Things to do in Carpentras

Finally checked out two of Avignon's most iconic landmarks in the South of France! On one side is the Papal Palace, the massive mansion of the former popes, and on the other is the famous Pont d'Hôtel de l'Étoile (the broken bridge from the children's song). Both are just a few minutes' walk apart, and buying a combined ticket is even more cost-effective! 🏰 Papal Palace (Grand Papal Palace) It's breathtaking from afar. The massive stone walls are solid and imposing, befitting its status as the world's largest Gothic palace. Seven popes lived and worked here, making it the center of power in medieval Europe. The interior has numerous rooms, and the free tablet-based guided tour is incredibly useful. It recreates the rooms' original appearance, showing surviving old frescoes, a huge banquet hall, and the popes' bedrooms. Although most of the furniture is long gone, leaving only the stone walls, you can still imagine the grandeur of the Papacy in its heyday. You absolutely must climb to the rooftop terrace! It's an unparalleled viewpoint, offering a panoramic view of the Rhône River and the Pont d'Hôtel de l'Étoile, along with the red rooftops of the old town – perfect for taking stunning photos. A friendly reminder: If you're not interested in medieval history, this might feel a bit empty, but those who love exploring old buildings will adore it. 🌉 Pont Saint-Bénézet (commonly known as the Pont des Beaux-Arts in Avignon) Legend has it that a shepherd boy was guided by a divine oracle to build this bridge. Originally, it had 22 arches, but the Rhône River flooded it year after year. After a massive flood destroyed most of it, the locals decided the repair costs were too high and simply gave up, leaving only four arches. 😂 It's the inspiration for the French nursery rhyme "On the Pont des Beaux-Arts in Avignon"! Standing on the broken bridge, feeling the river breeze, watching the water flow by, and with a small chapel nearby, you can explore this short stretch in about half an hour. Although you can no longer cross to the other side, its ruined state adds to its charm, and the view of the Papal Palace from the bridge is a superb angle. 💡In summary: The Papal Palace offers a rich historical atmosphere and panoramic views, while the Pont des Papes (the bridge over the Papal States) provides romantic photo opportunities and perfect for recreating childhood memories. The two complement each other perfectly. After exploring the Papal Palace, wander into the old town's alleyways and find a small café to relax – this is the true way to experience southern France. I recommend buying a combined ticket for the Papal Palace and the Pont des Papes; this allows you to leisurely visit both places in one day, and half a day is sufficient.

Sénanque Abbey is a Cistercian monastery located in the Luberon Valley of Provence, France. Founded in 1148 by monks of the Mazan Abbey, it is near the town of Gordes and about 20 kilometers from Avignon. As one of the three famous Cistercian monasteries in Provence, its architecture employs the traditional stone bories style, with its church vaults and altar layout differing from traditional churches. The site is the setting for the literary work *A Year in Provence*. On June 26, 2025, the French postal service issued its first tourism stamp series featuring Sénanque Abbey, with a lavender scent; this was also the first stamp issued specifically for this historical monument. The abbey is famous for its lavender fields planted by the monks, which appear to rise from a sea of ​​purple flowers during the blooming season. The fields are free to visit but unauthorized entry is prohibited; they are currently enclosed by a stone wall, but the monks have planted lavender paths for visitors to use. The monastery has a souvenir shop selling products such as lavender essential oil. Entry to the shop on the first floor is free, while the library and meditation rooms on the second floor require a ticket. The monks still conduct their religious activities within the monastery, including Mass at 8:00 AM and Gregorian chanting of vespers at 6:00 PM. They adhere to strict religious rules and live a simple, austere, ascetic life. Nearby attractions include the Gordes viewpoint and Roussillon (Red Earth) tourist routes.

Only half of the Pont de Avignon remains above the river. The original bridge had 22 arches, but now only 4 remain, and the stones have turned grayish from the river's erosion. Murals from the original basilica can still be seen in the small chapel at the bridgehead. Standing on the bridge, watching the Rhône flow by, the scenery on the opposite bank is quite expansive; when the wind is strong, you can hear the wind whistling through the arches.

nice Roman vibe and unique design compared to the other cathedrals around

I really like this small town in the south of France. The red houses, the quiet town roads, the quiet country church, the ancient bell tower, the yard full of flowers, the walls covered with vines and grape vines are all very beautiful. You can take pictures in any photo. Wandering around the town and sitting in a cafe is very relaxing and enjoyable. This is how you enjoy life.

Quanshui Town is also a very beautiful place. You can see many artificially cultivated things in the town. This place is close to the old town of Seonnes, which is also a very popular city. The scale of Quanshui Town is also quite large.