How they control the pigeon population in France

This morning we left Vence to drive to Aix en Provence. We had every intention of driving through Cannes and St. Tropez -- to have lunch along the way -- but I think we were too excited to get to Aix, since it may be where we live for three months to a year. So, we drove straight through, arriving in time for lunch.

Aix is everything I expected -- so far, at least. The next four days will teach us a lot, I’m sure.

We’ve stayed in lots of nice hotels on this trip, but this is unquestionably the nicest -- four stars -- and we were in the pool by mid-afternoon after a lunch on the Cours Mirabou and a walk around the old town.

After a nap we went shopping then ate dinner at Deux Garcons -- a very famous spot since the 1800’s.

While in the pool, Brad pointed out the pigeon “barrier” around the entire roof of the courtyard enclosing the pool. (Four-inch wire “spikes” sticking straight up, to prevent pigeons from landing.) “They go to great lengths for pigeon control,” he observed. Later, while walking around we came upon a Michelin-rated restaurant where we briefly considered having dinner -- since the dinner “Formulae” (complete, three courses) was only 26 euros (about $37 or so) per person. Then we noticed that tonight’s “plat du jour” was, you guessed it, pigeon. “See?” he said. “I told you they go to great lengths to control the pigeon population!” Ugh. I suppose I’d drop pounds pretty quickly if that was part of my diet.

More info on Aix-en-Provence: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aix-en-Provence

More info on Deux Garcons: http://www.fodors.com/world/europe/france/provence/review-119719.html