Villeneuve-les-Avignon In Provence

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Villeneuve translated into English means 'new village', but it is hardly new by an American's standard. Just across the Rhone River from Avignon, Villeneuve-Les-Avignon was founded in the 14th century as a 'suburb' of Avignon, where Pope Clement moved the Vatican headquarters from Rome. It still retains its old charm of narrow cobbled streets, stone houses and walls, tiled roofs, and old churches.

Yesterday we spent the day in Villeneuve-les-A and just explored the town on foot. First we went to 14th century Carthusian Monastery, Chartreuse Pontificale, that used to house monks, but which is now the residence of writers. The walls in the chapel still have frescoes painted centuries ago. We then walked up hill to the Saint Andre Fort which once housed a 10th century church and village, but was turned into a medieval fortress in the 14th century. We walked up and down numerous stone circular staircases and were able to see stunning views of the countryside in all directions. Within the fort is a 16th century Abbey with magnificent gardens. Stone paths meander through acres of rocky land lined with lavender, roses, succulents, palms, irises and too many other plants to name. Unfortunately, half way through the gardens, our camera battery died, and we couldn't take any more pictures.

The rest of the day we just went window shopping and sitting in the square, where people enjoy their afternoon drinks and the sunlight. Our B&B is also a small restaurant, and we had another fantastic meal last night.

In many of the towns in France, stores open at 9:30 or so, close down at 12 for the noon meal. They open up again around 2 or 2:30 and stay open until about 6. The restarants don't even open for dinner until 7:30pm, and the dinners take about 2 hours. Very unrushed. I'm beginning to think that in Southern France, work is just something to occupy ones time between meals.

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Photos

La Chartreuse Monastery
Interior Cloister

Chartreuse Monastery
Frescoes in the chapel

Chartreuse Monastery
Inside court yard. The dome was where water was stored.

Chartreuse Monastery
Randi resting her feet in the courtyard.

Fort Saint Andre
Entrance is a twin watch tower

Fort Saint Andre
View from the ramparts shows Avignon across the Rhone

Gardens at Saint Andre
A view of the rose garden and lily pond

Garden at Saint Andre
Irises. Blue irises are growing everywhere in Southern France, and are in bloom.

Gardens in Saint Andre
One of the many statues in the garden