Pont du Gard Christmas Day

On Christmas day after opening a few small gifts at the hotel we went to go see the Pont du Gard, one of the few things that was open that day. It ended up being a fantastic day. There were lots of hiking trails around the aqueduct, we had a nice picnic lunch, and the museum was free in honor of the holiday!This aqueduct is one of the most impressive reminders today of what an important hub this region was during the height of the roman empire.

I love this picture of the shadow of the Pont du Gard!

This is the very top of the aqueduct where the water actually ran.

Looking down the river from the top of the bridge.

This picture is super amazing. Look at the reflection of the Aqueduct in the river!!

The world is mine for the taking.

Hey that's a pretty sweet and very French poncho sweater thingy you've got there, mom. You must have a pretty sweet daughter that gave it to you for Christmas. hah.

We claim this land in the name of MURPHY!

Me and my boys above the bridge.

Christmas Eve in Avignon!

Christmas Eve we drove from Arles to spend the day in Avignon! The town was very festive and I found some great souvenir glasses for Creech and JZ at the Christmas Market. We spent most of the day at the Palais du Pape and the Pont d'Avignon.

The Pope's Palace. Because of instability in Rome the Papacy was moved for a period to southern France. When a certain faction decided it was time to move back to Rome there was a conflict, and for a period there were two popes: one in France and one in Italy.
This is a building across from the Pope's Palace. I'm not sure what it is, but what amazed Matmo and i was the sheer number of pigeons perched on it. There are so many!

Listening to the audio guides in the main court yard of the Pope's Palace.

Looking out toward Villeneuve from the top of the Pope's palace.

The Pope's chapel.

Contemplating catholicism and how this building represents everything I despise about my religion.

Back steps to the Pope's Palace.

Matt was amazed by the restrooms they built in this ancient building. The new walls create such a harsh contradiction. Guess you've got to love the tourism industry.

Can't you imagine shooting an arrow from this opening to defend the palace?

Where the old city wall connects to the Pont d'Avignon.

Sur le pont d'Avignon! On danse, on danse, on danse! Sur le pont d'Avignon!

Yay! Christmas card picture. Check out dad's hair. I love it! hehehe

Looking up at the city and the Pope's Palace from the bridge.

Looking down the river from the bridge.

What remains of the city walls.

What a contrast. The traffic zooms by ignorant of the history looming above them.

Cathare castel and Coulliere

I forgot to add these photos before the entry about Arles. On our way from Limoux to Arles we decided to take a detour stop in Coulliere, at small town on the Mediterranean close to the Spanish border. On our way there we stopped to check out a cathare castle. The area between Limoux and the Spanish border is littered with them. After the Albigensian Crusades they were used by both the Spanish and French militaries as outposts and vantage points as the border fluctuated north and south.


Looking down into the valley below the chateau. Don't the shadows made by the clouds look neat? I thought so. The next picture is the same scene, but zoomed out.

Finally, the castle itself!

Next stop: Coulliere! Here is a view of the fort that dominates the port town.

The fort again from another angle.

A pier. Obviously.

This town was so beautiful, the photos don't do it justice.

At the end of this walkway is the lighthouse. Unfortunately, it is closed to the public.


Looking down from the wall at the waves breaking against the base.

The Spanish like their alters to be ornate.

Looking down at Coulliere.

Again, from farther away.

Looking up the coast toward Perpigan.

We hiked on this trail along the edge of a valley. It was pretty cool. Then Matt and I decided to climb a mountain.
On our way up. Unfortunately, there is no photographic proof because the batteries in my camera died. How typical!

This is Matt halfway to the top. The batteries died after this picture. And you can't even really tell how high up we are! NOT FAIR!

Another fort high above Coulliere.