(Sur le pont d’) Avignon

So two weeks ago, I broke free from Languedoc-Roussillon with some other language assistants here to visit the spectacular city of Avignon in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. Having been slightly (and by slightly, I really mean completely in body and soul) obsessed with the song Sur le pont d’avignon since my French fun club days in primary school, I experienced complete euphoria at the prospect of visiting this heavenly city that certainly didn’t disappoint.

Avignon is very significant historically having been a papal centre during the Middle Ages for seven different popes. Another point of nostalgia for me (having studied the Crusades for my A Level history course) was seeing everywhere the names of Pope Urban V and Innocent VI. The sight of these names brought back all those lovely memories of learning about crusaders chopping each other’s balls off, medieval incest (Raymond & Eleanor of Aquitaine, you dirty things) and frankly being downright bastards in the name of God. It did make me wish I was studying History again. Those were the days…

Internal thought right now and one which I’m sure the majority reading are sharing:

But even if you’re not a massive history nerd like me, the Palais des Papes is spectacular. Even the floors are beautiful. The only issue is that an audio guide is necessary as there is not much information written down (however this is nowhere near as bad as the Alcazár in Sevilla – do not even get me started!). It’s also forbidden to take photos in the best rooms. So you can either comply or be sneaky when security’s not looking…

Chapelle Saint Martial (sneakily taken…) 

One of the frescos.

Chapelle Saint Jean 

In the chimney in le grand tinel and of course I had to say DIAGON ALLEY..

We also made it to the Pont d’Avignon (Pont Saint-Benézet). It was so windy though making dancing on the bridge a slightly difficult prospect! Advice: do not go if you wear a wig/toupee.. The view of the Rhône is gorgeous though. Also, listen to the original version of ‘Sur le pont d’Avignon’. Blissful nostalgia.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIRWnNOtJBE

It was lovely to visit out-of-season, especially at this time with the Christmas market all set up. Without a doubt, one of my favourite and one of the most beautiful cities in this country, Avignon is a must-see.

L. x

A piece of England in France

Town Hall – Day

Christmas Market

The spectacular Palais des Papes

Christmas Market

Christmas Market

Pont Saint-Benezet

 

Languedoc-Roussillon

Allow me to introduce my new region to you all and be jealous…

Montpellier

Montpellier is the capital of the region as well as the fastest growing city in the entire country. This is evident when you visit. It is a modern fast-moving city yet fortunately it isn’t overloaded with people. There is however always something happening in the city, especially around the lively main square Place de la Comédie overlooked by the city’s spectacular opera house. The square is particularly festive at the moment as the Christmas markets have just opened. Before the opening of the Christmas markets, there was also la Fête des Vignes where you could sample all the different wines of the region. Perfect beginning to December…

 

My friend and I at the Fête des Vignes 

Place de la Comédie with its Christmas tree

The opera house at night

As one of the main student cities in France, you can also find all the great bars (yes, MORE WINE), theatres and art galleries in Montpellier. The Musée Fabre is located just off la Comédie and is quite a unique museum. There is one room where all of the artwork is plain black (by a local artist named Vincent Cunillère). It’s actually shockingly beautiful, if just a tad pretentious.

 

Musée Fabre 

To be honest, my view of Montpellier is slightly biased as this was indeed the city to influence my decision to apply to work in Languedoc-Roussillon. So you’ll have to see it for yourselves – it is certainly worth visiting!

Nîmes

Nîmes immediately struck me as such a typically Languedoc-Roussillon town. It is absolutely breath-taking and also seemed to me to display a bit of the Roman influence found in the region. The arènes (bull ring) is one of the main attractions and dominates the view of the town centre.

Without a doubt though, my favourite place in Nîmes was the Jardins de la Fontaine. These gardens are absolutely stunning and have such a wonderfully peaceful environment.

Quais de la Fontaine

Temple de Diane 

I would definitely advise going to Nîmes if you enjoy beautiful sights and like to take advantage of the scenery and environment. It is a fantastic place to enjoy a calm day after the buzz of Montpellier.

Sète

This port town is lovely to visit however only in glorious weather. Otherwise I find it becomes completely dulled and grey. Of course, it is true that one can enjoy the other two cities better when il fait beau and the Mediterranean sun is out. The difference is that they can offer you plenty of diversions inside as well as outside. I have found that Sète really reveals its stunning side on the days where we enjoy typical South of France sunshine.

The old port at night 

 

Cool artwork near the beach

That being said, it can boast of having a beautiful theatre (Théâtre Molière) where I went with another language assistant to watch Puccini’s La Bohème. We were fortunate in finding a woman in the box office the afternoon of the performance who sold us her tickets (which turned out to be fantastic seats) for 10 euros each. Perfect way to spend a (usually tedious) Sunday afternoon!  

 

 

There is also a fantastic shop in Sete which sells both sweet and savoury biscuits as well as madeleines (so you can embrace your inner Proust). It’s decorated in a slightly Laduré style and the biscuits are slightly addictive snacks… 

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So that’s just a quick overview of three of the places that I have happened to visit on multiple occasions (and as I mentioned, in various weathers!). There is so much to see in the region though including Perpignan with its Spanish influence and Carcassonne’s medieval heritage. The entire region is beautiful wherever you decide to visit. And don’t forget the wine (which is quickly becoming the principal theme of this blog)!

L. x    

What have I started?

Lucy Whitehead – out on parole from the jailhouse of French and Spanish literature degree. After two years of the neverending story of tutorials and essay crisis, I finally depart the shores of England for a year ‘lost in translation’ in la France and España. As I face the impending lack of essays (and thus lack of opportunities for procrastination), I must find another way of wasting my life. I begin this blog then with the intention of avoiding doing anything useful. Instead I will chronicle my ridiculous life and misunderstood cultural references. The misunderstood cultural references already occur in England so prepare yourself for an endless stream of ridiculously awkward moments.

At this point, I suppose the majority of y’all reading (most likely just myself) this post are thinking:

or maybe you’re thinking this:

If there is just one person out there who however has genuinely enjoyed reading this piece of merde, get ready. It’s only just begun..

L. x

Coming soon: Sevilla and my au pairing experience