Journal
Everything to plan
your stay in Provence
Practical guides, insider addresses, itinerary ideas. Written by Avignon locals — no TripAdvisor copy-paste.
Avignon
Where to catch sunrise in Avignon: 5 local spots
Avignon locals know these places where the city wakes up in golden light, long before tourists flood the ramparts. Whether you're an amateur photographer or simply love suspended moments, these five spots offer unique perspectives on the Papal City at daybreak, when the medieval stones glow and the…
June 15, 2026 · 8 min
Provence
Uzès + Pont du Gard from Avignon: one-day circuit
Less than an hour from Avignon, the Uzès–Pont du Gard duo forms one of the Gard's finest day trips. Between Renaissance alleys, the shaded place aux Herbes, and a monumental Roman aqueduct, this one-day circuit blends heritage, nature, and Provençal sweetness without ever leaving the south.
June 9, 2026 · 8 min
Avignon
Villeneuve-lès-Avignon: the 'twin city' 10 min away
Just across the bridge from Avignon, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon unfolds its cobbled lanes, medieval fort, and hanging gardens. Less touristy than its neighbor, this city of cardinals offers a deep dive into papal history with stunning panoramas over the Rhône valley.
June 1, 2026 · 8 min
Avignon
Bike ride on Île de la Barthelasse: detailed 2-hour route from Avignon
Just steps from Avignon's historic center, Île de la Barthelasse offers a green haven perfect for a cycling escape. This 2-hour loop takes you through vineyards, orchards and along the Rhône, with stunning views of the Palais des Papes and the famous bridge.
May 25, 2026 · 8 min
Avignon Festival
Avignon IN Festival: attending a show in the Cour d'honneur
Attending a performance in the Cour d'honneur of the Palais des Papes represents the ultimate Avignon IN Festival experience. This legendary venue, with its 20-meter-high medieval walls, hosts the festival's most prestigious creations each July. Discover how to experience this unique theatrical mag…
May 23, 2026 · 8 min
Lavender
Lavender in Avignon: where to buy in town and within 30 min by car
Where to buy real lavender without leaving Avignon — boutiques inside the walls, the Halles, the Saturday market — and the 4 honest producers within 30 min by car if you want to see the source.
May 15, 2026 · 9 min
Provence
Carrières de Lumières at Les Baux-de-Provence: 2026 guide
A former bauxite quarry turned cathedral of monumental images. Van Gogh, Klimt and Cézanne projected onto 7,000 m² of raw rock — the most striking experience in Provence.
May 8, 2026 · 8 min
Lavender
Lavender recipes: 5 sweet and savory Provence ideas
Lavender isn't just for a sachet. Here are 5 Provençal recipes we cook for our guests — sweet and savory — with the right varieties and the exact doses.
May 8, 2026 · 8 min
Lavender
Provence lavender distilleries: where to buy the oil in 2026
Buying a true AOP lavender essential oil isn't simple: 80% of the market is lavandin in disguise. Here are the distilleries to visit, and what to check on the label.
April 22, 2026 · 9 min
Provence
Sault Plateau and Luberon from Avignon: 2026 guide
1h30 from Avignon, the Sault Plateau is the last lavender to bloom — early July through late August, at 800 m altitude. Here's how to build the perfect Luberon day.
March 22, 2026 · 7 min
Lavender
Lavender fields in Provence: where and when to see them in 2026
Provence lavender blooms for 3 to 6 weeks depending on altitude. Here's where to go, when exactly, and the spots we usually keep for ourselves.
March 8, 2026 · 8 min
Avignon Festival
Avignon Festival: the practical 2026 guide
The largest theater festival in the world transforms Avignon for three weeks every year. Here's how to enjoy it instead of enduring it: program, tickets, accommodation, what to know.
February 17, 2026 · 10 min
Avignon
Place de l'Horloge in Avignon: the complete 2026 guide
Beating heart of Avignon since the 14th century, Place de l'Horloge brings together local life, the opera house, the town hall and 15 café terraces. Here's how to actually enjoy it.
February 5, 2026 · 6 min
Provence
Provençal markets near Avignon: the full weekly calendar
Every day of the week, a great Provençal market comes alive within an hour of Avignon. Here's the calendar, the specialties to chase, and the traps to avoid.
January 29, 2026 · 7 min
Avignon
Jardin des Doms in Avignon: view, history, 2026 tips
Perched on the rock above the Palais des Papes, the Jardin des Doms offers the most beautiful view in Avignon — free and open year-round. Here's why we climb up there several times every stay.
January 15, 2026 · 6 min
Provence
Gordes from Avignon: a 2026 guide to one of the Most Beautiful Villages
Perched on a rocky spur in the Luberon, Gordes is one of the most beautiful villages in France — and one of the most photographed. 50 min from Avignon, here's how to actually enjoy it.
December 19, 2025 · 7 min
Provence
Les Baux-de-Provence from Avignon: full guide 2026
Medieval hilltop village in the Alpilles, fortified château, immersive Carrières de Lumières. 45 min from Avignon — the essential day trip. Here's how to do it right.
December 4, 2025 · 7 min
Provence
Exploring the Luberon from Avignon: routes, villages, tips
Avignon is the gateway to the Luberon. Here are 3 one-day loops to discover Gordes, Roussillon, Sénanque, Lacoste, Bonnieux, Ménerbes, and the ochres of Rustrel without rushing.
November 26, 2025 · 9 min
Lavender
Abbaye de Sénanque from Avignon: full guide 2026
The most iconic image of Provence: a 12th-century Cistercian abbey facing a field of lavender. Fifty minutes from Avignon — here's how to do the visit right.
November 18, 2025 · 7 min
Avignon
Avignon with kids: 12 activities tested with children
Avignon isn't Disneyland. But with a bit of local knowledge, it's a brilliant family destination. Here are 12 activities tested with our own kids and our friends' kids.
October 22, 2025 · 7 min
Avignon
Pont d'Avignon (Saint-Bénézet): history, visit, secrets
The most-sung bridge in the world is now just a fragment. Here's its real history — and why visiting its 4 remaining arches is still worth the detour.
October 9, 2025 · 7 min
Avignon
Restaurants in Avignon: our 12 favorite addresses in 2026
We've lived in Avignon for five years. Here are the 12 restaurants where we take our friends and guests — with what to order, the budget, and the tip that changes everything.
September 26, 2025 · 9 min
Avignon
What to do in Avignon in 3 days: the ideal itinerary
Three days is enough to fall for Avignon — provided you know where to look. Our hour-by-hour itinerary, with the addresses we usually keep for ourselves.
September 12, 2025 · 9 min
Papal Palace
Visiting the Palais des Papes: the complete 2026 guide
The largest Gothic palace in Europe, 25 rooms open to the public, 1.5 hours of recommended visit. Here's how to avoid the mistakes and get the most out of your ticket.
August 30, 2025 · 8 min