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When we think of Provence, lavender always comes to mind. The image of Zi Ling running through a sea of purple flowers in the novel "A Dream of Red Mansions" has evoked the yearning of countless girls. The delicate fragrance of the flowers wafts through the air, permeating the air with the familiar romantic aroma of dreams.
But many people have misunderstandings about Provence. It is actually a region in France, including cities and towns such as Marseille, Aix, and Arles.
This place is not only the hometown of lavender, romantic and passionate; it is not only the passionate Marseille, filled with Mediterranean charm; it also hides a city of popes - Avignon.
Its origins date back to the late 13th century, when fierce struggles between religious and political factions in Rome threatened the Pope's safety. Consequently, with the support and arrangement of King Philip IV of France, Pope Clement V decided to relocate his papacy from Rome to Avignon in 1309. With the Pope's relocation, Catholics began to consider Avignon a holy place of worship. While every Catholic knows that their capital is the Vatican, not everyone is aware of another religious capital: Avignon, situated on the banks of the Roye River in southern France.
Avignon's location in the heart of Provence makes it a focal point. The wines, lavender fields, and riverside villages that once appeared in my dreams—everything associated with romance—can be found in this city of popes.
Paris Gare de Lyon – Avignon Gare (3 hours)
If possible, buy your tickets online as early as possible. European train tickets are discounted from time to time. Generally speaking, the earlier you buy, the bigger the discount!
Ticket purchase website:
http://en.voyages-sncf.com (Original French website, available in multiple languages)
http://www.europerail.cn/ (European Railway Company's China ticket office website, which is in Chinese but requires a handling fee)
After successfully purchasing the ticket domestically, you will receive the boarding information, which is your electronic ticket, in the email address you filled in (you can get on the train directly and show the QR code on the ticket when the ticket inspector comes to check the ticket); if you want to keep the ticket as a souvenir, arrive at the station early and print it at the ticket printing area, but remember to go to the ticket punching machine to punch the ticket after printing it.
Local language: French; English is widely spoken
Best time to travel: June to October
Local Currency and Consumption: France belongs to the Eurozone, and the currency in circulation is the Euro. Currently: 1 Euro = 7.8329 RMB (September 26, 2017)
Costs in the south of France are lower than in Paris. A typical lunch set costs between 15 and 20 euros. For 20 euros per person per night, you can find a decent B&B.
Time difference: Daylight saving time: The time difference between Eastern Europe and China is -6 hours (6 hours behind China)
Winter time: The time difference between Eastern Europe and China is -7 hours (7 hours behind China)
Telephone: Europe has a wide variety of telecom and data plans available through numerous carriers, which can be purchased in advance on Taobao (search "European Phone Card"). Mobile, Unicom, and Telecom are also accepted locally. Activate international long-distance and roaming services before traveling abroad; consult your carrier for specific rates.
Tickets: Adults: 10.5 euros (including Chinese guide fee) Discounted price: 8.5 euros (8-17 years old, seniors over 60 years old and students)
Opening hours: [March-June] 9:00-19:00 (closed at 18:30 from March 1 to 14), [July-September] 9:00-20:00 (extended opening to 21:00 in August), [September-November] 9:00-19:00.
The Palais des Papes in Avignon is the largest and most important medieval Gothic building in Europe. During the 14th century, it served as the seat of the Catholic Church. The Palais des Papes consists of two buildings: the fortified Old Palace, built during the reign of Benedict XII, and the New Palace, expanded upon during the reign of Clement VI, the most extravagant of the Avignon popes. Both in architecture and decoration, the Palais des Papes embodies the achievements of the leading masters of the time. Enjoy a free Chinese audio guide and immerse yourself in this religious history for a truly rewarding experience.
Admission: Free
Opening hours: 7:30-18:00; Mass time: 8:00 in summer; 8:30 in winter; 10:00 on Sundays and holidays
Located next to the Palais des Papes, the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, rebuilt in the mid-12th century, is the oldest religious building in Avignon. The cathedral boasts a bell tower with 35 bells, said to be the second loudest in France. Each bell has its own name, and the sound varies according to size.
Admission: Free
Opening hours: All day
Avignon's ancient city walls are a striking sight. 5,000 meters long, they are built of massive ashlars, creating a sturdy and massive structure. The battlements, towers, and gates are all intact. Built in the 14th century and rebuilt in the 19th, the walls bear the marks of rainwater, lending them a sense of weathered beauty. Strolling through the narrow streets, you can hear the clinking of glasses from restaurants and cafes, evoking a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere.
