Things to do in Orange

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.

A strong wind can blow up a piece of white paper but cannot blow away a butterfly. Because the power of life lies in disobedience. Feng Jicai

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.

It's beautiful. When taking pictures, you have to wait for the red light to stop cars from passing by.

Avignon was once the residence of the Pope in the 14th century. Surrounding Avignon is a 5-kilometer-long wall. In 1995, the name of the historic city of Avignon was listed as a World Heritage Site.

The Pont du Gard, located in the Gard department of southern France, is an elevated aqueduct built during the Roman Empire. It is the largest and best-preserved Roman aqueduct. Constructed in the 1st century AD, the bridge is approximately 50 meters high and 275 meters at its longest point. In 1985, the Pont du Gard was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Its image is featured on the €5 banknote. The Pont du Gard is part of the Nîmes Aqueduct (approximately 50 kilometers long), used to supply water to the city of Nîmes. Its construction took about 15 years. It has been remarkably well-preserved over nearly 500 years of use. In 1958, the bridge withstood a once-in-a-century flood. In 2000, the French government implemented a preservation project, constructing museums and other facilities in the surrounding area.