Photo: The private residence of the owners of the abbeyJust 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
