Walking the ramparts of Villefranche-de-Conflent was like stepping back in time. The views over the village and surrounding mountains were breathtaking, and the peacefulness made it even more special. We practically had the place to ourselves, allowing us to soak in every detail. A perfect blend of history, architecture, and stunning scenery—highly recommend!

Great fortress protecting the little town. Had a lovely walk around and the Ramparts. We had a rainy day so it was not too busy. The only toilet is outside the walls on the West side.

It's a nice stop if you're passing by anyway, but the lack of parking space and the obvious overflow of tourists definitely makes it less attractive. Still, there's a reason it's unesco heritage, for the history enthusiasts it's a must see.

Villefranche de Conflent is a small, walled town in the foothills of the Pyrenees. Although apparently unremarkable when viewed on a map, I found a visit to the town (made when travelling to experience a journey on the yellow railway - an open top tourist train up the valley) to be a surprise highlight of a recent trip i made to Perpignan and its surroundings. The town oozes history - it is evident from the fortifications both in the town and immediate surroundings that the area is one which has been heavily contested throughout history. A short open-top train journey along the valley is Mont Louis which plays host to the oldest currently operational barracks of the French armed forces. It is difficult to make out in my video, but one of the most astonishing aspects of my brief sojourn to Villefranche de Conflet was the abundance of wildlife which had made its home in the pretty town. Small birds (sparrows? Starlings?) flew low overhead criss-crossing the sky in a busy, harried fashion - one which contrasted sharply to the slower paced lives of their human counterparts below. There were a number of charming cafes and bars in the town as well as restaurants. Definitely recommend a day out here consisting of: visit to the town, visit to the nearby caves, return journey to Mont Louis via the yellow train. You won't be disappointed.

A UNESCO heritage site worth visiting is the 11th-century castle.

We so nearly drove past the town as parking in a large RV was not easy but we're so glad that we found somewhere. The ramparts are amazing and there is so much to see that you could be inside for hours. It also retains a real atmosphere which is important for us. There are so many beautifully restored buildings where the atmosphere has been killed. Do not drive past this town without taking the time to visit the ramparts. An amazing lace in a wonderful region.

One of the most preserved château Great place to visite. Parking just in front of the château.

Great to see what nature can form.. well worth a visit if you're anywhere nearby. Great photo opportunities of the rock formations plus artworks along the trail leading up to them. Pay a small fee of €5 at the visitor centre for tickets, also where ample parking and clean toilets are available..

A unique and beautiful place to visit if you are in the area. We followed directions on Google maps and found it quite easily. We arrived at 1pm on a Thursday in August and it was easy to park. Parking is free and they have toilets which are a good size and clean. There is a gift shop and friendly staff who can provide a free guide book in various languages. The shop sells ice cream/lollies but I didn't see a cafe. There is a short walk across the road for about 5-10 minutes to reach the main site, past some interesting metal sculpture, including a large dinosaur which kids will love. The main site itself is beautiful and great for photography. There is a lot of space for children to run around and explore and it all seemed safe. Highly recommended.

Beautiful place! If you've never been to places with naturally formed rock, like the grand canyon, this is impressive. There are plenty of parking spaces, right next to the ticket store. When buying tickets you will get a free flyer in the language of your choosing (I know they support at least French, English, Spanish, Catalan and Dutch). Children and students get a discount. The walk from the ticket store to the site is a little less than one kilometer. On this route there are artworks and vegetation. Unfortunately for us it was even dryer than usual, so there was no water next to the path for us. The fencing looks poorly maintained and could use some work. The site is advertised as an hour long experience (note: not an hour long walk, but a long hour sight), but if you're used to seeing sites like this and are not all too impressed by it, I can guarantee you it'll take less time.

Really worth the visit. Short walk from car park where their are picnic benches. Good for a half day visit with perhaps Castelnou in the same day. Very helpful staff make the visit complete.

Well signposted. Busier than we thought it would be slightly out of season. Well worth a visit. The small fee included a very informative guide in good English. Impressive rock formations well tucked away.

5 euro entry is well worth the protection of this beautiful site. Dogs are allowed. It's an easy 10 min walk from the carpark (which has toilets!) And a good visit inside. The lady at the ticket desk was friendly and informative. Recommend visiting as 10 out of 10.

It's a beautiful site! You can take amazing photos there. I've brought my younger brother to visite (I've been there multiple times) and he loved as well! It's a quick visit, you can do this and then go sight see somewhere else! 😉

Beautiful French / Catalan gothic, inside also baroque. Among others, the founder of the basilica, king Sancho of Majorca has a tomb there.

No lines, no crowd, beautiful and quiet cathedral. A bit more information in English would have been nice.

Like so many of the many magnificent churches in the region there is the sense of peace and serenity inside the building. The ornate sculptures and altars are amazing - too much to see in a short visit.

A really nice Cathedral you should have visited.

Beautiful Gothic cathedral that is located in the heart of the city. The place is well-preserved and is full of amazing architectural details. I particularly loved the stained glass windows. The peaceful atmosphere of the cathedral makes it a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

An amazing cathedral, right in the centre of Perpignan

A must see if in Perpignan. No admission fee. Not as large as some but very good.

Amazing Jewel of Roman art, this sanctuary founded at the beginning of the ninth century is one of the most important spiritual and cultural homes in Languedoc. Located on the way to Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle, housing a piece of the Real Cross, it was prosperous until the beginning of the 15th century. After having been sacked during the religion' wars, part of his cloister was dismantled in the 19th century. The monastery only remains the refectory and the abbey church today. Two relics are still sheltered there, those of Saint Guilhem which would contain fragments of clothes of the Virgin Mary and the bones of St Guilhem in particular the femur ... and a fragment of the cross of Christ. Only present that Saint-Guilhem agreed to accept from his parent and friend Charlemagne during his foundation of the abbey and his withdrawal in the mountains: "I give the altar of the very holy Savior, the wood of the Holy Cross and to Blessed Guilhem ..." He had obtained it itself from the priest of Zacharie in the name of the patriarch of Jerusalem in the year 800. This gift undoubtedly made the renown of the Gellone abbey. She attracted many pilgrims and knights. Unquestionable unifying element for the country of Guilhem, this object that is repeatedly coveted, protected from invaders and other Protestants when the village was taken during the wars of religion, is always preserved since the year 800. It is visible in the abbey to the right of the choir. The reliquary is in silver, adorned with precious stones. Wood which constitutes one of the fragments of the real cross measures "five inches long". It rests in a niche under the protection of an iron gate. Do not miss the organ built in 1782 and unchanged with a fantastic sound, just the one pilgrims could hear and enjoy in the 18th century ! Finally, the lapidary museum located in the old monks' refectory houses jewels from elements of the 12th century two amazing material reconstructions of the cloister. To this is added the tomb of the founder of the abbey, Guillaume Duc d'Aquitaine, cousin of Charlemagne and eponymous hero of the village.

A very cool abbey. I'm not kidding you. It's freezing on the inside of it for some strange reason. Out of all of the churches that I visited so far on this trip, this one definitely has a creepy vibe in parts of it. That's not necessarily a negative though. It has a living history you can feel. It's absolutely stunning to photograph. I highly recommend it to people who enjoy photography.

We have met the kindest people today. They have told us so many fun facts about the abbey. Thank you Cecile and Adele for making our visit so lovely!

Wonderful, peaceful and contemplative. A must stop if you are in the region. The village surrounding the abbey is beautiful and worth a visit. Picturesque is the best word to describe the village. The cloister is very pleasant. Plan on a least an hour for a visit. See the museum and the library. The crypt is a little austere, so you might consider skipping it.

I love this place. Walking around the town makes you relive history. The medieval architecture is stunning. An important stop on the Camino de Santiago. The scallop shells lead the way. A must stop if you are in the Languedoc area.

