Ah oui. The time has come to say “au revoir” to the South of France. But why? Do we really have to go home? Why can’t we just stay here? I could get a job in a vineyard or a bakery. We could eat freshly-baked bread each morning and wash down lunch with rose. But then there would be no more travel letters. Non. C’est l’heure de partir. Continue reading “Au Revoir, South of France!”
A Visit to Chateauneuf du Pape
Avignon was neat, but now it’s just a fading image in the rear-view mirror. We’re on our way to Chateauneuf du Pape. We’ve heard enough about the wine. We want to see the place for ourselves. Continue reading “A Visit to Chateauneuf du Pape”
A Connection between Avignon and Chateauneuf du Pape?
We’re in Avignon, on a guided tour of the Palace of the Popes. We’ve just learned that the first pope to settle in Avignon arrived in 1309. He hadn’t planned on moving in permanently, but some invisible force kept him from leaving. Wanna know what it was? I think it had something to do with Chateauneuf du Pape. Continue reading “A Connection between Avignon and Chateauneuf du Pape?”
Finally, Avignon!
The South of France is beautiful in the fall. In Aix-en-Provence, leaves on the huge trees lining Cours Mirabeau are turning colors and starting to drop. We’ve been using Aix as our home base for making day-trips to explore Provence. Today we’ll go take our first look at Avignon. Finally! Continue reading “Finally, Avignon!”
Queen Joanna is Coming to Avignon
We’re in Aix-en-Provence, prepping ourselves for a visit to Avignon. If you’ve been following along, you know about the power struggles, strategies, and intrigue involving the mighty Kingdom of Naples in the 14th century. If not, go here to find out why Queen Joanna is Coming to Avalon. Continue reading “Queen Joanna is Coming to Avignon”
Queen Joanna – Accused of Murder!
We’re deep into the story of Joanna, queen of the huge Kingdom of Naples in the 14th century. There’s no turning back for us now. Joanna had more than her share of issues to deal with, but her toughest challenge is still on the horizon. She’s about to be accused of murder. Continue reading “Queen Joanna – Accused of Murder!”
Queen Joanna
In preparation for our day-trip to Avignon, we’re going back in time to the 14th century, when Avignon was THE place to be. The pope had built a palace there, and as a result the place had become a boom-town. In those days, Avignon was part of the Kingdom of Naples. Or more accurately, the “Queendom” of Naples. The queen was Queen Joanna I. And quite a queen she was! Continue reading “Queen Joanna”
Historical Detour to Avignon
Avignon is one of those places that’s steeped in history. It would be a shame to see it without knowing something about its past, so before we go, let’s take a brief historical detour to Avignon. Continue reading “Historical Detour to Avignon”
Absinthe and Avignon
It’s a beautiful fall afternoon in Aix-en-Provence. We’re just hangin’ out and enjoying the scenery at a café in Place de l’Hotel. I’m sipping on a pastis, but if we had been sitting here a hundred years ago, my drink wouldn’t have been pastis. It would have been absinthe. Continue reading “Absinthe and Avignon”
Taking a Break in Aix – Pastis
We’re in Aix-en-Provence, sitting at a café in a beautiful square called Place de l’Hotel. We’ve ordered some liquid refreshments — a glass of wine for my thirsty Better Half, and a pastis for moi. I had the thought that if I drank like a Frenchman, maybe my french will improve. We shall see. Continue reading “Taking a Break in Aix – Pastis”
