A Windmill, A Castle, and A Very Famous Bridge

After two very full days of exploring the Camargue and Pont du Gard and Arles and Nîmes, it was time to start making our way back to Lyon. We didn't head directly up north, though. We took our time, making several stops along the way.

Our first stop Monday morning was at the Moulin de Daudet, or Daudet's windwill, which is located right outside Fontvielle in the Parc Naturel Régional des Alpilles. The windwill was nicknamed after author Alphonse Daudet, who wrote "Letters from My Windmill," one of Jinny's father's favorite books.

Built in 1814, the windmill is 200 years old!

Jinny with her dad's windmill

The gold weather vane on top is shaped like a Camargue bull!

After our brief visit to the windmill, we continued on to Château des Baux, a fortified 10th century castle that served as the seat of power of the powerful lords of Baux, a noble family that ruled over Provence for several hundred years. The castle, which was mostly destroyed in the 1600s, was strategically built on a high, rocky outcropping overlooking the valley. This allowed the nobles to keep an eye on everything happening for miles around.

We spent a few hours at the site, climbing through the ruins and admiring the landscape off every side. Although we didn't go all the way to the highest point of the castle (we were legitimately concerned that the Mistral winds would knock us off!), we could still see the mountains far off in the distance. We also had a great view of the lush Provençal countryside, peppered with neat rows of crops and trees.

Stunning panoramas all around!

Marty and Jinny enjoying the views from the top

Remains of the castle, which was destroyed by Louis XIII out of fear that the noble families would rebel against him.

Random fun fact: Bauxite was discovered near Les Baux-de-Provence in 1821!

Crime: Having too much fun. Punishment: The stocks!

The castle on the left overlooking the tiny town of Les Baux-de-Provence on the right

Live demonstration of the massive catapult at the castle!

Before we left, we ducked into the chapel at the castle, where a video giving an aerial tour of Provence had been set up. Mesmerized by the incredible shots of castles, ancient ruins, mountains, and beautiful landscapes, I was glad to see more of the sites in Provence, even if we didn't have time to visit more of them. There's just no way to win in France...it's impossible to see everything!

Les Baux-de-Provence is one of several hill towns in the Luberon part of Provence.

From the château, we continued north, stopping briefly in Avignon since it was right on the way back to Lyon. After parking the car just outside the old city walls, we made a beeline for the Palais des Papes. We realized, however, that with less than an hour, we didn't really have enough to time to adequately explore the fortress. We were a little disappointed, but we made the best of the time we had left and strolled through the adjacent gardens, which have a great view of the unmissable Pont d'Avignon!

Hello again, Palais des Papes!

The Pont d'Avignon!

After our brief blitz of Avignon, it was time to head back to Lyon in earnest. By the time we arrived, we were all exhausted (a million thanks to Marty for driving!) but excited about everything we'd seen.

Our tired driver enjoying a well-deserved dinner back in Lyon

Since Marty and Jinny's train to Strasbourg was leaving while I'd still be in class the next morning, we said our goodbyes after dinner. After such a fantastic weekend, I was sad to see them go! It meant to much to me that Marty, one of my biggest cheerleaders in the months leading up to my trip, came to visit me in France. And after having heard so much about their college and post-college travels, I was thrilled to be a part of Marty and Jinny's latest adventure together. <3