Palais des Papes et Pont d’Avignon (FR)
Tour Palais des Papes and Pont d’Avignon with me.
Join me on day two of exploring Avignon: visiting the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), Papal Gardens, and Pont d’Avignon (Bridge of Avignon). The Palais des Papes, the residence of the Popes during the 1300’s, is the largest gothic palace in the world.
View day one here, where I explored the village of Avignon, plus sunset images from outside of the city, highlighting Pont d’Avignon.
(above): I’ll never forget standing here, feeling so insignificant, like a drop of water in the ocean of influential people who’ve walked this earth. [alt caption: it’s giving Game of Thrones, no?]
Two prominent memories from this portion of the day: first, the stunning, French provincial beauty of the garden. Unreal.
Second, when I originally exited my tour of the palace, I was turned around and couldn’t locate the gardens. At this time, I’d only had about three months of French lessons under my belt, but I certainly knew how to ask, “Where is the garden?” in French …except after an obligatory exchange of bonjours, my frenzied mind could only form the question I’d asked countless times, “Parlez-vous anglais?”
I then proceeded to walk over to the garden, proverbially kicking myself for not asking in French. What I find both funny and helpful in these moments, is that “Où est le jardin?” is now so cemented in my brain, it may as well be English. I share this as a reminder to myself (and anyone learning a new language) to practice speaking; mistakes (and even silly internal exchanges) help us learn, too.
Soon, mid-afternoon came around and I was off to Pont d’Avignon before catching the train back to my beloved Lyon.
xx
Cass
Avignon, France
Time-travel into this medieval, fortress city in the south of France.
Come along for a photo walk through my first day exploring Avignon: a medieval fortress city in the south of France.
After a long day of travel, walking, and a post-dinner surprise of an opera, live-streamed in the center of town (so French), I tucked into my charming hotel, Garlande Hotel. The hosts were welcoming and helpful throughout my stay.
T R A V E L S K E T C H
Check back soon for day two: a visit to the Palais des Papes.
xx
Cass
Annecy, France
Take a photo-walk through a medieval, alpine town in Southeast France.
Upon learning about Annecy, a medieval alpine town in Southeast France, this breathtaking village quickly made its home at the top of the must-visit-list for my initial trip to France.
Traveling with a top-tier friend makes photos de moi possible.
T R A V E L S K E T C H I N G
My adventures have inspired a return to drawing: my first artistic passion. Sometimes, I sit and sketch on site, finishing with watercolor, colored pencils and ink at a later moment. Other times, I draw and paint solely from my photographs, as illustrated here from three separate images shown above.
C’était magnifique ! I’m eager to explore more cities throughout the French Alps after my relocation. J’aime les montagnes !
with gratitude,
Cass
Lyon, France
It all began as a quest to find my next home in the world.
It all began as a quest to find my next home in the world.
Then on my first Sunday in Lyon, just five days after arriving, something totally unexpected and magical happened. But, before I share those heart-warming details: let me catch you up.
In August 2024, I handed-in [emailed] my resignation to the coolest boss I’ve ever had [besides myself], and didn’t start packing my bags early enough. The goal was to live in Lyon, France during autumn as a reconnaissance trip, before planning a full move in 2025.
A month later, airport-curbside, flight boarding in 30 minutes, and me? Frantically tossing miscellaneous items back into the car [goodbye french notes, I wouldn’t need you anyway—jk, jk, I absolutely needed them]. Don’t worry; I arrived to my gate with 10 minutes to spare, and I landed in Lyon on a sun-filled Tuesday afternoon.
By Thursday, I’d cried all of my what-the-hell-did-I-just-do tears into a lake in the living room of my loft.
Friday morning’s walking tour through Vieux Lyon finally returned a burst of excitement. Saturday tagged-in with a boat tour with a tourist-pal made during Friday’s walking tour, and after, my first full-French conversation [yes, ordering bubble tea counts].
As my worries lifted, Sunday joined the chat.
Mid-afternoon, I arrived at a cafe for a painting-with-coffee workshop (a spontaneous sign-up from a week prior) unknowingly about to meet three fated friends who became foundational to my new life in Lyon.
The awe I still experience reflecting on budding friendships and the beginnings of a community abroad forming within five (5) days: the timing; the Universe’s resounding YES… and the first time I felt true belonging in a place; none of it is lost on me.
[For further context: natal Chiron in 11H.]
I have felt called to this part of the world since childhood.
Within two weeks on stepping foot in France for the very first time, I was certain: Lyon is my home.
Vieux Lyon (above), a UNESCO World Heritage site, is my favorite neighborhood to explore.
From the silk trade to the French Resistance, Lyon’s traboules, or secret passageways, have an undeniably fascinating history.
I will never get over how the sunlight dances across architecture. Every hour, a different song.
On a clear day, you can see the Alps / Mont Blanc: a treat for this Mountains gal. [On a foggy day, if you squint your eyes and believe…]
Et voila ! J’adore Lyon. [Fun fact: I’m six months into learning French et c'est une belle langue.]
with gratitude,
Cass