France/📖《Walking in the Sunshine of Southern France──Avignon Stroll》

The moment I walked into Avignon, I felt like I was stepping into an impressionist painting. This is one of the most poetic cities in southern France, and it is also the most unforgettable stop when I was looking for the inspiration of Van Gogh. Although Van Gogh actually painted in the nearby Arles and Saint-Remy, the sunshine and ancient city style of Avignon undoubtedly continued the golden color and enthusiasm on his canvas. ⛩【Circular Ancient City──Avignon's Medieval Time Machine】 The old city of Avignon is surrounded by heavy city walls, like a perfect disc. Walking through it, I seemed to be a time traveler, stepping into the years of the popes in the 14th century. The alleys inside the city wall crisscross, and the cobblestone road creaks under my feet. Everything is so primitive and charming. When I came out of the train station, I was greeted by the ancient city wall. Soon after entering the city gate, I could see the towering Palais des Papes. This is the most representative landmark of Avignon. The magnificent Gothic building was once the residence of seven popes in the Middle Ages. Standing in the square, I was shocked by the solemnity of the building, and I silently said in my heart: "It turns out that history can be so heavy, so silent but full of power." 🌻【Van Gogh's Sunflower Shadow】 Although Van Gogh did not live in Avignon for a long time, the sunshine and atmosphere of Avignon are in harmony with the golden color of his paintings. In summer, sunflowers spread like an ocean beside the country roads outside the city walls, interweaving with the blue sky to form the ultimate color of southern France. At the market, I bought a sunflower oil painting by a local painter, and every stroke seemed to pay tribute to the crazy and lonely genius. 🚉【Transportation Information──Center from Provence】 Avignon has two stations: Avignon TGV and Avignon Centre in the city center. I took the TGV from Paris and it took less than 3 hours. After arriving, I transferred to a shuttle bus or bus to enter the ancient city. It is also convenient to take a shuttle bus from cities such as Arles or Nîmes. You can walk around the city on foot. If you want to visit the surrounding vineyards or stone cities, it is recommended to rent a car or join a one-day tour. 🎨【Attractions not to be missed】 • Palais des Papes It is like the Vatican in the Middle Ages, magnificent. After visiting, you can go up to the terrace to overlook the entire city. • Pont Saint-Bénézet It is the bridge "Sur le pont d'Avignon" sung in the nursery rhyme. Now there is only a broken bridge across the Rhone River, but it is very romantic to stand at the end of the bridge and watch the sunset. • Musée du Petit Palais It has a rich collection of Italian Renaissance paintings, which are often overlooked by travelers, but are extremely valuable. • Festival d'Avignon Every July, the whole city turns into a theater and stage. It is one of the most important art events in southern France. When I visited during the festival, the whole city was full of vitality and creativity. 🍽【Avignon’s delicious little universe】 • Les Halles Market I always love to hang out here every morning. This is the kitchen of Avignon people: spices, cheese, sausages and Provence olive oil are all available. • La Fourchette Restaurant Here I had the most amazing duck breast with apricot sauce, which was rich and balanced in sweet and sour taste. It was like the summer sun shining on the tip of my tongue. • Ice cream shop Amorino Rose-shaped Italian ice cream, mango and lavender flavors are my favorites, and the coolness carries the romantic atmosphere of southern France. 🧳【Words written on the suitcase】 Avignon is not as noisy as Paris, nor as dazzling as Nice. It is a city that can slow down your heart. During the day, you can bask in the scorching sun of southern France, walk through the ancient alleys, drink a glass of local red wine at night, and listen to street performers singing old songs. This city is not ostentatious, but it can make people fall in love with it silently. When I left Avignon, what came to my mind were the broken bridge, the golden sunflower fields, and the skylight that was similar to Van Gogh's canvas. This may not be his real hometown, but it must be a place where his soul once stayed. If you also love art, ancient cities and the sunshine in southern France, Avignon is definitely worth staying for a few nights to slow down time. 🌞🌻