Back Home to Vancouver

That was the end of my second trip to France. I would not return until 5 years later (this April). Each time has changed my life in some significant way and I can’t wait to be back again next spring. What is it about France that makes me swoon so? After I’ve finished moving at the end of August, I’ll recount my latest trip to Europe, which I spent the majority of time in France, but also visited London, Haworth (England, where the Bronte sisters grew up) and Sweden. What fun!

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

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

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

Place de l’Horloge

This is the centre of the centre of the city. This “place” is surrounded by restaurants that seemed to always be filled. There’s a merry-go-round for the kids, and lots of open space to wander and hang out. Also within the square are the Town Hall and the Municipal Theatre. This is where I saw part of the film festival, where actors and the filmmakers were in attendance and shot the shit afterwards. What fun! I did struggle through the films, though, as they didn’t have subtitles, of course. But it was so well worth it!

Photo: Place de l'Horloge