Avignon – Shutters & Sunflowers

A video tour of Avignon, 'City of the Popes'.

admin — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 09:04:00 +0000

The magnificent city of Avignon is only about 70km from Lourmarin.
Visit it here on this Avignon video tour.

Better still, spend a day here and discover its rich and fascinating history.
Explore the ramparts of its incredibly well preserved city wall,
built in 1403, which like a ribbon round a cake, still circles the town today.
Avignon was home to the Popes for one hundred years, visit where they lived,
Les Palais des Papes.
Explore its many other sites,
not forgetting to dance on its famous bridge,
Pont d'Avignon, over the mighty Rhône River,
magical and quite unforgettable!

Click here for further information:

AVIGNON, WHAT TO SEE

AVIGNON, WHERE TO STAY

AVIGNON, WHERE TO EAT

The post A video tour of Avignon, 'City of the Popes'. appeared first on Shutters & Sunflowers.

Cities of Provence an hour from Lourmarin

admin — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 23:43:00 +0000

Easily reached on a day's excursion from Lourmarin is the one of the most magnificent cities of Provence, Avignon and vibrant university town of Aix-en-Provence.

The Mediterranean coast is a short drive further; Marseilles, and the quaint fishing towns of Bandol and Cassis.

Not more than an hour from Lourmarin are the charms of Provence's Bouches-du-Rhône region; the bustling market town of St Remy-de-Provence and probably the most splendid of all of Provence's perched villages; Les Baux-de-Provence!

Uzès and the World UNESCO Heritage site, The Pont du Gard, are under two hours from Lourmarin, well worth a visit!

Avignon

Discover this enchanting walled city, home to the Popes for one hundred years. Visit where they lived; Les Palais des Papes and explore Avignon's many other sites, not forgetting to dance on its famous bridge, Pont d'Avignon, over the mighty Rhône River, unforgettable!
Lots more about Avignon here

Aix-en-Provence

This colourful university city in the Bouches-du-Rhône region of Provence is only 30 minutes from Lourmarin. Stroll the famous Cours de Mirabeau, visit the wonderful daily markets and walk in the footsteps of Cézanne and other great artists, you'll be entranced!

Cassis and Bandol

A pretty 30 minute drive from Aix will take you to the Mediterranean coast and the quaint towns of Bandol, an area famed for its wonderful wine and Cassis where a ferry ride into the fascinating Les Calanques de Cassis is a must!

St- Remy-de-Provence

I recommend visiting this delightful town on a Wednesday when you can enjoy its wonderful market. Afterwards, take the Van Gogh walk through the streets and enjoy lunch in town before a ten minute drive through the olive groves to Les Baux-de-Provence, stopping off first at the Roman ruins of Glanum if you have time!

Les Baux-de-Provence

Hanging precariously on the craggy limestone of the Alpilles hills sits Les Baux-de-Provence, one of Provence’s most magical and best preserved perched villages, don't miss it! Wander the ramparts of Château des Baux and don't miss the incredible video spectacle of Les Carrières de Lumières. More about Les Baux here

Les Carrières de Lumières

Set within a disused bauxite cave, upon whose walls the artistic brilliance of the master's is projected, each year someone different; Van Gogh, Da vinci, Michelangelo; Chargall, to name but a few, an unforgettable experience!

Uzès

Just outside of Provence, in Languedoc Roussillon, you'll find one of my favorite cities; Uzès. Sit under one of the golden arches fringing its magnificent square, Place-aux-Herbes, host to its weekly markets and festivals, visit on a Saturday as the Uzes market is regarded as the best in the region.

Discover the Ducal château, the Medieval Garden, its iconic Fenestrelle tower and of course just 6km away the breathtaking Roman aqueduct, The Pont du Gard.

Pont du Gard

For over two thousands years the golden arches of the Roman aqueduct, Pont du Gard have spanned the beautiful River Gard. For six hundred of those years this UNESCO World Heritage site carried water from Uzès to the Roman city of Nimes, 30km away, a breathtaking site!

