Montpellier, to explore that city for a couple of more days.