Our trip starts in Bayonne, which is situated in southwest France, in what is referred to as the Nouvelle-Aquitane province.  It's streets are lined with patterned cobblestone, which I was quite taken with, and I found the architecture equally charming. Cafes are plentiful with enough pastries to keep any foodie like me, quite happy... bring on the croissants, please. And the coffee, we mustn't forget the coffee! The River Adour runs through the city, affording many enchanting views. Even the view from the hotel room me and my roomie (who is also from Washington!) got to stay in was simply lovely, giving a rooftop outlook you can see here.  Some of my tourmates and myself enjoyed a really delicious lunch during some free time.