Download The Uzès, Travel Guide for Uzès and the surrounding regions of Languedoc Roussillon and Provence.

So much to see and do whilst in Lourmarin and these are just a few ideas, I'm sure you'll have many more more of your own, let me know!

Download the printable The Lourmarin Travel Guide to learn more about this beautiful region

The post Cities of Provence an hour from Lourmarin appeared first on Shutters & Sunflowers.

Explore the magnificent walled city of Avignon

admin — Wed, 27 Apr 2016 07:23:00 +0000

Discover the charm of this enchanting walled city,
unravel the secrets from its medieval past
when it was home to the Popes
and the most powerful city in Europe.
Explore its museums, cathedrals shops and restaurants,
walk over the mighty Rhône River
and dance on its famous bridge,
'Sur la pont d'Avignon',
quite magical..........

Click here for further information:

AVIGNON, WHAT TO SEE

AVIGNON, WHERE TO STAY

AVIGNON, WHERE TO EAT

The post Explore the magnificent walled city of Avignon appeared first on Shutters & Sunflowers.

Avignon Restaurants ~ where to dine

admin — Sun, 24 Apr 2016 14:00:00 +0000

Avignon Restaurants offer many dining choices for the foodies among us!
From the gourmet sensations of
Christian Etienne and Les Cinq Sens,
to fabulous home cooked food from Fou de Fafa,
or delicious pizzas at Chez Mimmo.
They're all good so booking is advisable!
There are many more Avignon Restaurants, let us know what you discover!

Christian Etienne

10, Rue de Mons, 84000 Avignon +33 (0)4 90 86 16 50

Les Cinq Sens

18, rue Joseph Vernet, 84000 Avignon +33 (0)4 90 85 26

Fou de Fafa

17, Rue des Trois Faucons, 84000, Avignon +33 (0)4 32 76 35 13

Estaminet Aromes et Tentation

8, Rue Mazan, 84000, Avignon +33 (0)4 90 83 46 74

Restaurant L'Essentiel

2, rue Petite Fusterie, 84000, Avignon +33 (0)4 90 85 87 12

La Fourchette

17, rue Racine, 84000, Avignon +33 (0)4 90 85 20 93

Chez Mimmo

19, rue du chapeau rouge, 84000, Avignon + 33 (0)4 90 82 42 73

Le Bercail

162, Chemin des Canotiers 84000 Avignon +33 (0)4 90 82 20 22

Maison Ripert

28, Rue de la Bonneterie, 84000, Avignon 33 (0)4 90 27 37 97

The post Avignon Restaurants ~ where to dine appeared first on Shutters & Sunflowers.

Avignon ~ places to stay

admin — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 14:00:00 +0000

The stunning city of medieval city of Avignon,
nestled on the banks of the mighty Rhone River
home to the Popes in the 1300's for nearly a century
It is surrounded by the breathtakingly beautiful countryside
of the Vaucluse, Provence.
There are many accommodation options available nearby,
and within the city.
Here are some of our favourites,
both hotels and charming bed and breakfasts

HOTELS

Hôtel La Mirande

4, Place de l’Amirande 84000, Avignon, France +33 (0)4 90 14 20 20

Perhaps the most beautiful in town, each room being different
all elegant, 18th-century, southern French style
from €378.

Hôtel D'Europe

12, Place Crillon, Avignon, France +33 (0)4 90 14 76 76

This 16th-century mansion has an excellent restaurant and a wonderful rooftop terrace.
The wisteria-clad courtyard of the entrance will entrance you!
from €250

Hôtel de L'Horloge

1, rue Félicien David, 84000 Avignon, France + 33 (0)4 90 16 42 00
A charming mid-price option
from €95

BED & BREAKFASTS

Aux Augustins

16, rue Carreterie, 84000 Avignon +33 (0)4 90 81 00 42
from €105
Within a former 14th century convent steps from the historic district,
a delightful place to rest your head!

