Exploring Provence: A Long-Awaited Journey
For an extended period, I had yearned to thoroughly explore the Provence region of France.
This region has always ranked alongside renowned destinations such as Bordeaux, the Dordogne, and Paris. Yet, it took considerable time before I finally made my way to Provence.
Arrival in Avignon
It is somewhat embarrassing to acknowledge that it took me so long to visit, particularly given I had previously passed through the region and even stayed nearby without genuinely experiencing Provence.
Over the years, I had encountered numerous images online depicting the lavender fields, vineyards, and charming hilltop villages.
Gastronomic Delights
In my mind, Provence epitomized the quintessential charm of France, reminiscent of classic films or romantic tales, such as those featuring brave protagonists who find love in a bakery.
During my four-day trip, my goal was to soak in as much of that delightful French ambiance as possible.
An early morning flight to Montpellier was essential to optimize my time, facilitating engagement with the region of Vaucluse in Provence (which shared some destinations I had longed to explore).
Despite my mixed feelings about pre-10 a.m. departures, I recognized the necessity of this flight and eagerly anticipated a full day in Avignon. Ultimately, we arrived in the city just in time for lunch.
After a speedy check-in at Hôtel de l’Horloge, conveniently located in the heart of the city, I set out with companions Claire, Laura, and Rich to indulge in some delectable cuisine.
At this juncture, my hunger had escalated, as I had chosen to forgo my customary airport breakfast in favor of savoring authentic French delicacies.
This prompted a visit to the Grand Café Baretta. Thankfully, we narrowly avoided the lunchtime influx, as it became significantly busier shortly after our arrival. Given my ravenous state, I was relieved that our meals would be among the first served.
With the menu in hand, I resisted the urge to order the entire selection and opted instead for a cheese starter that featured a literal wheel of cheese. Unsurprisingly, this was quickly consumed.
The main course consisted of a rare steak accompanied by seasonal vegetables.
While I attempted to convince myself that I was abstaining from dessert for the sake of moderation, I ultimately indulged in a delectable chocolate fondant that was warm and gooey upon serving. It was a dream come true.
Key Attractions
Post-meal, we ventured out to explore Avignon, especially with the summer days drawing to a close.
The magnificent blue sky and pleasant warm weather provided the perfect backdrop as I left Place Saint-Didier, ambling through local craft shops and art studios, finding myself lost numerous times along the way.
Avignon is a compact city, which means being lost is a brief experience.
One of the first major sites was the Pont d’Avignon (Avignon Bridge). This historic bridge has existed in various forms for nearly 1,000 years.
While some iterations succumbed to destruction and others were constructed of wood, the current structure remains for observation…
Though, it is somewhat shorter than originally intended.
In modern times, this bridge is recognized as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site within the city limits.
Subsequently, I journeyed to view the Palais des Papes, the historical seat of the Catholic Pope during the 14th Century.
This location was once part of the Papal States and was not genuinely French until the 18th Century—a fact I was previously unaware of until reaching Avignon.
The Palais des Papes remains one of the most fascinating and exceptional examples of medieval Gothic architecture still accessible to the public today.
After exploring the grounds and featuring the Grand Chapel and the Cour d’honneur (often referred to as the “courtyard”), I observed that the sun began to set.
Conclusion
The day’s experiences left me with a mild fatigue indicative of a gratifying adventure; however, from the elevated vantage point at Palais des Papes, the splendid views made it all worthwhile.
With the day’s exploration concluded, I returned to my hotel—only three to four minutes away—to rejuvenate before dinner.
To culminate the day, I savored a delightful glass of white wine while enjoying a trio of desserts. I may have indulged excessively, yet I found no reason to regret the delightful culinary journey.
As the day drew to a close, I returned to my hotel, satisfied with the day’s adventures. I fell into a deep slumber, energized for the following day’s explorations through Provence.
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