European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - June 23, 1994, Darmstadt, Hesse                                The Gorge of Verdon makes for a challenging hike. The drive there offers spectacular views. W a ltd.3 <rv=i3 where roughing it is a Little different amps photos by Chuck Roberts by Chuck Roberts staff writer our camping trip to Provence began in a hotel. A after a Long Rainy drive South we put off roughing it for at least one More Day and spent the night at the hotel cig Aloun in Orange. As soon As we checked in and began unpacking of course the rain stopped and faint rays of Sunshine came through the window. But tent pegs and sleeping bags remained crammed into the Back of the Honda for another two Days because these two Novice campers had quickly settled into their traditional role As tourists and All its convenient familiarity. A. By doing so we were defeating our plan to see the maximum amount of Southern France for the minimum amount of Money which Means camping. The formula worked. The weekly Cost for three wonderful weeks in Georgeous Provence during september was Only about $400, and that included fairly haute prices for at least one daily dose of French cuisine. You May leave he Campground with a slightly sore Back but your pain will be somewhat alleviated after paying Only about $1 5 for three nights. The extra spending Power also allowed us to conveniently see the Many sights in Orange Avignon Nimes Pont do card Fonvielle Les Baux de Provence Arles St. Remy Aix in Provence Sanary and the grand Canyon yes France has one too. Camping has its obvious disadvantages a hard ground Long trips to the toilet in the Middle of the night. But the great outdoors also has its Little niceties often missed by your Standard hotel Dweller a listening to the sounds of nature Only a few inches from your head As you fall asleep each night or sitting outside your tent sipping a Glass of wine while watching the Sun slowly set. And let s face it Provence is so wonderful you can sleep on a Rock and still have a Good time. Campground facilities vary of course but the four campgrounds we stayed at offered Friendly service and Dean modern facilities for about $6 a night. Although we did not Camp in Orange it should be included on any itinerary. There you can see a Well preserved roman theater and triumphal Arch. The old part of the City is interesting and Small enough so that it takes Only a 10-minute stroll to wander from. One end to the other. Orange also is a Good place to catch a train and spend the Day in Avignon where you can see the former papal Palace and famous Bridge a Pont do Avignon. In Avignon definitely eat at be Petit Bedon. It s located at 70 Rue Joseph Hemet Avignon and its Telephone number is 90.82.33.98. The Cost for two was 260 francs about $46. The restaurant is not Overly quaint but also