A stone village set in a valley an amazing discovery,you can also do canoing and stroll around the village lots of artisanal shops would recommend for a day outing,abbey is also a good place to chill up

This small picturesque village is an extremely important point of the Camino. The narrow streets, the falls, the great restaurants anthe uphill wineyard will pay off for any drive or walk it may take. Spend some time on the main square. Buy goat cheese. Walk. Breath. The atmosphere here is so calming, so relaxing. i will return one day while I will do the Camino...

It's nice but the queues are indescribable. I spent an hour and 10 minutes to boomerang and another hour to do the rapid rafting. You simply get tired while you wait and by the time you get to the top you're not in the mood anymore.The queue moves extremely slowly and it is not normal as I have been in other aqualands and no matter how crowded it was more than 20 minutes I didn't wait . The pool was full of hair, grass and filth. There should be a certain limit when it comes to hair to be caught in a bun, no long clothes which by the way today I saw a lady in long tights and t-shirt when she was swinging her kite in the boomerang although the sign with the forbidden symbole was right in her nose and of course the lifeguard did not say anything . Well, is it normal like that? Either we all respect some rules or... not to mention the phones in the toboggan what are they doing there?

It was a fun day in aqualamd cap d'adge. Best was the. Morning, where nöt so man peoble were around, and therefore only short queues. Lunch was only Hamburger and a bit expensive för the whole family.

A great day out for the family. Loads of slides and pools to enjoy with something for everyone. No parking for aqualand itself but instead there are town parking lots literally just a 5min walk away HOWEVER BEWARE of you are in a campervan or something taller as these carparks are height restricted to 2.25mts!!! Our van is exactly 2.25m the tall and wouldn't fit in the main carparks ... after squeezing under one barrier we then couldn't fit under the exit barrier (this was actually lower than the entrance barrier) so had to go out the wrong way 🤦‍♂️ After trying several other places we eventually found a carpark where the height barrier was open so we got parked up ok in the end and had about a 10min walk to the water park. Not sure if we would have been so lucky had this car park not had it barrier open. The park itself is clean and great fun. Be prepared to queue for rides and keep applying the sunscreen as some queues can be quite exposed to the sun. Food fairly expensive as to be expected at a theme park and we found that the burgers, pizza, e t stopped being serv d at around 4pm. Highly recommended though and well worth a visit!!

A good day out for a while family or just couples/friends. Reasonable prices, well maintained and good food available. Tickets are slightly cheaper if you book in advance online.

This park used to be what is best on the market about 15 years ago. But this new visit left us truly disappointed. The price is quite high for the size of the park and they make you spit additional fees for absolutely everything (locker box, parking, lounge chairs...) The ride "Surf Racer" is really dangerous and should be revised, we saw so many people leaving it injured. There are almost no family rides for 4 to 6 year old kids. But the biggest disappointment came with the FAST PASS. It basically doubles up the price of the entrance, but with no discount and even younger kids that are not paying the entrance need to pay for it!!! And what do you get for it? A separate queue for the inflatables... and that's it! You have to queue all the way to the top of the ride like everybody else. The gain might be about 7 to 10 minutes out of 35-40 minutes total wait time. And not even all the rides offer it (the Anaconda does not have a Fast Pass queue) It's a total rip-off. In the end the kids had fun but we could not even make all the rides even with our fast pass and I the value for money is revolting.

I will start by saying obviously its August so expected it to be busy. But..... Bad. .You have to que twice for each slide once to collect a raft/float and again to actually cue for the slide and both ques are not short. .Most stairs to slides are cut into 2 which makes it difficult to actually carry raft safely up them. .I went with my 2 sons aged 10 & 6 and most slides are 2 persons and have to have 2 persons so was unable to go on as i cant leave a child waiting around 40 minutes while i que with the other. .Food was over prices . Lack off shaded areas .€7 euro for a tiny locker €14 for a bigger locker Good. . Staff are helpful and very nice . Very clean

It's not the most pleasant experience. The food was expensive and tasted worse than McDonald's. The fast pass was almost as much as the tickets, but everyone was skipping the line anyways so I wasted my money on that. Also, on the very first slide my partner and I fell out of the tube and banged our head, me till I bleed, and no staff were at the bottom to even notice or care.

One of the most expensive excursions of our trip to France. Perfectly on a hot summer day, as the forest give plenty of shade. The kids loved it! Worth it. Bring water and read the website, all info is there.

Excellent and unique dinosaur museum which the whole family really enjoyed! Definitely worth a visit. Deducting a star as the entry was quite expensive, and quite a lot of the signs were only in French.

Great afternoon for the whole family to learn about dinosaurs and prehistoric man.

Overall a nice museum for every kid who loves dinosaurs. I would have rated it higher if it weren't for two things: everything was only in French, so it definitely was NOT international visitors friendly. It would have been nice if the signs and explanations were in English too. And it had a little weird to me opening hours - works only from 14:00 to 17:00. Actually we liked the exposition for the evolution of humans better (part of this museum too). Really well presented and explained, made our visit worth it even if only for this part. Only, well, again... I wish they made the effort to make it a little bit more accessible for the international visitors like us.

Quaint walk through outdoor museum. Walk is shaded by trees. Not the most exciting for kids, but a nice family afternoon.

Great place was there with only adult and been there for almost 2 hours with kids it will be much longer

Great for children to discover dinosaur and humain being histories, through pathway

Nice place for renting canoe in the fantastic Herault Canyon and surroundings

A really friendly and helpful team!!! Fun experience on the Hérault River. Absolutely recommended. Shuttle service worked out well and the canoes were in good shape.

Excellent! Beautiful and organized. We've been multiple times. Last time by bus from Montpellier and everyone was very helpful. They left us on the way back at the bus stop.

Great staff, good kayaking even though the water was a bit low. You have choice between 6km or 13km under 4hrs

Beautiful scenery and route! You can see the fishes swimming and enjoy the amazing nature around you. So for that it’s great. There were some points though that detract from a perfect score. We had a day of overcast, so in the morning we called and our camping group was told that the weather would be fine and the rain would be gone soon etcetera etcetera. However, it rained all day (quite heavily as well.) I know they cannot control the weather of course, but If they just were honest we would’ve come another day and the operation would still earn its money. We did the 13KM route which for me and my wife was way too intense so we fell over twice, lost our slippers, and left with many bruises and a wet suit. 3/10 would not recommend. It’s fine if you are sporty or good at kayaking, but we are not, so I advice anyone else to inform themselves beforehand and for the operation to ask people if they are sure about taking the long route. We would’ve had a way more pleasant day if we just did the shorter 9K route. Apart from that, nice people that operated the day we were there, decent pricing and good atmosphere at the finish.

Top place. Friendly and smily professionals. Pleasure to deal with. The 13 km ride is fun all away down to the last meter. Better to have done few weeks of canoe beforehand or to be willing to wet your shirt quickly... Safety is top priority there to make this experience a truly good time. Nice canoes and good quality hardware provided. Will do again.

Highly recommended for all. You can enjoy the beauty of South of France with this Kayaking experience. Superb location to start the kayaking. Very friendly and helpful staffs. Highly skilled instructors. All the kayaks are in very good condition. From starting point to end point you can enjoy the nature with happy open heart. Lot of foreigners are doing kayaking here. The river is suitable for adults and children too. You can enjoy alone, with friends and family too. Don't take any valuables with you. No jewels or rings. You may loose it in water. My friend lost her diamond ring when we were doing kayaking. Little sad but we can't do anything. One towel, lot of water to drink, juice, sandwiches, one t shirt, shorts or pants, underwears to change in the end of kayaking. End point small restaurant is there. Highly recommended. Five star rating 😂😁😀

Visited last year and was amazed at the beauty of the Grotte. Absolutely stunning it was like visiting a fairytale version of caves. Do not miss the chance to visit. Took more photos and videos than anywhere else we have visited. The restaurant was very good too, all staff were very helpful 😎

Awesome visit into the deep secret of those local mountains. The pictures cannot render the magnificence of some of the rooms inside the cave... especially the last one ! The site is very-well equipped to make the tour interactive. The guides tell you the interesting history and tales of the Grottes des Demoiselles.

