November 13 - Toulon, France

Our port today is Toulon, France. but we actually dock across the bay in the town of La Seyne-sur-Mer.  I spent a lot of time researching and debating how to spend this day.  Most of what I read suggested that there wasn't much to do in Toulon.

Toulon's history is one of being a trading port in the Greek and Roman years and then a naval port after it became part of France in 1481.

Toulon's port was devastated during World War II, and much of the city was rebuilt more modern than quaint and having the Old World charm.  There is a naval museum that is considered very good, and there is a market place and lots of stores to browse around in.

We decided to explore the Provence area outside of Toulon and go on a ship's excursion that takes us into the wine country and a medieval village.

Our tour was to the Bandol region of Provence, which is known for some of the world's delicious wines.  First we drove from the port along a very picturesque route north into the heart of Provence.

Upon arriving in the 15th century medieval village of Le Castellet, high on a cliff, we enjoyed the overview of the countryside and vineyards.

Then it was time to hike up the steep hill into the fortified 15th century village.

Our guide, Jean-Jacques walked us through the village, pointing out historical landmarks.

We then had a little over 45 minutes to wander around on our own.  The town had narrow, cobblestone streets and stone houses with bougainvillea and ivy vines.....so picturesque.

The stores were starting to be decorated for the Christmas holidays.

Terry enjoyed a one-on-one visit with Jean-Jacques on the way back down the hill.  Our guide was knowledgeable, easy to understand, and had a great sense of humor.

Then it was back on the bus and we drove to Vannieres Winery where we did some sampling of the area's wines.  It is believed that the Greeks began making wine when they settled in the region around 600 B.C.  The wine they produced had a renowned reputation by the time the Romans arrived in 125 B.C. .

Here Julian, from the winery, explained the history of the vineyard and winery in French and Jean-Jacques translated. Over time, the wines of Bandol have become one of the most internationally recognized wines of Provence.

 And then we sampled 4 different wines..a white, a rose', a red all from the 2011 harvest and then a red from 2014.  All very good!  Julian told us that the 2015 harvest also looked to be a very good year for wine.

It was then time to head back to the port and board the ship.  We passed many vineyards.  Jean-Jacques explained that the color of the leaves indicated the kind of grape the vine was producing.

It was sailaway time and from our balcony we watched the local pilot, who navigates the ship out of the harbor,  leave and head back to the port.

and we cruised on to our next port.......Barcelona, Spain