The houses in the city are all relatively low, old buildings, some with fake windows painted on their walls. It turns out that in the past, taxes in Avignon were calculated based on whether a home had a piano and how many windows it had. To reduce taxes, some families built their houses with fewer windows and then painted windows on the outside after they were completed.
Tickets: 6.80 euros for adults, 5.80 euros for students (EU student ID card required), 5.80 euros for retirees, free for children under 15 accompanied by their parents.
Opening hours: From May 1st to September 30th, the museum and shop are open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The museum also provides guided tours and receptions on holidays: May 1st, May 8th, May 9th, Ascension Day, May 20th (Pentecost), July 14th (National Day), and August 15th (Assumption Day).
If you love lavender, you must come here to experience its story. Inside the museum, you can learn about the history of lavender, its growth, and its products through pictures and videos. You can also learn about the production history of lavender spices and the various equipment used to extract lavender oil.
You can also buy some lavender perfume, essence, soap, etc. as souvenirs in the attached shop. There are two educational films in the lavender museum that explain the entire process of lavender extraction, fractionation and processing, which is very interesting.
Admission: Free
Opening hours: All day
Construction of the Château d'André, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, began in the late 13th century. King Philippe, the handsome king, commissioned its construction to demonstrate the Empire's power over the Avignon Papacy, and it was finally completed during the reign of Charles V.
This place is easily overlooked and rarely visited, but it is indeed an excellent viewing platform. Climbing the castle, you can overlook Avignon, Avignon New Town, the Rhone River, the largest river in France, and the Alps in the distance.
Tickets: Adults: 4 euros, Discounted: 3 euros.
Opening hours: [July] 9:00-21:00, [August-September] 9:00-20:00, [Mid-March-June and October] 9:00-19:00, [November-mid-March] 9:30-17:45.
The Pont Saint-Bénézet, also known as the Pont d'Avignon, is well-known for its construction. Many people have heard the legend of its construction: a shepherd named Saint-Bénézet, inspired by divine inspiration, decided to build a bridge over the Rhône River. He single-handedly lifted a massive stone, too heavy for dozens of men to lift, and placed it at the point where he wished to begin construction. This bridge greatly facilitated travel between Spain and Italy for pilgrims and merchants, as it was the only way to reach the sea from Lyon at the time. The French folk song "On the Bridge of d'Avignon" is set here.
Some say that no matter how far you travel, a trip to Marseille for a bite of fish soup is worth it. Bouillabaisse, also known as Provençal fish soup, is a local specialty. Its origins are incredibly simple: originally, it was a simple meal for coastal fishermen. Long ago, after returning from their catch, the fishermen would toss the remaining small fish, shrimp, crab, mussels, and other seafood into a pot and cook them all for themselves. This lack of culinary processing preserved the seafood's original flavor, giving rise to a soup hailed as the world's most delicious.
Address: 17 Rue des trois faucons, 84000, Avignon, France
This restaurant is located near the Palais des Papes. It is a French restaurant opened by a British couple, so it combines British and French cooking techniques, but all the ingredients used are local Provence.
Beef stew in red wine is a famous French dish. The Burgundy version is more famous, but the Avignon version is also worth trying. The local French red wine and beef are combined together to create a delicious soup that gives people a taste of the exquisite French cuisine.
Address: 10 Rue de Mons, Avignon, France
This Michelin-starred restaurant is also near the Palais des Papes. Tomato lovers can try the famous tomato meal, where every dish uses tomatoes as an ingredient.
Dessert lovers have undoubtedly tried soufflé, but the most authentic soufflé is, of course, found in France! Its light and fluffy texture leaves you with a soft and blissful taste.
Address: 4 Rue d'Amphoux, 84000 Avignon, France
This restaurant is just like its name, small but exquisite. The prices are relatively affordable and the menu changes every two months.
Avignon, a world-renowned city steeped in history and culture, stands out from other cities. It lacks the vibrant lights and frenzy of nightlife and revelry. From day to night, everything here is shrouded in a tranquil and mysterious atmosphere, a place where wandering is irresistible. As Nietzsche said, "Every day here presents a unique beauty."
