Maureen and Mat in France

Maureen and Mat traveled to France for 10 days in January, taking the bullet train (almost 500 miles in 3 hours and 15 minutes-awesome!) from Paris to Marseille. Then we rented cars and drove to Jausiers, a little village in the French alps where our friend Mary had procured a condo for a week. We spent the week in Jausiers and nearby village Barconoletta getting into the alpine village lifestyle (they work 9-12, 3 or 4 to 7 pm). It was very relaxing and we enjoyed the French food and wine, and the wonderful people who we met (even though conversing was somewhat challenging). When we first got there, the countryside was mostly brown as they were severely lacking in snow. We were lucky though, we had two days of snow, and one of the days the flakes were the biggest snowflakes I have ever seen--larger than the old silver dollars! After the snow, Mat and I took advantage and went to the little local ski area-LeSauze, where they had one chair lift and multiple Poma lifts. I can't remember the last time I rode a Poma lift, I forgot how much work they were. The area there the northern Provence region/southern French Alps region is extremely beautiful, rugged mountains and narrow valleys. The roads are very windy so travel is slow, but people pass with no space. We had a great time and got in much needed relaxation.

Pictures to follow!
Maureen and Mat Rude