La Chartreuse/Monastery

Still in the small commune of Villeneuve-lez-Avignon, the monastery, or La Chartreuse, was a fascinating visit. The inner gardens were gorgeous, as was the courtyard with a water reserve. This was used when the monks didn’t leave the monastery and lived in the building totally self-sufficiently. The “prison” rooms, where bad monks went, were open to view, which was neat. These little stone rooms with tiny windows had missing stones where the prisoners could listen to the sermons through.

Photo: Inner courtyard water reserve