by Sydney Sparks
Bonjour! We have had many adventures since landing in Aix-en-Provence. Recently, we traveled as a class to Pont du Gard and Avignon, while also taking time to explore Paris on our own during free time.
On May 22, 2026, we explored Pont du Gard and Avignon. Pont du Gard is a 2,000-year-old ancient Roman aqueduct located in Southern France that was originally built to supply water to the nearby city of Nimes. When we first arrived, we explored the aqueduct and were amazed by the construction methods used over 2,000 years ago. Some of the stones used to build the structure weighed up to 6 tons. The first image highlights Pont du Gard itself, while the second image shows the view while walking across the aqueduct. We then explored the museum that displayed and told us how the duct was engineered and used 2,000 years ago.
We then departed from Pont du Gard and arrived in Avignon. Avignon is a historic city in Southern France surrounded by medieval walls. It is best known for the Palais de Papes (Palace of the Popes). For nearly 70 years, the pope lived in Avignon and governed the Catholic Church from France. We had the opportunity to explore the palace and learn more about its history. The palace was beautifully constructed with tall ceilings, detailed architecture, and painted walls. One of my favorite parts was the garden, which was filled with beautiful greenery and flowers.
After the tour, we explored the local market in the city where vendors sold jewelry, artwork, and fresh food. These outdoor markets are very common in France and offer a unique way to experience the local culture. We finished our fun day in Avignon with gelato and a carousel ride through the city.
On May 23, 2026, we were given two free days during our abroad experience in France. Several people from the group chose to go to Paris. We arrived around midday and had lunch along the Seine River with a view of the Eiffel tower. The food was delicious, and it was a great way to enjoy the city and relax before spending the rest of the day walking. We then walked around and saw the Arc de Triomphe. I was amazed by all the details and architecture of the monument. Later that evening, we went to dinner with our group, where my friend and I tried escargot. I was nervous to try it at first, but it was delicious, especially with the basil cream butter sauce. We finished our night by watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle at midnight while enjoying a Nutella crepe.
On May 24, 2026, we woke up early to continue exploring Paris. Some of my favorite things we saw were the Notre Dame and a sunset Seine River cruise. Notre Dame is a Catholic cathedral dedicated to the Virgin Mary. I enjoyed looking at the details, engravings, and architecture of the church. The river cruise was also a great way to see many parts of the city, including the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Notre Dame. It was a perfect ending to our time in Paris!
