We almost missed the stop in Avignon SNCF station. The
travel time between Avignon center and Arles is only 18 minutes (48 minutes to Avignon TGV station) and we kind of
missed counting whether there was a stop or not before we got to Avignon. Taxi was easy to find outside of the station. The cost is a flat rate – 10 Euro. While the driver making the sharp turns in the
narrow streets, we felt not renting a car was definitely a right decision. The driver didn't complain or charge extra when we found out the destination I first told him was for the next day and needed to re-route.
Avignon has completely different style than Arles. It is more active. The fashion and the antiquities mix very well here. When walking on the main street - Rue de la Republique, you would think it has no much difference from other big cities. At least McDonald's is seen here :). But when going into the back streets, you see the history of the town.
Everyone comes here would like to visit Palace of Popes (Palias des Papes) and Avignon Bridge. The introduction on wikimedia. provides the complete story of the Palace. The line to purchase ticket was so long and you won't believe how small and dark the ticket office is. Before we entered the building, we were asked to select a audio device with our preferred language and used it as tour guide for the main attractions inside the Palace. It took us 2 hours to walk through the Palace. It has great architectural details, which made me wondered how creative the people was and how difficult to build something like this without any electronic equipment. I was impressed by the underground treasures storage and the huge dining hall! After touring the Palace, we went up to the outdoor garden. From here, it gives a great overlook on the River Rhone and part of the town.
There is a big shopping area just a few blocks away from the Palace. I could tell that area is for tourist but we had fun looking/shopping around. I found two favorite stores here. One is called Le Chateau du BOIS Provence. It is a store that sells fine lavender products. We watched an interesting video that showed the lavender production process. This was the first time I learned how lavender is harvested - very amazing. I was really drunk by the color and the smell of lavender and the fascinating view of the purple field! I hope that I can go back again during the lavender season! Colorado offers the climate that required for planting the lavender: high altitude, dryness and sunshine. I should be able to grow my own lavender on my balcony!
Another store is a corner gift shop with a great sales - a 6 year old girl (the store owner's friend's daughter). She claimed that she was born in HK and had lived in UK for a couple years so she could speak great English. She followed us entire time and told us what she liked at the store. She also was so happy to be the translator between us and the store owner. After we took a picture with her, she offered that we could take a picture with her 3 year old brother although he can't speak English. Great shopping experience here!
Our hostel host recommended a dining area with many options in the town center. We picked Merci Ton Ton because the owner was very friendly to explain each dishes for us when we looked at the menu outside of the restaurant. It provides a Tuesday menu with smaller portion and reduced price to attract more customers. The waitress didn't speak English but she tried very hard to help us, including body languages, drawing, and asking for help etc. Because of her patience, we finally got to eat like locals. When we checked out the CD sold at the restaurant, the other customers at the restaurant were so excited to introduce the music for us. When the music played, some of them even wanted to dance. That was the first time I experienced the well-known outgoing side in French's characteristics.
Last but not least, if you know how to sing this song, you would definitely feel closer to the people in Avignon.
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| Overlook from the top of the Palace |
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| Avignon Bridge |
Avignon has completely different style than Arles. It is more active. The fashion and the antiquities mix very well here. When walking on the main street - Rue de la Republique, you would think it has no much difference from other big cities. At least McDonald's is seen here :). But when going into the back streets, you see the history of the town.
Everyone comes here would like to visit Palace of Popes (Palias des Papes) and Avignon Bridge. The introduction on wikimedia. provides the complete story of the Palace. The line to purchase ticket was so long and you won't believe how small and dark the ticket office is. Before we entered the building, we were asked to select a audio device with our preferred language and used it as tour guide for the main attractions inside the Palace. It took us 2 hours to walk through the Palace. It has great architectural details, which made me wondered how creative the people was and how difficult to build something like this without any electronic equipment. I was impressed by the underground treasures storage and the huge dining hall! After touring the Palace, we went up to the outdoor garden. From here, it gives a great overlook on the River Rhone and part of the town. |
| The details on the roof of the Palace |
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| The door shows history |
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| Lavender Field |
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| Lavender processing - taken from store video |
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| Harvesting lavender - taken from the store video |
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| Lavender Harvest - from the store video |
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| Shopping area |
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| Musician is everywhere |
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| Ancient city wall |
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| France is also a bicycle kingdom |
Our hostel host recommended a dining area with many options in the town center. We picked Merci Ton Ton because the owner was very friendly to explain each dishes for us when we looked at the menu outside of the restaurant. It provides a Tuesday menu with smaller portion and reduced price to attract more customers. The waitress didn't speak English but she tried very hard to help us, including body languages, drawing, and asking for help etc. Because of her patience, we finally got to eat like locals. When we checked out the CD sold at the restaurant, the other customers at the restaurant were so excited to introduce the music for us. When the music played, some of them even wanted to dance. That was the first time I experienced the well-known outgoing side in French's characteristics. |
| Merci Ton Ton's Tue Menu |
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| A popular French Band's CD |
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| Ham & Artichoke |
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