The cave is stunning, especially the Cathedral! There are audio guides in different languages and although they sound like a satnav speaking in full sentences it's a nice thing to have. The only downside was that after descending the long, steep, narrow staircase, my mom (who is afraid of hights but just about managed) asked if there were going to be more high-up platforms, to which the guide said that there weren't and that was the last. Lo and behold, at the end of the tour we turn a corner and are faced with a narrow bridge and some more stairs high up above the cavernous void. To the surprise of nobody, my mom has an incredibly tough time. The tour ends at the same space at the bottom of the stairs, so she could've remained seated there and enjoyed the cave without having the fear of god put in her. The guide seemed to either not realise or not care that one of the people in the group is having a nervous breakdown even after it being pointed out. A disappointing end to a beautiful experience. Long story short: incredible cave, beautiful view outside the cave, maybe don't go if you have a fear of hights!

Spectacular place. Not at all what we expected. Looks like Moria in The lord of the rings.

Most impressive cave I've ever been in and I've seen plenty. The cathedral Hall is very impressive. Would have liked the guided tour to move a bit slower so I could soak it up a bit more. There are chairs on several places but there was no time. The guides English was non existand as is normal in France. Don't doubt, just go and visit.

Great

Great place to visit and spectacular views! I do recommend it in summer ;)

I am not a fan of zoos or aquariums, but this place felt like a true jungle for the animals. It is so peaceful and nice. Free of charge and free small parking lot in front. The walk is long but worth it!

Free zoo! Decent variety of animals and a lovely walk through the park itself with plenty of free water refilling spots. The giraffes were a favourite. Deducting a star as parking was difficult (we had to find a side street to park at)

Nice zoo to walk around but not a ton of animals / attractions. Took us about 1.5 hours to walk through everything

More a big park with some animals than an actual zoo. Free entrance, so we can’t complain.

A great place to spend a few hours surrounded by nature. The Montpellier Zoo has a wide variety of animals and large, well kept enclosures. It’s a fun and educational activity for all ages, perfect for a relaxing walk and some quiet time outdoors. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area.

For a 'free' venue it's a wonderful place to visit. The animals are limited in numbers. But appear to be well looked after. Be aware that there is no availability for refreshment in the park. There are water fountains located within the park but nothing else. A good way to spend a couple of hours wandering around the park.

Hot and lots of animals not out or closed off enclosures. But free (even some on street parking nearby for free too if you're lucky like we were!) and no complaints here. Plenty of picnic tables and water taps to refill water bottles whilst your there. We enjoyed our couple of hours there.

Very nice and calm place. Highly maintained. Great for both adults and children. Took us around two hours of walking. The pigs and the dragon parts are the best. A very nice place for those who seek calmness and a great sort-of-nature unique experience. Fair prices (especially for families).

Educational and interesting. Never knew there were so many variables of bamboo. We enjoyed a picnic in one of the beautiful garden.

Lovely gardens to walk around. Beautiful and the zen garden is so relaxing. Lovely ponds, well looked after. The sun shining helped.

What a surprise to see a bamboo forest in France! It’s a great park where you can both have fun and relax within the tropical plants and bamboos. You can know more about these plants, enjoy the Japanese garden, and even buy different trees and flowers as well as things made of bamboo. Definitely it’s a good spot both for adults and kids. There are also some animals to observe. So, I would recommend for sure.

The gardens are beautiful, spent just over an hour walking around but it was enough to see everything. We were in Japan earlier in the year and saw the Bamboo Forest there but this was just as good and far less crowded! Definitely worth doing if in the area.

Simply beautiful and very interesting! Dogs are allowed and a there are a few playgrounds for kids.

An excellent place to visit. Very relaxing, beautiful and like you have travelled to Asian counties like Laos and Japan. However, it is better to buy online the tickets as there's a long queue at the counter just to buy entrance tickets. It's difficult to park though when it's peak season.

A "must' if you are in the area. There is a big parking site (free) in front of the trainstation. There are a few open carts that allow you to experience the ride in the outdoor air. Be aware though that you will get coal particles all over you when the train rides through tunnels. If you have breathing issues its best to ride in one of the close carts. If you drive on a saturday you might have the opertunity to visit the market in Saint-Jean-du-Gard or go walking by the river. A round-trip will take between 3-5 hours.

Lovely scenic authentic steam train journey. We loved it. Get to Anduze station early if you want a parking space and a seat on the 11.30 train!

50 minute train journey from St Jean du Gard to Anduze via the bambouserie. All carriages have open windows and there is one wheelchair ramp carriage. €35 round trip for two. Getting into the carriage could be a struggle for old/infirm people & elderly dogs too as it's a vertical climb up three steps from the platform.

Price is average and substantial experience Totally recommend and enjoy the view and experience. 👌🏻👍🏻

Very nice trip ! Anyway, some ashes can land on your eyes and your body 😂

Nice little train through the Cévennes. Diesel train one way though. Steam train back, look out for opportunities to visit the engine. Mostly open carriages. Busy

It's ok, not the best thing in the world but worth it anyway

One of the best oceanariums I have visited in France. I think it’s pretty cozy and definitely can be an attractive touristic spot in summer.

Nice way to get out of the heat. But apparently everyone else in the entire south France has the same idea. Parking a car was not the easiest. Saw lots of fish. Some very large things. Some tiny things. The shop was good. WiFi didn't work.

It's a nice place to spend time with kids or anyone who's interested in underwater life. For 16€ for an adult, you can see sharks, rays, huge turtles, different fish, other sea creatures and seals. The place is full of information about sea life, endangered species, water pollution puzzles for curious minds. The day I visited the seaquarium, there was a quest for children : they got a task at the entrance and had to look for clues around the aquarium. So their time there wasn't just wondering around and watching fish. There's a parking next to it and a few places to eat. The photos I post can't show the real beauty of the place, so go and check it yourself 🤗

Very nice place to visit. Was quite packed, but it was a nice experience for us and our 16 months old

Great Aquarium for a 2-hour visit! Plenty of activities for kids, clean and tidy aquariums. The fish look healthy and well taken care of. The entrance fees are reasonable for what you can see and do. There are some booths for pictures, an area where you can touch mini-sharks (highly recommended, really cool experience also for kids as they cannot bite). Overall a nice experience and time well spent! Really educative especially with regards to sensibilisation to waste in the oceans.

Nice and modern sea aquarium. We were there during end of season and some items were not in use or was being cleaned. Fair money for value. Staff friendly and helpful. Highlight is are the baby sharks wich can be touched. That was a stunning experience. Interesting story of the monk seal. Visit is worth it.

Surprisingly big aquarium for a small town

It's still very popular in September! The little train, the only way to access the museum, was fully booked. The 4km round walk is straightforward, with information boards at regular intervals, each showing QR codes to get translations in English, Spanish, or German, if the French needed clarification. Alternatively, you could hire a bike, with the choice of 12km or 32km route.

Attention for bikers!!! The entry fee per person for the 12km is 22 EU! This price is nowhere to be seen in the front desk. The route is not well maintained and it is quite complicate to have an enjoyable ride here. I'll highly recommend to do only walking or take the train.

A very objective expression is that this place is worth visiting, it is truly magnificent. But it can only be three stars because the front desk staff or the cashiers here are really arrogant and impolite. It's as if we were begging them to give us a chance. Does working in this place make you feel like you are a god? I believe there are many friendly staff, but the reception is terrible. It might be better if it were modern, automated and unmanned.

It was a great visit. We took the 12 km tour on our own bicycles. I would recommend something with shock absorption for anyone trying to do the tour. be aware that there is no shadow apart from two little shelters. The landscape will transport you to a different world - life on Mars! The shop is okay. We have deducted one point as the kiosk only had very bad sandwiches. Given the name and frequency of visitors a little more effort on food would have been great.

