Avignon: Where History Meets Your Next Adventure

As I wrap up this planning trip for Camp Joy, I’ve landed in Avignon for a final afternoon and evening—and I have to say, it’s the perfect exclamation point on a Provence journey.

Avignon is one of the best-preserved walled cities in France, and you feel that history immediately. You don’t just drive in—you enter the city through a gate, like you’re stepping through time. Inside, it’s a blend of centuries-old stone architecture, tree-lined boulevards, tucked-away cafés, and bursts of contemporary art that surprise you around corners.

Walled City on the Rhone River

This city has presence. It’s elegant and grounded, with a soft kind of energy that makes you want to wander slowly. I walked past the towering Palais des Papes, browsed a contemporary art gallery, and resisted shopping on tiny store-lined streets, and lingered on shaded streets with a coffee in hand, imagining what it might feel like for future Camp Joy guests to arrive here—on their way in or out of retreat.

And honestly? It would be perfect.

For those coming to our Camp Joy women's retreat in September in Menerbes, Avignon makes a beautiful pre- or post-retreat destination. It's easy to reach by train (hello, TGV!), full of soul and scenery, and offers that first—or final—deep exhale.

Whether you want to dive into history, shop local markets, or simply sit with a glass of wine and soak it all in, Avignon has you covered. It's a great, safe location for solo travel or a joyful place to indulge with friends and family.

After all the planning, it feels so good to be in this in-between space—between what was and what’s coming. And if you’re joining us in September, you just might want to build in a little time to experience that too.