As we've been doing after every time we switch locations, we've posted a review. But to post a review on Avignon is not really fair since we didn't even stay in Avignon. We actually stayed in Les Angles which is located just across the Rhone to the West of Avignon. So instead here are some thoughts on the whole region of Provence.
Food
I wasn't expecting the food to be so drastically different than Paris - but it was in a good way. Provancale food shouts out simplicity where the concentration is on the natural flavour of the ingredients to be on full display. The prominence of open air markets is a must when visiting here. They are in general 4 times bigger than anything we've seen in Paris, while the one in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is an attraction in itself as it seems the entire village becomes the market. Another surprise is to see the heavy dose of Spanish offerings this far North of Spain. Paella is everywhere and the Italian eateries are also plentiful.
Navigation
If you visit Provence, renting a car is a must since the region is really made for exploring this way. Getting lost in the winding roads as you past vineyards, sunflower patches, and lavender fields will be some of our best memories. When visiting the region, most people use either Avignon or Arles (30 km to the South) as a hub for your adventures. As cool as Arles is with its heavy Roman influences, we preferred Avignon which is considered the cultural capital of France. Attending the Festival d'Avignon is proof of this. Either way though, from both locations you are well situated to go to the Luberon region to the East, Orange & Vaison de la Romaine to the North, Pont Du Gard and Nimes to the West, and Les Baux to the South. A GPS is another must as I don't see how you would get around without one unless you learned all the roads.
Climate
I won't sugar coat this - it was an absolute scorcher here. I believe that the lowest it ever got was 28 with a high of 37 and an average of 33.
Time
I can't count how many times we've asked one another what the time was and the person who answers is off by 2 hours. Things seems so relaxed year that we lost all sense of time altogether, a stark contrast the mega cities of Paris and London.
Overall
I can't shake this feeling that this area reminded me a lot of California. The climate, the great food and wine, and the diverse topography immediately reminded me of our time in SoCal. I think its a good analogy since many of Europeans come here for a break too. All California is missing are the 1000 year old castles and bridges ;)
Next and Final Stop (I can't believe it's almost over) - Nice.