Who'd ave thought that a salt flats could be such a tourist attraction. We took the land train around the site along with a commentary using a QR code. Very interesting and good fun running up a really halt especially the views over the water and of Aigues-Mortes' walled town. Worth a visit.

This is the place to see the pink salt lake and flamingos You can walk, cycle or take a train

The price for the walking tour is 9,40 euro per person whatever the age. There are only a few explanations in French, very redondant, no bench, no toilet during the tour and a lot of advertising. Staff is absolutely rude, they laugh at you if you cannot operate the gate where you have to scan your ticket. It's probably better to pay for the train tour but beware you have to book 3 days in advance.

Commissioned by King Louis XV in 1745, this is one of the oldest public gardens in Europe. It was built around La Fontaine, a natural spring venerated by the people of Nîmes for millennia, and once the heart of a sacred Gallo-Roman sanctuary. Designed by Jacques-Philippe Mareschal and Pierre Dardailhon, the garden harmoniously blends Roman ruins with the aesthetics of a formal French garden. It features a lower section in the classical French formal style and an upper section landscaped in a more natural, Mediterranean style.

A beautiful garden with many walkways, plazas and viewpoints. The stairs and fountains are truly beautiful and there are some amazing panorama views of the city. It is quite a climb to the top though, with many staircases and ramps, so be make sure you bring your walking shoes!

Fabulous park with fountains, gardens, canal with big carp, lots of stairs to climb if you wish for the view. Great way to spend a relaxing hour or two.

This park has so much to offer; from ancient Roman ruins, botanical gardens, 16th century pondages and sculpture features. All to make the visit memorable.

Lovely park for a stroll or a good hike with lots of stairs. Free toilets and a nice café in a stunning setting. Highly recommend 🇨🇦

What a gorgeous garden! We went to Nîmes to visit the amphitheater and we hadn’t planned to visit this garden, what a surprise! If you plan on visiting this city make sure this garden is near the top of your list!

Nice park, take the stairs ti be in shade. Lots of path to explore!

Incredibly well preserved Roman amphitheatre in Nîmes, France. It is just like visiting the Colosseum in Rome but it is far less busy and in considerably better condition-- they even still hold events here! My only regret is not being able to see an event in the arena, as I can only imagine this would be spectacular. In any case it is a very worthwhile sight to see in Nîmes

We ticked off a bucket list item today by visiting the Arena in Nimes and it didn’t disappoint. The history of this incredible structure makes you want to go back in time and just see what life was like. It is bigger and more impressive than we expected. As we left we walked through the gift shop and the lovely Agnes (I so hope I have the name correct) chatted with us and told us some other places to go, she was so lovely and proud of this beautiful area! It isn’t just the Arena, it is the entire area, stunning, surprising and full of history, I am so glad I have experienced it.

Beautiful amphitheatre. Make sure you check that there are no ongoing shows at night because you won't be able to enter unless you buy a ticket! I believe until the 18th of August (2025) there are shows every night, Dream of a Gladiator. It was quite nice, for a not too bad a of a price. The theater has now seating on top of the stone seating so definitely takes a way from the actual look of the amphitheatre. Quite impressive and unexpected!

We were there early November and practically had the place to ourselves. What a treat! The free audio guide is an absolute must. Lots of good info in succinct pieces (not overwhelming). So many extra side exhibits to entertain all ages. Dog friendly, too!

We spent about 3 hours exploring this site. It was the reason we came to Nîmes, and we were not disappointed. The view of the city from the topmost row of seats is beautiful, even if climbing up there was a bit vertigo-inducing! The two small enclosed exhibits on the ground floor were interesting, too.

The interior and exterior are beautiful and crowded with tourists. It is recommended to buy tickets online beforehand so that you do not have to queue for the audio guide. We can download the audio guide by QR code and then listen to it by number.

Built around AD 90–100, about two decades after the Colosseum in Rome, the arena is one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world. Constructed as a grand entertainment venue for the citizens of the Roman colony of Nemausus, the structure stands approximately 21 meters tall with a two-tiered facade composed of 60 arches per level, totaling 120 arches in a highly refined architectural design. From the 13th to the 18th century, the arena was transformed into a fortress-like residential quarter, housing over 700 inhabitants. In 1786, the internal dwellings were gradually dismantled to restore the monument’s original form. Originally capable of accommodating around 24,000 spectators, the venue now holds approximately 16,000 people for safety and conservation purposes. Today, the amphitheater serves as a dynamic cultural and entertainment space, hosting traditional bullfights, Camargue-style bull games, the annual Festival de Nîmes, concerts, and historical reenactments. ※ Included in the Pass Romanité.

Genial. Must see and swim in this natural bathtub!

What a beautiful little place in the middle of the nature?m! Loved it!

Nice little waterfalls… you can cool down in the rivier a little but the rocks are slippery. There is a parking spot, payment method is confusing as it says no cash only CB but it accepts only visa or master card (no maestro debit).. we ended up paying with coins (?!) which seemed to be still accepted

We've passed yesterday through La Roque sur Ceze and the landscape is beautiful: waterfalls, vineyards.... We didn't have enough time to visit the city, but we'll be coming back soon. Just didn't find a lot of options to eat on the way. And be careful with the narrow bridge to cross when entering the town.

Stunning place. Great for swimming and walking. Perfect day out

Most beautiful! Path uneven,consider drinking beer to be careful and pay many attention to the edge, to not fall over and wear plenty of shoes.

Amazing place, but too far with children, its better to go with out a buggy.

Highly recommend visiting to see the wonder of the flamingos! We saw hundreds of them - an awe-inspiring experience. There are a couple of circular walks recommended along well-maintained paths. Parking is just off the road and entrance was very good value. Use some bug spray and seeing some flamingos!

We came here on a trip and we did the smaller walk from 1 to 10 and back out the exit. We saw loads of wildlife, even a beaver! But the highlight of the show was these beautiful and colourful flamingos. I could have spent days at the park just watching and walking and taking my time but we had just short of 2 hours and we did the short walk comfortably enough. Would recommend to go and see the beautiful wildlife.

Definitely recommend this place, amazing views on beautiful birds, very informative and nice walk. Parking was a bit of a hassle, but there is space for everyone, just may need to walk a little. There is a shorter and a longer way, the short one took about 1,5h, longer one was said to be additional 2h. There were very nice tables and benches to rest, huts and observatories, a lunch area and a gift shop. You should definitely come and visit if you are in the area.

Aside from the car parking issue, which has been mentioned by several reviewers, the park was what you'd imagine it to be: a wildlife sanctuary for birds seeking refuge from harsh winters. Watching the flamingoes take flight was mesmerizing - so much so that we spent a good part of our time there watching the birds in the water. Be prepared to allocate time to wander about at a recreational pace. We had allocated one hour, and barely made it through half of the smaller route. That said, we utterly loved the short time spent and wished we had more time to see the park.

As a birder, it is a bit of a weird experience when you first get there (I visited twice in July). You pay a small entrance fee and the park only opens at 09:00. There a basically two sides to the park. One side that feels a bit like a zoo, with as many tourists as flamingo's, herons and egrets (some at less than a meter), and one side that actually are wetlands with bird hides. Despite the weird first impression, I would definitely recommend a visit if you are a birder. I would go back if I ever visit the area again. When I visited (late July) a lot of migratory waders like (spotted) redshanks, godwits, (marsh) sandpipers and a lot of terns (common, little, whiskered, gull billed) were present. Ebird checklists for the area give a good impression of the birds present in the park.

Amazing place to see birds and especially flamingos from a very short distance, accessible to strollers. Very unpleasant chemical toilets. Kiosk and souvenir shop at exorbitant prices

I have long wished to visit the Camargue to see the Flamingos and other wildlife and the Parc Orthinologie was a fantastic place to experience this. It is handily placed to Arles and well set up for visitors of all ages and abilities. Well worth a visit even when you have to travel half way around the world to get there.