L’Observance

Rue de l’Observance, 84000 Avignon +33 (0)4 13 66 05 85
from € 95
The Charming dutch owners will welcome you,
just a few minutes walk from Palais des Papes,
with a pool to cool off in the summer!

Maison Orsini

Montée de la Tour, 30400 Villeneuve-les-Avignon +33 (0)6 82 27 65 94
from €110
This former Palace of Cardinal Orsini is set within the medieval ramparts
of Villeneuve-les–Avignon,
facing the old city, away from the crowds.
It has beautiful grounds including a pool.

The post Avignon ~ places to stay appeared first on Shutters & Sunflowers.

What to see in Avignon ~ City of the Popes

admin — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 14:00:00 +0000

Like a ribbon round a cake, the magnificent medieval city of Avignon
is surrounded by a beautifully preserved city wall built in 1403.
During the 14th century it was the center of one of the richest courts in Europe.
As home to the Catholic Church, it was one of the most powerful,
even today is still referred to as the ‘City of the Popes’.
There is so much to see in Avignon

Come and admire the Palais des Papes, home to 7 Popes from 1309 to 1376,
a World UNESCO site and the largest Gothic Palace in the world.
Walk across the mighty Rhône River on the famous Pont d'Avignon,
built in 1185 from the inspirations of a shepherd called Bénézet.
Hum the bridge’s famous song as you explore the streets of Avignon,
its museums, shops, restaurants and on Sunday its vibrant flea markets.

Palais des Papes

Place du Palais 84000 Avignon, France +33 4 32 74 32 74
Hours: 9AM–7PM in July 8pm August 8.30 audio tours are available

Wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape

From the wine shop inside the Palais des Papes learn about Rhône wine, from Châteauneuf-du-Pape to Hermitage +33 4 90 27 50 85 Open 10am-7pm daily; access through the palace's shop.

Luminessences Avignon

From August 10 to 2 October 2016 come and be stunned by the incredible light show in the courtyard of the Palace
Next to the Palais de Papes explore:

Rocher des Doms

The beautiful park next to the Palais and gaze down on the panoramas over the Rhône and across to the ancient village of Villeneuve-lez-Avignon.

Musee du Petit Palais
Place du Palais, Avignon, France +33 04 90 86 44 58

Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms
Place du Palais, Avignon +33 04-90-86-81-01

Eglise Saint Pierre
Place Saint Pierre, 8400Avignon, France

Pont D’Avignon/Bénézet.

Hours: 9AM–7PM in July 8.00pm, August 8.30pm audio tours are available.

Place de l'Horloge

Enjoy lunch here or glass of wine and admire the Hôtel de Ville
Place de l'Horloge, 84045, Avignon, France +33 04 90 80 80 00

Musée Angladon

5 rue Laboureur, 84000 Avignon, France + 33 4 90 82 29 03
Open 1-6pm daily except Monday. A striking 18th-century property containing the only Van Gogh on display in Provence (Train in Arles 1888), along with works by Degas, Manet,Picasso and the remarkable art collection of fashion designer Jacques Doucet, who died in 1929.

Musée Calvet

5 rue Joseph Vernet, 84000 Avignon, France +33 04 90 86 33 84
Museum of Fine Arts and Archeology set within a stunning 18th century mansion.

SHOPPING

Stroll the designer shops on Rue Joseph Vernet is full of designer boutiques
For a gourmet treat visit the fascinating indoor market Les Halles Place Pie, Avignon, France : +33 49 027 15 15

Markets

Marché aux Puces in the Place du Marché, Villeneuve ~ Saturday morning
Stoll across to Villeneuve for its delightful brocante (flea) market and admire the beautiful medieval buildings away from the tourist traffic

Avignon Brocante Place des Carmes 84000 Avignon ~ Sunday morning

Festival d'Avignon

Each July, don't miss the Avignon Festival, performed in part in the courtyard of Palais Des Papes, it is one of the most important contemporary performing arts events in the world! Check online for exact dates.

TOURIST OFFICE: 41 Cours Jean Jaurès, 84000 Avignon, France :+33 4 32 74 32 74

Hours: 9AM–6PM

Let me know what you discover to see in Avignon !

