Stay with me on this post, it’ll be a long one.
The group I’m studying with, AIFS, had it’s first trip outside of Grenoble this past weekend. We went to Provence! I was both nervous and really anxious for this adventure. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but it was a new city… And it’s France!
I was up at 6h00 Friday, with bells on my feet, to meet everyone at the bus station to make our way to Provence. The bus ride was full of beautiful scenery, I’m sure, but I was sleepy and cozy and on my way to catching a few more zzz’s.
Our first stop of many was at the winery Chateauneuf-du-Pape in Avignon.
Wine tasting at 10h30! Before the tasting, I went through the Chateauneuf museum, learning about the family-owned winery and how the tradition has been kept alive for so many years. This particular winery still handpicks the grapes, which have to be at a 13.5% alcohol tolerance in order to be picked and then prepared for fermentation.
I take after my family when it comes to wine. I thoroughly enjoyed each of the three different types (red, white & rosé) we were allowed to try, but especially enjoyed the white. It was crisp yet fruity and fulfilling all at the same time. And I learned how to truly judge a good wine – based off of it’s color, scent, swirl and finally the taste.
To say it was the perfect way to start the weekend would be an understatement. I had “un goût de Provence” early on during our weekend that I wouldn’t trade for anything. It was also perfect planning on Miranda’s part that we had lunch next (wink, wink).
Lunch: a picnic, of course, was at THE oldest bridge in the entire world. Pont du Gard was spectacular. The architecture was unbelievable and it was in such a neat, almost remote, location. Marie and I even swam with the fishies. We had the option to swim across the river but it was a lil’ chilly and we weren’t up for swimming in our nickers, as Miranda would say. It was the most beautiful day though, at a solid 75 and sunny.
After, it was back on the bus to finally make our way to the center city of Avignon. The first truc (thing) I noticed once we all piled out onto the city was COBBLESTONE. I was so so happy! And don’t ask me why, but this fascination was fan-freakin-tastic. It’s always the little things, right? I think so.
But anyways, Avignon holds home to La Palais des Papes, which is what I like to call, the Vatican of France. The Pope’s Palace was built in the 14th century and became the home to 9 different popes before relocating back to the real Vatican in 1430. Also, Palais des Papes is the largest Gothic Palace in the world. It was magical – beautifully constructed and ginormous, with 25 chambers, dining halls and chapels.
Original scripture, found during reconstruction.
Across from the Palace is Pont d’Avignon, with one amazing view. Avignon is tiny, literally surrounded by a wall, but so cute and historic. Gazing off of the bridge, one can really get a feel for how neat the city is.
I finished the night with French cuisine, which means lots of bread and wine and some kind of main course in between. Ha! I had a yummy, savoury beef entrée, with steamed rice and a morceau of chocolate cake to finish off my palate. The meal took a good 4 hours, but it was worth it with all the laughter and good company that night. Maggie, Mary, Grace, Marie and I laughed so hard, we cried. I think it’s those moments I’ll remember for the rest of my life – the times in between the pictures. And we’ll probably forget what was so funny by this weekend but it was the tears and snorts and probably the wine that we’ll remember forever.
“Wherever you are, it’s your friends that make your world.”
We stayed in Avignon for the night and then it was back on the bus (again) for more adventure. The next stop was Arles, which I think ended up being my favorite village of the trip, although Avignon makes a close second.
Arles is stinkin’ cool and trop mignon (cute) but holy history! I walked through a coliseum that was used for gladiator fighting during the Roman Empire, home to an entire city (people built a city in the coliseum!) during the plague and is now used as a spectacle for bull fighting.
The architecture is astounding and the view from the top isn’t too shabby either.
I then ventured through a théatre, also built during the Roman Empire. It’s still used today for a variety of performances, with it’s original architecture.
Now even though Arles is so little, it puts together a crazy huge market each Saturday that stretches through the entire city. A few of the girls couldn’t decide if we should buy a picnic first or shop so of course we did a little bit of both. Marie shared her rice dish (specialty to the region) with me as I bought a new scarf. We saw cute old men selling away their homemade recipes as well as inspiring artists who capture the beauty and simplicity of Arles.
Van Gogh himself settled in Arles for a few years, and painted this place in the city.
Right outside of Arles, is Baux-de-Provence… our next stop! The view was breathtaking. To my left, the mountains and then to my right (with some squinting), the mediterranean!
I couldn’t handle how perfect God made this view. I mean, come on!
It also made a pretty darn good dance spot. Just like the guided tours, but better. Obviously. So much love and laughter.
On our way back down, the girls found an ice cream stop and then got all cozy in one of the many nooks of the mountain. This is real life – everything about this past weekend was this perfect.
Miranda surprised us with tickets to the Klimt and Vienne art spectacle, which was an art exhibit showcased in the Carriers de Lumieres (caves, next to Baux). The exhibit was awe-inspiring and heartbreaking. The art was combined with music to portray a story and then showed all throughout the caves. I walked through live art and it was magical.
Just a little taste of what I saw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCNRYjStJ-g
So after an exhilarating afternoon, we finally made it to Aix-en-Provence. I had a quick minute to wash up before it was time for dinner. And what the dinner it was! Ginormous. That’s the only word I can think to describe it since I’m still full today. I had meat filled vegetables to start, and then a yummy fish dish with steamed veggies and a garlic purée and to finish a berry tart. I could barely move, let alone laugh Saturday night. We were fed well, that’s for sure.
Sunday morning, I was up early again and ready for another… wait for it… guided tour! I saw more exceptional architecture and learned even more history about Aix. One of my favorite sites was the ancient Church. It has both Roman and Gothic architecture, and is the only Catholic Church to still have an original baptism. C’était génial!
Marie and I visited the local market (both books & good food) before finding a café for a little pick-me-up. The waiter, an adorable old man, came over to take our order. And me being me, I smiled at him. I’m not sure if I scared him but he said, “Oh la la, ton sourire est magnifique!” which means, “Oh gosh, your smile is magnificent!” If that’s not a day-maker and the only way to end a weekend, than I don’t know what is. I can’t get over how wonderful France is… especially the South, but shhh 🙂 I didn’t say that out loud.
Being away from “home” for the weekend was a good realisation as to how lucky I am to be living in Grenoble. I loved Provence and all it had to offer but Grenoble is home and I missed it a whole lot. Even if we don’t have cobblestone – pavé – it’s starting to become my favorite city. My home. (Don’t worry mom, I’m coming home to finish my degree. Promise.)
But holy buckets, what a weekend! And tonight wasn’t too bad either.
I MADE FRENCH FRIENDS. Real friends. We met at a café and have plans for another rendezvous next week. Maybe I had to leave for the townspeople to realize what they’re missing? Who knows. But I’m loving it.
C’est la vie,
Amsley
![P1070026[8]](https://amsleylynn.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/p10700268.jpg)
c'est la vie 