Roman aqueduct, crossing the Gard river. Spectacular and within a beautiful natural setting. Possibility to cross the bridge and enjoy beaches and several points of view. Plenty of easy trecks around the monument.

Our visit to the Pont du Gard on October 8 was absolutely unforgettable. I went there with my friends and together we walked the peaceful paths leading down to the river, surrounded by the golden warmth of the southern French autumn. Before we even reached the bridge, we stumbled upon several strawberry trees— not real strawberries, but Arbutus unedo, also called the strawberry tree. Their fruit looked almost too bright to be real — tiny red, textured berries with a surprisingly sweet and tangy flavor. They turned out to be a wonderful surprise ,something unique and truly delicious. Then, turning a corner, the magnificent Roman aqueduct unfolded before us. The Pont du Gard rises from the landscape like a vision — three tiers of stone arches reflecting perfectly in the clear waters of the Gardon River.Nearly 2,000 years old, it served as part of an aqueduct that once carried water to ancient Nîmes. Even today, it feels alive with history — a triumph of precision and beauty. We spent the afternoon walking along the riverbank, taking in the symmetry, the soft rustle of leaves, and the warmth of the sun against the limestone. It’s the kind of place that makes you pause and breathe, reminding you how enduring human creation can be when shaped with purpose. In short:A day filled with history, nature, and quiet wonder — shared with good company and bright red strawberry tree fruit as an unexpected delight. Must-see rating:🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Visited:October 8 Highlights:Ancient Roman engineering, peaceful riverside walks, and the discovery of the strawberry tree fruit — sweet, wild, and unforgettable.

So much grander than I expected! An incredible feat of engineering from a time before electricity, gas, or diesel power! Thisbis monument to time, craftsmanship and ingenuity. Leave it to the Roman's to leave me impressed. A MUST SEE destination in France.

The Pont du Gard is a towering three-tiered aqueduct bridge built by the Romans in the 1st century AD. Interesting facts we found out about the bridge: • It was built without mortar: the roughly 50,400 tonnes of limestone were cut and fitted so precisely that the blocks hold by gravity and friction alone. • The aqueduct channel that the bridge is part of drops only about 12.6 m over 50 km (~1 in 4,000 gradient) — extremely slight for such a long distance. • Many stonemasons left their marks on the stones: more than 320 “compagnon” marks have been found on the monument, some from as early as 1611. • Over its history the bridge served various roles: after its time as a water aqueduct it became a toll bridge, and later, in the 18th century, a road bridge was built alongside it. • It survived major floods in modern times (1958, 1998 and 2002) which tested its structure — impressive given its age. Getting there & timing: • Located near Vers-Pont-du-Gard in Occitanie, about 20 km from Nîmes. • The site opens around 09:00. Hours vary by season; check official site for current times. • Allow 1.5 to 3 hours, or a full day if you include walks, river time and the museum. What to do & best spots: • Walk across the lower level to appreciate the arches up close and the river beneath. • Visit the on-site museum: interactive exhibits, scale models, virtual reconstructions — good for history context. • Swim or relax by the river banks — the scenery and setting are excellent for a rest, especially in warmer months. • For photography: early morning or late afternoon gives good light through the arches and fewer crowds. Tips & practical advice: • Parking is paid and you should check whether parking closes at a certain time (especially after dark). • During high season it may be busier; consider visiting in shoulder season for a calmer experience. • Wear sturdy walking shoes if you plan any of the walking trails around the site. • If you want to access the third (top) level of the aqueduct bridge, this requires a guided tour — check availability in advance. • Bring swimwear/towel if you plan to enjoy the river; also sun protection.

It’s hard to imagine something so magnificent and strong is two thousand years old and still standing. The bridge and the surrounding parks and land provided a wonderful place to spend a lovely afternoon enjoying the sun, the outdoors, and understand more about the long history of la République.

Le Pont du Gard is an icon from days gone by from the Roman era. It’s been on my bucket list for years to see. I like it because it represents the great engineering skills that people with little technology could use to build something that will stand through the ages. The site is well setup to handle tourists coming to look at the aquaduct, and the, later built, viaduct. Tourist offices are situated on each side of the river, and one of them has a museum/exposition/cinema/gift shop/ complex. And, walking tours are conducted to the bridge. A good visit. I arrived here on a bus shuttle from Avignon. I hear there is also a shuttle from Nimes, France. Recommended for those interested in area history, architecture, and Roman life.

Such a cute lake—perfect for family fun! The atmosphere is peaceful and great for a day out with the kids. It could definitely use more shade and seating, though. A little more comfort would make this spot absolutely perfect!

We visited the remarkable Church of Notre-Dame-de-la-Mer in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, a small town about an hour by bus from Arles station. My first impression of this town was truly special—it felt almost dreamlike. I felt as if I were stepping into the legend of the Three Marys, who, according to tradition, landed here 2,000 years ago. Before my visit, I researched the church’s history and learned about the local Provençal poet and Nobel Prize winner, Frédéric Mistral, whose famous poem Mireio is deeply connected to this region. One of the most remarkable artists associated with this town is Vincent van Gogh. While living in Arles, he visited Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and painted several masterpieces inspired by its unique scenery. The church holds all these incredible stories within its walls. I climbed to the rooftop, where I was rewarded with a breathtaking view of the town and the ocean in the background. If you’re a Christian or a Van Gogh enthusiast, this town is a must-visit. Even for travel bloggers, the experience is truly unforgettable, offering a journey through history, art, and faith.

This beautiful church, built in the 9th and 11th centuries on an old Gallo-Roman sanctuary, replaced an oratory that, according to legend, was erected by the Saints. This site was fortified in order to withstand attacks by the Saracens. Human figures can be seem emerging from the capitals decorated with plant motifs. The crypt (1448) houses Sarah, patron saint of Gypsies, covered with robes and coats. The boat of the Saints Marys is in the left alley of the church. The 4th BC century pagan altar in the crypt is also remarkable. Church of Our Lady of the Sea is the soul of the village. Legend has it that Sara was a young black slave with mysterious origins. She is said to have accompanied Marie Jacobé and Marie Salomé on their arrival in the Camargue. The latter would have been the first to welcome Jesus on European soil, during his journey to Egypt. Saint Sara is thus considered the patron saint of all travelers and itinerants. Today, the festival of Sainte Sara is one of Camargue’s must-see events. Every year, it attracts large numbers of visitors for the procession, mass and festivities. The chapel of Sainte Sara is located in the church of Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. It is an important place of worship and meditation for gypsies and pilgrims. Sainte Sara, also known as Kali sara la noire, has thus become a symbol of Camargue identity. It bears witness to the richness and cultural diversity of this region of southern France. . The town of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, is a Mecca for gypsy culture and the festival of Saint Sara each year in May ...

Incredible historic church with inspiring shrines and unique history. The people of the Camargue and the Romani people cherish this place, famous for its statues related to the lore of the Trois Maries and Sainte Sara. Annual festival from May 24-26 honors the statues and saints with Mass, music, and processions to the sea. An amazing place to visit with so much history and heart.

It's definitely recommended to visit the church and go up to the roof. It's really fascinating that you can climb up on the steep roof. Also you have a nice view over the city and if you are really lucky you might also see a few Flamingos.

A really neat seaside village with tremendous atmosphere. Many restaurants and cafes. Quite a lot of Spanish food options which we unfortunately did not get a chance to try.

Beautiful little church that honors the memory of Saints Marie and also Sara, allows you to go up and see all of Saintes Marie de la mer, a really nice place. Inside then there are all the ex votos of past centuries that are remembered in the showcases. The story that encloses the well of baptism inside the church is interesting, which was the only source of fresh water for the whole city in the past.

