One of the main reasons I chose to study with CEA was due to the fact that they offer experiences to explore and learn about the culture you are immersed in. By participating in these experiences I feel as though I have had the opportunity to see things I otherwise would not have, all while bonding with students from across the world. This past weekend I had the pleasure of traveling to Provence, France organized by CEA Paris. Here's a look into what I did!
Popes Palace
After taking the train from Paris, our first stop on our weekend trip to the south of France was in the town of Avignon. This is home to the Popes' Palace. We had the pleasure of exploring this vast castle and its grounds through digital virtual tour which allowed us to view the Palace during the medieval times. A fascinating and historical experience.
Sampling in Avignon
Following we had the afternoon to explore the town of Avignon. My favorite part was sampling one of their artisanal delicacies. The Provencal Biscuits found in the many 'biscuiteries' and the homemade caramel ice cream were among my personal favorite. Next we headed out for Le Vignoble Benoit. Here we all participated in a wine tasting hosted at the vineyard of Domaine du Val se l'Oule a Orgon and sampled wines produced in the region. This added to the knowledge I have acquired about regional viniculture while taking Oenology this semester.
Charming accommodations
In Saint Remy de Provence, our group spent the evening at a charming villa. Here we were served a traditional Provencal dinner and caught up on some rest in the peace and quiet of the countryside. It was a nice retreat from the busy city of Paris.
Exploring L'Isle sur la Sorge
Fully rested and stuffed with the delicious fig jam from breakfast, we traveled to L'Isle sur la Sorge. On Sundays, this town hosts an extensive market filled with fresh fruits, artisanal goods, and antiques. We explored all day and had the chance to speak with locals!
We made one last stop before heading back to the train station. It was for a hike in Le Sentier des Ocres! The landscape was so unique with the red ocre cliffs. It was truly amazing to travel to the South of France in the spring to taste local food and explore the quaint towns. Thank you to CEA Paris for this opportunity!
Emily D. is the Spring 2018 MOJO Blogger in Paris, France. She is currently a Freshman studying Communications at High Point University.