I have to admit that my first taste of the French back in 2001 wasn't a pleasant experience by any stretch of the imagination. Rude, crude and socially unacceptable, as my good friend Lisa would say... ;) BUT... I'm willing to chalk that up to being among overly-excited-to-be-traveling-via-train, college girl friends that were probably too loud for the French folk to stand.... Soooo...I've decided to give them a second chance. ;) And the more I think about it... the more excited I get. I AM though, SLIGHTLY nervous for not really knowing jack SQUAT of the french language..but I can draw..so maybe we can just get by with just some pretty pictures to light the way.. (hmmm... I should look into french flash cards for travelers). ;) Heck. I'm sure there's a audio translator thing on the iPad or Iphone that might work for this too..must look into this later. :)
So... the general plan for PART 2 & PART 3 is to train-it from Barcelona to Avignon on September 28th. Stay and explore this medieval city for a few days, then head to Paris. :) Again, the plans are soft and squishy so far.. BUT!! We have accommodations! That's all we need, right?? ;) Off we go!
PART 2 - AVIGNON, FRANCE
According to our good travel buddies, Frommer's
Once the heart of Christendom, medieval Avignon invites you to meander its elegant cobblestones in the shadow of one of the most notorious palaces in the Christian world, the 14th-century Palais des Papes. Nowadays papal fervor has been replaced by an upbeat, arty vibe that peaks during July's wildly theatrical Festival d'Avignon. But the Provençal capital of France's Vaucluse region throngs year-round too, in bijou squares and museums, on bustling cafe terraces, and atop the ruins of the world's most serenaded bridge, the Pont d'Avignon.
Palais des Papes - read more about this historic site HERE
Pont Saint-Bénezet or also known as Pont d'Avignon - built between between 1171 and 1185
Photo by: Dallas and John Heaton from Stone—CLICK/Chicago
Cool Photo but I don't know who to give credit to. It was once sold on Etsy.
La Banasterie - a charming bed & breakfast in Avignon's center, just steps away from the Popes' Palace! Small, with only 2 guest rooms and 3 suites, this charming B&B is tucked away, almost seemingly impossible to find. :) We'll take it! (all photos courtesy of La Banasterie Website)
I could be wrong, but I'm more than sure that we secured the Criollo Suite for our stay here. With the exposed cinder block wall and wooden beams... It looks like a dream. ;) Insert excited girlish "eeeeeeeeee!!!!!" here. ;) CAN'T. WAIT!!
***So...you'll just have to wait patiently for OUR pictures of this trip to see more of this seemingly beautiful city...and if you know us well, I'm sure we'll have TONS to share... until then, MORE PLANNING, PREPPING and giddy squealing!!
Next Stop: PARIS!!