Climb the bell tower to sit on the roof and admire the surroundings - must do! As well as go down to the crypt to look at St. Sarah

Impressive Roman Amphitheater built around 90 CE when the Flavian dynasty ruled in Rome and Domitian was emperor. Not surprisingly the arena was modelled after the Flavian Amphitheater aka Colloseum in Rome. It could hold 20.000 spectators who would watch brutal gladiator games and fights with wild animals. When the western Roman empire had collapsed in the 5th century CE it became a fortess with four towers of which two survived. In medieval times there were even 200 houses, squares and chapels built inside making it a town within a town Like with other arenas large steel structures are built inside with seating for spectators taking away most of the original atmosphere.

Beautiful, beautiful history. The architectural details are absolutely stunning—I can’t believe this has stood for so many years! It truly takes your breath away. It looks just like the Colosseum in Rome. Timeless, majestic, and unforgettable.

I was fortunate to attend Arles Rice Festival in mid- September and celebrated the Camargue rice harvest. I saw the traditional Provençal bullfight, course camarguaise in the Arles Amphitheatre. It's not Spanish Bullfight so no bulls were killed. The Arles Amphitheatre was fascinating and there are many events in the summer time so you can experience the Arles Amphitheatre.

We were in Arles for a photography festival. The festival was pretty diverse in themes, thus might interest a large number of people. The added bonus is that we were able to see spots as festival locations we would miss if we were to stick to main tourist attractions. Arles is a very old Roman city worth visiting.

Stayed at the local campsite. Very cheap to get into the city. The day we went all the museums were free. The amphitheatre and collusseum were worth the price alone. Beautiful and so easy to access.

Incredible to think this structure has stood for over 2,000 years definitely worth seeing from the outside. Going inside, however, is a bit underwhelming. There isn’t much to look at, and the lack of information or context means your visit will likely be very quick!

Spectacularly intact Roman arena. Well worth visiting and the combination ticket to visit some of the other historical sites was a good value option. Not much in the way of interpretation panels, just a few on the way in, then enjoy the arena

Absolutely amazing that this theatre is still standing and so well preserved through history. We loved the audio guide that we could listen to in English and learn more about the history. A must to visit if you are in the area.

Historical & Epic Roman Theater This is one of the best preserved Roman Theaters in Europe. It is 2000 years old, incredible when you see it. They actually still use it for plays, which I find amazing that this theater still serves its original purpose. Highly recommended visit.

Absolutely beautiful! Staff are fantastic and offer audio, visual and virtual reality tour! We bought our own picnic with us as it's allowed! With the tickets you can visit the history museum accross the road for free!

The Théâtre antique d’Orange is one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world, built during the reign of Emperor Augustus in the 1st century AD. Located in the town of Orange, Provence, it once seated around 9,000 spectators and served as a center of Roman cultural life. Open year-round with a museum and panoramic views from the upper terraces. Best visited in the morning light for photography or during an evening performance for an unforgettable acoustic experience. *Hidden Details* The Emperor’s Presence: The central niche behind the stage once held a 12-meter statue of Emperor Augustus — not a replica, but a visual reminder that Roman theatre was as much about imperial propaganda as art. A smaller original head fragment is displayed in the site museum. “Echo Wall” Engineering: The stage wall’s limestone blocks were fitted without mortar, creating a natural resonance chamber. Actors didn’t need to shout — the curved design amplified voices perfectly, even to the top seats. Secret Backstage World: Beneath and behind the stage lay corridors, pulley shafts, and trapdoors for stage effects — early Roman “stage machinery.” You can still trace parts of these backstage systems during guided tours. Medieval Reuse: After Rome’s fall, the theatre became a fortress, then a refuge for townspeople during wars. Some homes were literally built into the stands until Napoleon ordered restoration in the 1800s. Ancient Graffiti: On the upper tiers, faint Latin inscriptions and marks made by stonecutters are still visible — craftsmen signed their work or marked seating areas for different social ranks. Acoustic Sweet Spot: Guides often demonstrate that a whisper from the center of the orchestra floor carries clearly to the highest rows — a perfect spot to test Roman sound mastery. Modern Revival: The Chorégies d’Orange festival, revived in 1869, continues the Roman tradition of open-air performances. Modern productions still use the original wall as a natural stage backdrop, with no need for amplification.

What a beautiful place to have a live concert. Also great history. Lots of children on day camp trips, but still not too long of lines. It is very hot in June, but if you tick to the caves where there are many educational exhibits, then it is bearable. I went over a decade ago, and today experience was much nicer. The VR concert experience was a hit with the family.

An excellent example of Roman Ampitheatre architecture still standing today in such excellent condition. The shear size of it is amazing.

Well worth a visit. Astonishingly well kept and still being used today for events, 2,050 years after being built. The tour is excellent.

To be honest I cannot say I liked it! Lots of people, they check your bags. The same way to go to the gardens but when we bought tickets no one told us the gardens are closed for 2 years already. They have toilet in the corner. Views much better from the castle. Maybe 🤔 from another side of the river view much better.

You're telling me I have to pay to walk on a bridge that doesn't even go the full way across the river it is built on? Do you know how many bridges I have crossed--for free--that DO fully cross their respective river? EVERY OTHER BRIDGE I HAVE EVER CROSSED. It does offer a nice view of the city, at least.

Lovely remains of a bridge on which you can walk and learn about it, the Rhone, and the Avignon Popes -- proceed included in your ticket for the Palais des Papes.

Definitely worth a visit! The entrance is only €5, and although the audio guide can be a bit confusing at times, the visit is still very worthwhile. The video about the reconstruction is especially interesting and clearly explained. In short: a small price for a rich and unique experience!

Currently have a cool art installation in addition to the ancient partial bridge. Watch your steps! Coming down some stairs , I landed wrong and pulled something in my hip/glute; still uncomfortable after almost a week.

The Bridge in the Nowhere — because, well, it’s not exactly taking you anywhere anymore! But that’s part of the charm of the Pont Saint-Bénézet, a historic bridge in Avignon that stands proudly as a symbol of the city, even though it no longer spans the Rhône River entirely. Fun Facts: • The bridge originally had 22 arches, but now only four remain. The missing arches were destroyed over time due to floods and natural wear. • Saint Bénézet, after whom the bridge is named, was a shepherd who, according to legend, was told by God to build the bridge. He supposedly carried a large stone across the river by himself to prove his divine mission. • The bridge is also famously featured in the popular French song “Sur le Pont d’Avignon,” which has made it internationally recognizable. This beautiful structure is a marvelous sight, offering a peaceful stroll across the remaining arches. The view of the Rhône River and the surrounding city is stunning, and the serene walk gives you a sense of stepping back in time. You can almost imagine how it must have felt centuries ago when the bridge was a vital crossing point connecting the north and south of the river. As for the history, the Pont Saint-Bénézet dates back to the 12th century and was a critical part of medieval trade routes. Over time, however, it fell victim to both natural disasters and warfare, leaving only a few of its arches still standing. Despite the passage of time, the bridge remains a powerful reminder of the city’s medieval significance and the ingenuity of its builders. Admission is €5 for adults, and it’s free for those under 18. For visitors over 64, there is a discounted rate — €4.

Good day outing activity. One bridge and chapel in the middle with historic importance to avignion. You need to buy the ticket the price doesn't justify it . However beautiful on a sunny day out . If you have a plan to go to palace de Pope which you should do ....they will seel combo tickets where you will find tickets couple of euros cheaper . Give yourself 3 hours for descent exploration for both attractions. Do not each musesls and french fries from any of the shops nearby . It's all pre cooked and served cold . We wasted money in 2 different occasions. Do good research and enjoy lunch . Book in advance as place is very popular.

An interesting, if slightly disappointing, point of interest. The structure is amazing. A palace and fortress, it commands your attention. However, the interior is sterile. No furniture, tapestries, or frescoes. Only a couple chambers with faded wall coloration. Without the current art exhibition it would be largely colorless. The tour is also relatively short. There must be large sections not accessible to the public. The garden is neat and well cared for, but small. With all this in mind, it is still worth visiting for its historical significance and the architecture. Note: the iPad guidance is quite good. Take time to read the information boards placed throughout the tour. Get tickets in advance online for a timed entry.

