Avignon Travel Forum

I've been offered a 12 month job (scientific research) in Avignon (at INRA, on the AgroParc near Avignon airport), starting probably late this summer, and I'm trying to decide whether to take it. I don't speak much French, but the professor I will work for doesn't seem to regard that as a problem at all.

Part of my decision rests on what it will be like living for a year in Avignon. I am a single man, aged 59, obviously with at least some sense of adventure. My grown-up children all live in England, and I'd want to easily visit me in France.

Any thoughts, comments, suggestions, from French locals or expats would be appreciated!!

Just sent you a mail.

Personally, I would call whoever you need to call right now and take it. The first time I was in that part of the country a lot of people told me not to bother with it, but I loved it and have been back many times since--I really think it's actually one of the most under-rated cities in France. I find it really vibrant and full of life and I think it has a great balance of local vs. tourist population. Even if you hate it (and you won't), you'll be just a train ride away from so many other cities that it won't matter.

Have you been there to visit yet?

The first things that come into my mind - unkempt thoughts:

Airports are close and Avignon is well connected by train.
Family: How cool, dad lives in France - while others retire or are jobless!
Avignon: is in a beautiful part of France with lots of things to see and do alone or with family.
No French: Excellent opportunity to learn - especially if not a job requirement.
Age: With all due respect, how many more interesting opportunities like this will you get? Or: maybe this will get you even more interesting opportunities.

I'd say Go for it! And have fun!

What an opportunity, do you know how many people tells me begs to have it? I travel on business meeting expats and they will die to come over. Avignon is a great town, lots of history, vibrant city center, easy connection to major hubs and outside France too.

You should do a bit of in stay period ,take a trip ,and get a feel for the area.
this is a site by an expat i met, plenty of info on the area there,and you can ask him too, lives in the area.see his story and site
http://www.beyond.fr/a/aboutbeyond.html

hope it helps, my advise is to take it.

sorry pfsmalo if I have misunderstood, this is my first time on this site, but I didn't see the "mail" from you that you refer to. What or where is it please?

hugh, click on his name,go to his profile, and to the left it reads email, click it and you can write internally.
thought to answer before he notice it,and get you going ::)

Thanks Pedro,

I was watching the football.

Hugh, look at the top of your homepage, you will see "notices". Click on that and a window will open. Right at the top it's written Unread mail. Click on that and you're there.

If you look at the very top of your VT page, you will see the word "email" in a blue banner. Click on it to go to your e-mail page and check your VT mail.

I'll second (or third or fourth) the enthusiasm for Avignon. It's one of our favorite cities in France. It is just beautiful and surrounded by so much of great beauty, history and interest. There is much to do in Avignon and it is a very people-friendly city with great public transportation, theater, museums and restaurants. There is a theater festival there every year so a lot of people speak English. You will learn a lot of French but you will have no trouble finding English speakers as you are learning.

Great opportunity . . . Take it.

Have a good year. 8^)

Hey, this is more of a general thank you than a question/reply, but I wanted to thank all you kind folks who responded to me. I have taken the plunge and arrived in Avignon this week. The adventure begins. If anyone local cares to get in touch with me that would be more than welcome.

Well done, congrats!!
I wish you all the best and hope you enjoy your time there immensely.

And if you are looking for a nice weekend with nice people or a place where to "park" your children on visits, try this
http://www.mas-cassaireu-dauseu.com/en/1024/accueil.html

Loredana and Pascal are the most welcoming hosts you can imagine.

You have a year so enjoy the area. It can get cold and wet during the winter months, so right now when weather is lovely, is a good time to get out into the countryside and explore. You can explore towns and cities when the weather turns. Fall is a great time for walks so get a GR map of the area.

Favorites of mine outside"
Pont du Gard
Moulin de Daudet
Abbaye de Montmajour
The Camargue, especially the Parc Ornithologique and Stes. Maries
The ochre quarries at Roussillon (even nice in the rain because of the colors)
Martigues
Les Baux (also fun on a windy day)
Glanum (near St. Remy)

Bad weather fun we enjoy:
Arles
Avignon (easy for you!)
Orange
St. Remy de Provence
Villages in the Luberon like Lourmarin and Roussillon, etc.
Abbeys like Senanque and Silvacane
Aigues-Mort (walk the ramparts for great views)
Cities like Montpellier, Nimes, Aix-en-Provence, Marseilles

All of these are easy day trips. Then you can take the train all over the place. There is so much to do perhaps a year won't be enough. 8^)

Enjoy and keep us posted.