2022: Pezenas and Paris: It takes a long time to get to Pezenas

We're used to having all of our essential travel things pretty much sorted and ready for the next trip but it has been over 2 years since we left the country. Plus, COVID19 added another layer to our prep. After shopping for extra hand sanitizer. clorox wipes, masks, and gathering all the essentials (maps, guidebooks, passports!, COVID19 home tests), we were ready.

We got to the airport 2 hours before our 1130am flight. We stood in the wrong line because I thought we were Sky Priority. But that only applied to the return from CDG. We got in the right line and were checked in after about an hour. No problems through security thanks to TSA PreCheck (Global Entry). Our flight was on time to Atlanta. We wore our KN95s on the plane (and in the airports) along with a few other people.

In Atlanta, we boarded and settled into our Comfort + seats to CDG (the little bit of extra space is definitely appreciated; 3-3-3 configuration, we sat in the middle section).

No brakes is bad. This big boy was grounded

Then we waited for takeoff. And waited. The pilot eventually came on and said there was a mechanical issue they were looking into. Then reported that the brakes were the issue. Then said the mechanics were working to fix the issue. Then they couldn't fix the brakes and we'd have to change planes. Then we were urged to deplane so we could board another (exact same) plane. Which we all did--in a hurry, as urged, cuz nobody wants to fly on a plane with bad brakes! Then we got to Terminal F and waited 4 hours to board the next plane. I don't know why we had to rush over there!

I knew we'd never get to CDG in time to take the 827am train to Montpellier St. Roch but had booked a changeable ticket. I got on the handy trainline app and changed us to a 1230pm train which went to Montpellier Sud de France, instead of St. Roch. We'd worry about how to go between train stations when we got there.

We finally departed around 8pm (instead of 430pm). The flight was uneventful. We wore our KN95s on board, except when eating. We arrived at CDG 8 and a half hours later, not exactly rested but definitely ready to get on with this vacation!

One of the things we'd worried about was Passport Control, which can take hours, and baggage claim, which can take hours. Well, this Monday, May 9, we were done with both in about 10 minutes. It was remarkably smooth! We were at the train terminal with about 2 hours to spare.

Pezenas is in the South of France

I'm not a fan of the train for many reasons: don't really like train stations; having to wrangle my own small but heavy luggage; feeling stressed about getting there on time; having to figure out seating-which inevitably leaves me sitting backwards and feeling sick; etc. We had booked 1st class, which is OK, but now were in a small little room of 8 seats across from 8 seats, aisle in between, the best option on re-booking. You are required to wear masks in French trains and people (mostly) did. It was not exactly comfortable or restful. But we made it to Montpellier Sud de France and that was what mattered!

We headed out into the beautiful day (around 430pm) and after checking out our options to get to Montpellier St. Roch, about 3 miles away, via bus or taxi, decided to call Uber. He picked us up in a nice, clean car, was wearing his mask, and dropped us off at the entrance to St. Roch. Easy, peasy.

Collected our rental car, a Ford Puma, in the dark St. Roch garage (would become a theme), turned on the GPS, texted the Air B&B host that we would be there in 45 minutes, and were off!

Husband finds it easy to drive in France. The roads are great, the rules mostly followed, and, thanks to GPS, the directions relatively clear. He got us parked a block from our apartment at rue Joseph Cambon. Our host was there and gave us a good rundown of the space. He then showed us to the free Parking a few blocks away. After we unloaded the car, we parked it there for the night.

The host was cute and asked a question we've heard before, "why Pezenas?" We explained that it's a pretty old town, just the right size to have lots of restaurants and amenities, but not too big to feel overwhelming. And there are loads of cool sights nearby.