Everything is massive in this fortress and palace at the same time that was built in two stages. The Old Palace (1335–1342) built by Pope Benedict XII and the New Palace (1342–1352) Pope Clement VI, the Magnificent. It's one of the largest medieval gothic buildings in Europe. Seven successive French popes resided here between 1309 and 1377, fleeing the political turmoil and insecurity in Rome, When you enter you get a Histopad which is a handy tablet which you can use to navigate through the building. A nice feature is the historic overlay that you activate by scanning a logos in the different rooms. The overlay then shows the situation as it would be in 1352, the year of completion of the palace and the Papal Conclave and Election of Innocent VI after Pope Clement VI died. The rather dull interiors are brightend a bit by modern art. The garden is small and really not worth the extra money you hsve to pay to visit it. It took me two hours to see all the rooms and climb up to the ramparts to get a view of the surrounding area. Oh, and the taste in the 14th century is different from today. Roasted peacock anyone? And a glass of Chateau-Neuf-du-Pape ?

A disrespectful use of this unique historic monument, reduced to a playground for some contemporary artist. The two stars go for the historic significance of this monument and the indeed impressive structure. Unfortunately, it seemed to us that the team assigned with managing this monument was decided to cut any ties to what they must have considered to be embarrassing art from the era when the Palais was at its finest: they basically degraded the Palais des Papes to an exhibition center of contemporary artist Jean-Michel Othoniel. Fact is that none of the visitors went to “Palace of the Popes” to see some modern art exhibition. Instead of investing the money to maintain the rooms and gardens, they managed to destroy the experience. You can’t possibly feel the vibe of the place while constantly being distracted, intruded and violated by some pieces of art, which are basically in the wrong place. The tour is a bit chaotic but we got it sorted out by asking the helpful personnel. The tablets - initially I thought a good idea - turned out to be a semi-functioning annoyance (have to carry it around, too heavy to sit on the neck). I would rather enjoy the monument by “breathing it in”, look at it in awe, not keep scrolling on a tablet. Most signs with explanations were in French. If someone does not appreciate the Christian history, the religious art of that time or might even be embarrassed by all of those uncool people of that period, they probably shouldn’t be involved with managing this site. Let them run a modern art gallery: I would gladly visit it. But just as when I go to the MOMA I don’t expect it to be full of medieval religious art, when I go to the Palace of the Popes I probably don’t expect it to be full of modern art. This here is unworthy: Show some respect to the history and significance of this place and the people who created it. This is not just another playground. Please!

Fascinating collection of buildings in Avignon detailing the time of the 'Avignon Popes' in France. I found the Histopad guide wasn't particularly helpful, but the rest of the displays were great. Interesting artwork integrated throughout. The gardens were especially nice.

Very interesting. So much better than the crazy tourist traffic and the hundreds of tour groups you have to wade through to see the Sistine Chapel. Low fees, no lines, very little crowding, and amazing history. Definitely a not to miss site. We visited the palace, gardens and bridge.

Particularly impressive. The exhibition was interesting alongside the impressive building. You get a tablet with explanations in adapted language and there are explanations. The signage inside the buildings was a bit problematic and sometimes the tablet got stuck and didn't work well, but overall it was lovely.

Magnificent structure. Steeped in history. There is information in every room. You also get a tablet to read about whatever room your in. Would recommend everyone to visit. The garden are quite small but interesting.

We loved our visit! Such a charming and beautiful village. The soap shop is a must, as well as the church. Would definitely recommend a few hours for a visit. We did it as an excursion on a cruise and had a great time.

We visited around the middle of June and it wasn't overly busy just very active so that was good because there are a lot of tight little walkways which may get cramped in the Summer. There are many quaint little shops that you can visit and purchase stuff from, I purchased some fridge magnets and cicada merchandise which was very popular in this area. We loved our visit here and it has such a beautiful charm and the soap shop where I got my magnet from, in the middle is a must see! So interesting as well as the sardine shop at the top, we spent around 2 hours here and managed to fit everything in.

Great visit! Well worth the discounted 9€ per person tickets for visitors over 60. Amazing views over the local area and a really interesting site history. It’ll take about 1-2 hours to walk around the site (although some high bits are a bit scary and not for those scared of heights!)

This is an old medieval castle with a small town around it (like a smaller version of Carcassonne). There are tourist shops selling the typical wares and some restaurants (which we did not eat at). Parking around there in a Sunday was very difficult and it was not possible to find a handicapped space. The whole area is cobblestone, so terrible for anyone using a walker or wheelchair. There's a nice view at the top.

Quite the stunning location! Worth the detour to see the village and the castle. However be warned parking during the summer is very hard and get ready for a steep walk and many steps! During the summer can get very hot so bring water

A bit touristy, but worth the visit for sure. Great hilltop medieval village and fortress with a remarkable history. Simple but lovely church to visit. The castle and fortress ruins at the top are a great place to survey the whole countryside. There is a video presentation within the castle that gives a comprehensive and interesting history of town — worth the admission price. Advise early arrival to ensure parking if it is the high season.

Fantastic!! Could be "dangerous" for some that want to venture to the top of the castle/fortress. WEAR GOOD SHOES (i.e tennis shoes/trainers or hiking boots! Extremely steep.and uneven surfaces. Absolutely worth the vist!!!! The views are STUNNING!!!!! Also, GO EARLY! to avoid the crowds!!

A magical immersive art experience inside a former quarry! The projections are stunning, the music perfectly matches the visuals, and the atmosphere is breathtaking. Easy parking, smooth organization, and enjoyable for all ages. Absolutely a must-visit in Provence!

We've seen the Van Gogh exhibition in St Petersburg and Klimpt in Phoenix. This exhibit outdors Klimpt by light years and is better than Van Gogh. Seating is limited but the space is gigantic in comparison. totally amazing!

One of the most unique experiences we had! Combination of space, art and technology is sublime, you can't help it but stand in awe for stories unfolded all around you. We visited Monet / Rousseau show and it was amazing 😁 Parking is a bit tricky, there are many places to park but there are also many visitors so you might lose some time finding parking spot. Also, explore area, there are amazing spots!

Amazing experience with the light display and the music. Why not 5 stars? Two reason traffic and finding a place to park is very hard. Recommend coming early or late evening. 2nd, I feel the show could have done with a bit of commentary to set the scene to help engagement for the children.

A must go to if you’re around this way, inside this quarry such an amazing feat, we had a couple of art displays from Monet and Rousseau in about an hour show, nearly as interesting as the lumieres show in Bordeaux at the submarine bunker I love the way they do this here in France the locations are fantastic

It is not as nice as people can think. But it is well executed, unique and absolutely worth a visit. Plus you are next to the "baux de Provence" so you can combine the visit. It is nice with children even of young age as they are free to move.

Absolutely amazing. The wall were alive with famous paintings that were constantly changing. With the use of visual effects and backed up by sound throughout, I was totally submerged into the whole experience.

A monastery turned theme park 🧘‍♂️📱🚍 I love monasteries — wandering through their cool stone chambers, admiring the architecture, and imagining the rhythm of monastic life. Sadly, Abbaye Notre-Dame offers none of that peaceful reflection. Yes, the building is beautiful, no question. But any sense of tranquility is completely ruined by the wave of tourist buses (I counted five in the short time I was there). It’s loud, it’s crowded, and it feels more like a cruise ship excursion stop than a sacred site. And the parking lot is a mess with the busses trying to squeeze through this one-car-wide lane. And then there’s the AR tablet they hand you. Sure, it’s technically impressive, but do I really want to fumble with a glowing screen in a centuries-old monastery? Absolutely not. Everyone is walking through this beautiful building while their eyes are glued to the tablet. A small booklet would be way nicer and you can take it with you at the end. If you’re looking for serenity, history, and a true monastic experience — this isn’t it. Skip the hype and find a quieter gem instead.