The post What to see in Avignon ~ City of the Popes appeared first on Shutters & Sunflowers.

Love, laughter and lunch at Christmas in Provence!

admin — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 16:00:00 +0000

Laughter over lunch with those you love, what could be more special? Being with dear friends for a long weekend, sharing our favourite spots at Christmas in Provence.

Long delicious lunches, after which we meandered around the streets of Lourmarin and surrounding villages. Together we kicked off the Christmas season, sipping ‘vin chaud’ at the Avignon ‘Marche de Noel’. Our Provencal lunch was made more special in the ambience of an ancient, oak beamed restaurant sitting by a roaring fire and Christmas tree.

We delighted in purchases that could only be found in this region, hand milled French soaps and lavender filled Christmas baubles before marveling once again at the magnificent Palais des Papes as we braced the crisp December air up above its ramparts.

Suppers by our fireside and a rambling country walk before a magnificent Sunday lunch completed our time together.

A heavenly weekend, reminiscent of days before children. The years seem to have evaporated, we are older, hopefully wiser, a little frayed around edges but still relishing sharing laughter and happy times with good friends; we even got to play play 'Pooh sticks', such fun! A magical time with dear friends at Christmas in Provence!

Download the Lourmarin Travel Guide

and the surrounding area of The Luberon, Provence here,

do let me know your recommendations !

The post Love, laughter and lunch at Christmas in Provence! appeared first on Shutters & Sunflowers.

Sur le Pont d'Avignon

admin — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 14:00:00 +0000

According to legend, the infamous Pont d'Avignon was built In 1185 as a result of a miracle. An angel led a shepherd called Bénézet to Avignon and told him to tell the town to build the bridge. Initially ridiculed, when Bénézet lifted an enormous rock before the town's leaders they became convinced that this was a divine order and set about the construction of the bridge made famous in the children's song 'Sur le Pont d'Avignon'.

Sadly Bénézet died before the bridge's completion, but he played a significant role as a fund raiser, providing money for the building and for the establishment of a local hospital nearby.
The 2950 feet long bridge was finally put out of use by a catastrophic flood in 1668, which swept away much of the structure. Since then, its surviving arches have successively collapsed or been demolished. Only four of the initial 22 arches remain intact today. Under one of these arches a cafe with music and dancing was opened which became the inspiration for the bridge's famous song, Sur le Pont d'Avignon'.

The post Sur le Pont d'Avignon appeared first on Shutters & Sunflowers.

A family together, discovering Le Palais des Papes

admin — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 16:00:00 +0000

Our lovely daughter Kate, back in the fold to enjoy ‘La Belle France’ with us again and come with us to visit Le Palais des Papes in Avignon! Happily posing with a T-shirt from Daddy, recently purchased in some far off Asian Market! Very appropriate for we Richard Curtiss, ‘Four Weddings & a Funeral’ ‘Notting Hill’and ‘Love Actually’ fans!

Having sampled the delights of the local Saturday bounties we eagerly awaited the arrival of our James.
We were soon rewarded, a family once again reunited! The following day, in Avignon, 4 smiling faces soon a glow in the mid afternoon Provencal sun, we were ready for the grand tour of Le Palais des Papes.
Another World Unesco site, it is the largest Gothic Palace in the world, equivalent in volume to 4 gothic cathedrals and includes the private apartments of the Pope, fantastically adorned with fabulous Italian frescoes. It was not a disappointing experience. Among the ramparts and cloisters, memories of Papal power, prestige and fear lingered. Hushed tones of whispered intrigue, soft choral voices practicing for evensong, men dedicated in a life long service to God. A bygone era, when the might of the Holy Catholic Church dominated peoples' lives, their ambition, their destiny and their demise.
When from 1309 to 1376, during which time seven

Popes held power, the Papacy made Avignon, a thousand km from Rome, its centre and arguably at that time, the most powerful city in the world.

The post A family together, discovering Le Palais des Papes appeared first on Shutters & Sunflowers.