Avignon --Cite des Papes

Avignon (pronunce avinion (silent ending "n") will be our base for the duration of the trip. Avignon is known as the city of the Popes. From 1309 to 1403, the siege of the papacy moved from Rome to Avignon. The imposing pope's Palace, classified today as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the largest medieval palace in Europe. The interior is unfurnished for the most part but you get to view the Grand Audience Hall, the Pope's bedroom, the large kitchens and the Grand Tinel Banquet Hall. Avignon is a lively city with lot's of boutiques, restaurants and outdoor cafes. There are also a number of worthy museums to visit such as Musee Calvet and Musee Angladon Dubrujeaud. Avignon's reknown was spread throughout the world via a little nursery rhyme about a little bridge. It goes like "sur le pont d'Avignon on y dance on y dance...". That little bridge does exists. Built in the 12th century, it crosses the Rhone river. Only 4 of its original 22 arches survive.

Spring in Provence-A feast for the senses

Spring appears early in Provence. First indication it is a spring is when the almond trees are in bloom in early March. In April the fields are laid in their crimson red carpet as poppies are in bloom. Best of all, are the produce markets-- staple of every villages and towns. Here you will see the bounty of nature in multi-color--fresh green and white tender asparagus; red cherries; green aromatic herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage, basil); purple garlic and eggplants; mount of black olives. It is a feast for the senses!!!

How to get to Provence

There are a few ways you can get to Avignon. One is by train. Usually you land in Paris and you can get the high speed TGV train to Avignon (about 2h30min ). There is a train station right inside CDG terminal 2. Which is quite convenient for transfer directly to Provence. Other ways to get to Provence is to fly into Marseille airport. Nice is also possible but further east thus you will need to either rent a car and drive to Avignon or via private chauffeur (more expensive) or also via train.

Accommodations -Spring in Provence Tour

We will staying in the 4 star hotel d'Europe in the heart of the medieval town of Avignon. This is a hotel with comfortable room and high standard of service. It has been listed as one of the special hotel in the Conde Nast list. You are a few steps from the Pope's Palace. Its restaurant is a Michelin star establishment.