Pont & Palais in Provence

Alas, all good things must come to an end.  Say it with me...  Awwwww.

This is my last post from our fantastic-wonderful-best-trip-ever to Provence with my sweet friends.

Matt gets a bit offended when I say it was the best trip ever, so I should clarify.

Fantastic-wonderful-best-trip-ever-without-Matt.

Our last day we spent exploring Avignon a little more in depth.

We visited the Pont d'Avignon which is a bridge that used to span the river to our little island.

Legend has it that a young shepherd boy was tending his flock when God

spoke to him and told him to follow that star... no wait.  That's a different story. 

This shepherd boy was told to build a bridge over the River Rhone.

When he shared his inspired plan with the townspeople they just laughed an called him names.

They never let poor... no wait.  Wrong story again.

Young Bénézet then lifted a huge boulder and tossed it into the river.

Suddenly they were all on board with the whole bridge idea.

 I think the poor lad died before the bridge was completed.

He's buried in a little chapel on the bridge.

 We used the audio guides which told us the history of the bridge and played the famous song.

The bridge doesn't actually span the river anymore.  Only four of the original 22 arches are left.

So it was a quick tour.

We then made our way to the Palais des Papes.

This was were I took my very favorite photograph.

This time we opted out of the audio-guide.

And I'll be perfectly honest with you, we pretty much just buzzed through.

We were eager to gather once more around a bottle of rosé

to talk about guys and shoes and world hunger and stuff.

But, mostly shoes.

Such a lovely collection of... canonballs.

I think I will forever be gushing about Provence.

But what made the whole thing the fantastic-wonderful-best-trip-ever

was most certainly the company.

Thank you, Gina, Sarah and Erin.  Miss you like crazy and love you to pieces!

Have you ever traveled with just the girls? Best trip ever?

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Pink wine and estrogen

Last week I told you about our sweet little island in Provence.

Today I'll tell you about the town just across the river, Avignon.

And the beautiful girly travel moment that Avignon gifted me with.

I've mentioned that Avignon was once the papal seat 

and I'll post some more photos of our visit to the palace.

But the Avignon of today is simply gorgeous.

You can tell she is well loved.  I've never seen a city more clean and tidy.

You could seriously eat off of the streets. 

It's cleaner than my kitchen, which I probably shouldn't admit.

I have to be careful when I gush about this trip.

"Ohmagawd! Best trip ever! Such fun!"

Matt just looks at me like "Seriously?"

Then I have to clarify that I mean best trip ever... without him.

But, it really was close to perfect.  These ladies are just the bomdiggity.

They've each nestled themselves a place deep in my heart.

It was so easy.  We planned one big thing each day and just got on with it.  No drama.

It was all about the rosé and enjoying each other's company.

And the food.  Six days worth of wonderful meals together.

Every once in a while, one of us would close our eyes and sigh with contentment.

Which would set off a contagion of sweet sighs of happiness with our faces lifted up to the sun.

We quickly fell into a rosé rhythm.

We would order a bottle with four glasses, all in complete agreement.

Funnily, it worked out that each day we had one more bottle than the day before.

We were certainly relaxing into holiday mode.  

One evening we sat near the carousel.  People watching heaven, Avignon.

Two women walked by arm in arm.  Two ends of a gorgeous feminine spectrum.

One older and slower, but so stylish.  Slow steps and sparkling eyes.

Supported gently by a tall, young woman bending to pay close attention

to words of wisdom or maybe even a scandalous story.

Sensible shoes and dangerous heels.  A tidy cardigan and smooth cleavage.

Cautious steps and a swing of the hips.  Short white curls and long dark locks.

Completely enthralled with one another and oblivious to the world around them.

It was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen and brought tears to my eyes.

They could have been the same person.  Just at different places in time.

Grandmother and granddaughter.

The present and the past.

Maybe I'm a little crazy.  Maybe is was the pink wine.

Maybe it was estrogen overload.  But, it was magic and I'll take it.

By the way, if you're ever in Avignon you must have dinner at Le Bouillon de Culture.

After being deeply offended by the chef at a foofy french restaurant (asshat!)

we walked out in a huff and luckily ended up at a much better place.

When we requested a taxi at the end of a fabulous meal,

they called nonsense and insisted on giving us a ride back to the hotel.

Now that's service.

Best. Trip. Ever. 

Call your girlfriends now and start planning a trip.

Estrogen + pink wine + Provence = magic

What are your requirements for the perfect girls getaway?

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Aix en Provence, France

The next stop on the MSC Splendida was Marsaille, France which I'm sure is lovely.

But, I wanted to visit a nearby town that I've heard so much about from one of my very favorite bloggers.

Sara in Le Petit Village often writes about Aix-en-Provence.

So, when I saw it was just a short bus ride from Marseille I knew that was where I wanted to explore.

We again joined a ship excursion.  We stayed with the guide for a short time,

but the historical section of the city is small and easy to explore on your own.

We soon ventured away from the group.

We visited the Cathedral and walked along the charming streets of the old city.

We spent some time at a market and I purchased some spices and soap.

We stopped at a cafe for Le Chocolat Chaud and some people watching.

We were only there for a few hours.  Plus, I was in Provence and didn't have any wine!  La tragédie!

But, I wasn't too stressed because I will be returning.

Girl's trip to Provence this Summer!  I'm sure we'll make up for it.

As you can see, this little French "city of a thousand fountains" is absolutely delightful.

I can't wait to go back, see more and drink wine!

Any recommendations for our Provence trip this summer?

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 *I was a guest of MSC Cruises for a three night #MSCBlogCruise for the purposes of review.
All photos, writing and opinions are my own.
As always, I promise to be open, honest and transparent with my readers.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.