When in France, do what the Romans do. This corner of France has many of its roots from the Roman Empire. The Papal Palace in Avignon was the seat of the Vatican for about 70 years during the 14th century before it moved back to Rome in 1370. A short chariot ride away is Nimes and Arles, where the Romans built a coliseum that still holds bullfights to this day. However unlike the bloody Spanish bullfights where it's a fight to the finish, most of these (also called bull games) are just taunting acts and the animal gets to live to see another day. The bull wears a small ribbon between his horns and the matador must get close enough to snatch it off without getting gored. Just a few miles away you'll find Pont du Gard, home to the ancient Roman-engineered aqueduct. Built in the 1st century without motorized machines; only carefully calibrated levers and pulley systems, this magnificent aqueduct was said to have taken only 5 years to build. The arches on the bridge were built with no mortar - only expertly engineered placement of the stones held it intact for over two thousand years. Despite the many Roman influences, quintessentially French is Market Day. Each town will have it on different days and when they do, the town erupts in a frenzy of Provençal produce and other artisan goods. Missing is the iconic photo of a local riding a single speed bike with his morning baguette jutting out of the basket in front.
Charming Walled Entry
A Back Street in Avignon - The main river runs through Avignon and channels throughout the town. As you wander the streets, you might run into such channels of water that appears to come out of nowhere.
The Papal Palace - Avignon. This was the official seat of the Vatican for 70 years. 2 Popes resided here.
A Bit Lost...nah, not really. But thank goodness for signs.
The majestic Pont du Gard. The water ran through the top level here. The bridge is only 1000 feet, but the aqueduct runs for 11 miles, dropping only an inch every 350 feet.
River which runs under the Pont Du Gard (aqueduct) bridge. The water is actually deep green, but today the blue skies are reflecting on it.
Pont du Gard - Here, the water is green.
L'Isle sur-la-Sorgue. A charming town outside of Avignon. Translates as "island of the Sorgue" (Sorgue River)
Water Everywhere! - L'Isle sur-la-Sorgue. 70 waterwheels used to power this workaday town almost a century ago. Only a few remain now. The source of power is from the nearby Sorgue river.
They call this the "pond" where the channels of water from the Sorgue river converges. This town is also known as a little Venice of France.
Street Performer Break Time
Riverfront Restaurant in Avignon. The main river that cuts through town.
The river cuts through Avignon.