Les Angles, South of France

This little town just outside of Avignon was so cute. Really quiet, sleepy and with no tourists whatsoever. I took a local bus and got off when I thought I had hit the town centre. There was not a soul around. I had a little map that showed me where the “tourist attractions” were, which was a remnant of a tower and chapel, and an old community washing site. None of the sites were marked, so I walked around and around until I guesses which were which. The landscape was gorgeous, wide open and the air so fresh. I ended up staying the whole day, just walking around in solitude and enjoying the heat and leisure. [I hear now the town is changing, as it has a highly active industrial zone. It’s also a popular base for skiing and exploring the surrounding region.- see comments below]

Photo: typical of the houses and yards in Les Angles, France

Orange, the Amphitheatre

Just a bus ride outside of Avignon is the city of Orange. Famed for its remaining amphitheatre, it boasts that it’s the best preserved in the Roman world (how many say that???!!!)? It is quite remarkable, though. The back wall, with statues and pillars still intact, runs 36 metres high. The theatre itself was begun in the 1st century under the reign of August. Today it hosts yearly events, from live theatre to rock concerts, that seat thousands of spectators. Since 1869, each year in July it presents the festival “Les Chorégies,” an event of art and shows that is known worldwide. What an amazing experience that would be. Maybe next time.

Photo: Le Thèâtre Antique d'Orange

Tour Philippe le Bel

Again in Villeneuve-lez-Avignon, lies the magnificent Philippe the beautiful tower. It overlooks the city of Avignon and the Rhone river. When I went it was a perfectly clear, warm and bright day somehow devoid of tourists. I had the whole space to myself and explored the tower without disturbance. The rooms have temporary exhibits of art and the stairs to the top are narrow, steep and, of course, all in stone. Getting to the top is breathtaking. A 360 degree view of the Rhone valley and Avignon is remarkable. I stayed up on the platform for a good half an hour just breathing in the clean air and marvelling at the beautiful country. Ah, la France.

Photo: Le Tour Philippe le Bel in Villeneuve-Lez-Avignon

Saint-André Fort and the Abbey

Photo: The private residence of the owners of the abbey

Just outside of Avignon lies the commune of Villeneuve-lez-Avignon. I went to discover the fort and abbey there, which was a delightful day trip. The fort was built at the end of the 13th century and controlled the boats on the Rhone and also defended the kingdom. Walking around the remaining rampart walls and finding hidden spots filled with flowers and untended grass felt like searching through my own private discovery. A concealed garden within the abbey, which is a private residence whose owner lets visitors walk through, was the highlight of the trip. The ponds and flowers were impeccable and lovely. I wanted to stay there and watch the sun go down but every once in awhile I’d notice a figure passing a window in the gorgeous manor and remember that this was someone’s home. Then I daydreamed about what it would be like to live there…

Photo: One of the ponds in the abbey

Rocher des Domes

This beautiful spot had fountains, a restaurant and lots of park benches to read and write. The air somehow seemed cleaner and clearer and people walked around in complete relaxation and happiness. There was always children’s laughter as they saw the water spraying from the pond. The views over the city and the Rhone River were spectacular. A large terrace with lots of space overlooked Pont d’Avignon and the Ile de la Barthelasse. Ah, just thinking of the little park makes me smile.

Photo: Rocher des Domes

Pope's Palace, Avignon

Photo: The intimidating Pope's Palace

Le Palais des Papes, constructed in 1335 and finished 20 years later, is a must-see for its imposing presence and rich history. Dubbed the “Rome away from Rome,” Pope Clement V moved his court here until the Revolution. This is probably the biggest (literally) tourist attraction in the city, yet it still doesn’t feel overdone. Today it stands as the largest gothic palace in the world. The location is also great, as it overlooks one of the main squares of the city, so you can gaze at it while eating lunch or grabbing a glass of wine. The open area outside is where kids often play games together (although, after watching them, I still couldn’t figure out how to play)...

Learning French

After I returned home from Paris, I looked into French schools right away. My desire to learn the language and return was utmost in my mind. I began a few months later at L’Alliance Française de Vancouver, getting into an intermediate class. I spent the next year in and out of a few classes and felt fairly comfortable speaking and understanding French. By the next January, I was hungrily planning my next trip. I wanted to go down south, probably to Provence, and scoured through travel books to find the right location. I finally chose Avignon, an important city located right in Provence. It looked like the perfect place to practice my French, soak up the sun and see what the south of France was like.

Photo: The main entrance to Avignon, France