Nestled in the heart of the South of France, a truly enchanting experience awaits at this picturesque lavender farm, crowned by a charming European church. It's a scene straight out of a postcard, promising unforgettable memories. Reaching this idyllic spot requires a bit of an adventure; the roads leading here can be quite narrow, making a skillful driver or an organized tour highly recommended for a smooth journey. The closest and equally stunning town to this gem is Gordes. If you're planning a visit in June, be prepared for the warmth, as temperatures can soar above 35 c. Dressing lightly and staying hydrated will ensure your comfort. Upon arrival, please note that parking is located a short distance from the church, requiring a pleasant 10-minute stroll through the beautiful surroundings to reach the main attraction.

Category: Attraction. If you are a monk looking for a new home in a beautiful valley that smells good, or a monk wannabe, or if you are a minimalist, or an ascetic, I highly recommend you check out this active monastery. You will find that it offers everything you want, which is, of course, nothing. Although this incredible Romanesque structure seems huge, it has housed — on average — only about 30 monks at any one time over the past 900 years (take the tour to learn how they figured this out). When we visited, the TMP (Total Monk Population) was five. Yes, five, which is why I started this review with a shout out to anyone who may be craving the monastic lifestyle. But confirmed lovers of materialism — like us — are welcome as well (for a visit), will surely learn something during the tour, and will appreciate how lucky they are to have all of their things, especially heat and air conditioning. You will learn about the monks’ daily routine, the primacy of prayer and work, their ascetic lifestyle, the monastery’s spartan architecture and ornamentation, and the things monks make and sell to keep gruel on the table, including lavender products, which is why the valley smells so good. YouTube’s Chef’s Apprentice

Gorgeous abbey set against hills in the back. Definitely much more striking when the lavendars are blooming which is sometime in July. They have fields all around it so it's really beautiful. Be careful to check hours, it's closed for mass during the day at certain hours. Nice shop also with lots of nice books on the second floor and locally produced products on the first level. Very pricy thou...!!

I was there without the added emotion of the lavander fields. However the abbey is beautiful and the virtual guide is well designed and does a good job in taking you around. The shop is a little bit pricey, but offers a mix of interesting products.

An 12th century mediaeval monastery which produces many items,including lavender products. The ministry sits in a lavender field, unfortunately we were there to early, but still nice to see.

What a great cultured experience. The best thing about the visit was the HistoPad! Making it easy to imagine the monastery back in its day. Never done a tour this way, so interesting, you really are immersed.

Excellent zoo for a day out with the kids/family. We really enjoyed the bird show (be on time) and our kid loved the playground situated in the center of the park. We went on a weekday in the middle of the holiday period and it was not crowded at all. Prices are normal for a zoo of this size

Perfect zoo for a family, need 4-6 hours for a full cycle, many onsite activities with the kids..

Very cool, had great play structures and a zip line our kids loved, even a splash pad in the middle of the zoo, lots of cool animals to see. We really liked seeing the rhinos and hippos and elephants and giraffes!

I started off in the reptile building and was surprised all of the plants inside their enclosures were not real. How much effort would it take to maintain real plants and add to the reptiles air quality? The rest of the zoo was impressive.

we visited the Barnes zoo with our granddaughter on a very hot day. However, the shade trees allowed us to remain refreshed by the breeze on this beautiful plateau in Provence. A wonderful assessment of wild animals, reptiles and various birds...so much for just one visit. The animations at selected animal locations during the day were interesting and educational for children of all ages. Bravo to each animator! we attended the Saïmiri and elephant presentations. The play park was fun and diverse as well as the overall quality of construction very satisfying. We also found the price of admission and the prices of food and drinks quite reasonable. a very impressive visit for us so hats off to those of the Barbens parc animalier!!

A fantastic day out with the kids awaits at Zoo de La Barben! This is an excellent choice for a family trip, offering a clean and enjoyable environment. You'll find a great playground right in the middle of the zoo, perfect for letting the kids burn off some energy. While the food options on-site are limited, what's available is tasty. All in all, it’s a wonderful place to spend a day and make some lasting memories.

Amazing zoo on a big rock, lots of space for animals and people with 180 degree views, and we saw so many fabulous animals and birds…best ever

An absolute MUST when in Provence. Get there early before 9 (at least 10 am) if you can - trust me, you will thank me later. Parking fills up fast at the top so you will have to walk up from the parking at the foot of the village. The entry is like 3.5 euros per person. There are two trails, one that takes about 30 min and one that takes 50. Unless you are physically unable to, you must take the longer path otherwise it's useless you will miss the most beautiful spot because only the long trail brings you there. The short trail will allow you to see some of it but bring you in a loop in a forest so you won't see much! Don't get intimidated by one long set of steps up, it's really mostly that and then flat and downhill! Gorgeous colors. Put comfy shoes on, sand is slippery and lots of rocks/roots to watch out for. See my photos, most of them are from the long red trail of 50 minutes, not the yellow one of 30! TAKE THE RED TRAIL!

Unique colorful walk. Took us 45 minutes to do the long walk with stopping. Nice break from strolling and looking at shops. There are stairs up and down. Not for people with mobility challenges. Good opportunity to bathe in nature.

Easy walk, even for 2 year old kids (although taken by hand at times). Beautiful, but crowded.

Great place to spend a couple of hours. Easy enough trek and then Rousillon has places for lunch etc...Go early or the line to get in is big.

An excellent little walk starting from the township, which goes through an old Ochre quarry. We were lucky, as we walked through the quarry at evening which brought out the true colours of the Ochre. The walk is relatively easy with few steps along the way. The whole walk took about 45minutes.

Amazing hillside experience that envelope the visitor in rich color and the history of the area. The space offers two possible paths of different lengths. There are also many great viewpoints back toward the town itself. Near the entrance there is a crepe shop and a public restroom. The town is a rich color of red from the nearby quarry and worth exploring for its art galleries and antique buildings. The are other great outlooks at the top of the town.

Beautiful place, easy hike, parking nearby (€4 a day). Recommend taking the longer route to see more of the beautiful ochre colours.

An absolute MUST when in Provence. Get there early before 9 (at least 10 am) if you can - trust me, you will thank me later. Parking fills up fast at the top so you will have to walk up from the parking at the foot of the village. The entry is like 3.5 euros per person. There are two trails, one that takes about 30 min and one that takes 50. Unless you are physically unable to, you must take the longer path otherwise it's useless you will miss the most beautiful spot because only the long trail brings you there. The short trail will allow you to see some of it but bring you in a loop in a forest so you won't see much! Don't get intimidated by one long set of steps up, it's really mostly that and then flat and downhill! Gorgeous colors. Put comfy shoes on, sand is slippery and lots of rocks/roots to watch out for. See my photos, most of them are from the long red trail of 50 minutes, not the yellow one of 30! TAKE THE RED TRAIL!

Unique colorful walk. Took us 45 minutes to do the long walk with stopping. Nice break from strolling and looking at shops. There are stairs up and down. Not for people with mobility challenges. Good opportunity to bathe in nature.

Easy walk, even for 2 year old kids (although taken by hand at times). Beautiful, but crowded.

Great place to spend a couple of hours. Easy enough trek and then Rousillon has places for lunch etc...Go early or the line to get in is big.

An excellent little walk starting from the township, which goes through an old Ochre quarry. We were lucky, as we walked through the quarry at evening which brought out the true colours of the Ochre. The walk is relatively easy with few steps along the way. The whole walk took about 45minutes.

Amazing hillside experience that envelope the visitor in rich color and the history of the area. The space offers two possible paths of different lengths. There are also many great viewpoints back toward the town itself. Near the entrance there is a crepe shop and a public restroom. The town is a rich color of red from the nearby quarry and worth exploring for its art galleries and antique buildings. The are other great outlooks at the top of the town.

Beautiful place, easy hike, parking nearby (€4 a day). Recommend taking the longer route to see more of the beautiful ochre colours.