L'Isle sur la Sorgue is an island which was created by diverting the Sorgue river with canals. At one time there were 70 water wheels in operation, for the mills to grind grain and olives. Today there are only 9 remaining. It is called the Venice of Provence, a bit of a stretch, but it is a picture-perfect place. The river's source is 4 km away, called Fontaine Vaucluse, a deep, cold spring. The water is a constant 55F. It's very interesting to see the water flowing from under the buildings in the town.

There was a very lively market going on when we arrived, with almost anything for sale . Maija bought strawberries to have with breakfast, and also with our tea when we sat in a cafe beside the market (an excuse to use the bathroom!).

As we made our way to Gordes, we passed many orchards that were blooming: apples, pears and cherries.

Gordes is one of many Villages Perche (perched villages) in the Provence region. The vantage point provided safety in medieval times. In WWII it was bombed as it was a centre for the Resistance.

Maryse described a Kir Royale which is popular here: sparkling wine with 1 1/2 tsp of cassis.

On route we passes these conical stone houses which date back 3000 years, and were in use until the 19th C. They are called 'borises'.

Lunch was in a creperie. Dorothy and Maija had the crepes and I had a wonderful Salade Provencale, which was a Niçoise salad (but further west than Nice!) .

On our way back to Avignon we stopped at a lavander farm. It is a husband and wife team who spent many years in Arizona and then returned to France to start this operation.

Maryse recommended a restaurant for us. Many of the group are going to La Fourchette which is supposed to be amazing but we couldn't get in. We went to D'Ici et D'Ailleurs (From Here and Elsewhere) and had a fabulous meal. My appetizer was shrimps on skewers. Main was grilled scallops also skewered, with pesto , and 2 little bowls...one with rice and one with an aubergine mixture. It was presented on the plate just beautifully. We shared Maija's dessert of molten chocolate cake and caramel icecream. The rose wine was from the Camargue. Fantastic and only 23 Euros each.

Today there wasn't a cloud in the sky and the temperature ranged from 16C in the AM to 24 in the afteroon.